First half

Cotgrave got straight into the game today, and after some excellent passing football, Keenan Berry found the back of the net on 4 minutes to score his first goal of the season. It was not long before his strike partner Johnny Commins broke the Beeston defence and fired his first goal of the game into the top corner on 6 minutes. Cotgrave seemed to be somewhat surprised at being 2 –0 up for the first time ever, but it was well deserved. Zak Bemrose and Keaton Powell worked well together in the middle of the park, winning most of the fifty fifty balls, and knocking some perfect passes forward to the front two players. Zak picked the ball up just inside the Beeston half and knocked a cracking ball to Johnny, who turned the Beeston defender, and scored his second goal on 13 minutes. Unfortunately, Zak took a knock on the knee a couple of minutes later, and had to be replaced by Luke Williams. George Morris and Liam Hurworth hardly seemed troubled in defence during the first half, but both were always there when needed. George did a great job of man marking the lone Beeston striker, who was replaced with 10 minutes of the first half remaining. Cotgrave were always on top in this first half, and I could hardly wait for the halftime whistle to blow. Just as I was getting the water bottles ready for the halftime team talk, Johnny neatly completed his first half hat trick on 25 minutes.

Half time Cotgrave 4 – 0 Beeston

Second half

I told the players at half time that this game was far from over, as we let six goals in last week, during the first half. I told them to start the second half as they had finished the first, and remain lively but focused. Cotgrave got straight back to business from the whistle, and Johnny Commins was there again on 27 minutes to score his fourth and final goal of the game. The fantastic passing continued and it wasn’t long before Keaton Powell found the ball at his feet and blasted home his first goal of the season on 31 minutes. At 6 – 0 I was confident we had done enough to win the game, so decided to make a few changes, Liam Hurworth was replaced by Joshua Childs, who slotted straight into midfield. Our goalkeeper Jake Reed had to make his only save of the game, after a long-range effort from Beeston. Matthew Sheppard came on for George Morris, and was fantastic in defence, clearing a few dangerous balls from the Cotgrave area. With 10 minutes to go, Johnny was replaced by Callum Thurnham up front who set up Keenan Berry for his second goal on 48 minutes.

Final Score Cotgrave 7– 0 Beeston

Summary

What a fantastic performance and first competitive win for the Clarets today. I thought every player on the pitch was excellent and after all the hard work in recent weeks, we have been rewarded for our efforts with a trip into the 2nd round of the cup. We played as a team today and always looked to pass the ball, rather than try to do too much by ourselves. I thought this was the difference between today’s game, and last week’s game. If we continue to play in the same manner next week, who knows, we could get our first 3 points on the board. Well done lads, this was a well-deserved victory, and I will see you all at training on Wednesday. I’m off for a beer or two now. : )

Feedback: name: nick smith

Involvement: Cotgrave Parent

well done to all the boys, a great win

Feedback: name: Kev Cooper

Involvement: Neutral

I managed to catch some of the game on Sunday morning and would just like to say well done to all the players on a thoroughly deserved win, hopefully it will give you the confidence to perform to that level every week

Kev Cooper - Chairman YEL

Feedback: name: Ian Goulding

Involvement: Referee

I referee'd the game today and what a long way the team has come since Graeme and myself did one training session with the boys. The football the players played today was superb and you put into practice all the hard work that Martin and Gary have put into your training.

The team spirit seemed very good with the players enjoying their victory. Although as the referee I am unbiased, I was delighted for the boys as I understand what they have been through with results, the effort they put into the game deserved a victory.

I will keep my eye on the team as I always have done and wish you all the best for the rest of the season. Well done to Martin and Gary, and keep up the good work.

Feedback: name: ian lynn

Involvement: Cotgrave Supporter

Just like to add my congratulations on a fine victory.I had my scouts at the game and they gave me a glowing report,well done.