First Half  

Cotgrave got the game underway today, and got straight down to business. We let Sandiacre know they were in for a game, and were first to every ball. We hassled and battled in midfield in the opening minutes, and looked well on top of the unbeaten league leaders. Will Robinson gained possession and played a neat through ball to Keenan Berry, with only the keeper to beat; he made no mistake and buried the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0 on 3 minutes. Sandiacre came close to equalising on several occasions, but most of their efforts were put wide or just over the crossbar. Zak and Keaton were like rocks in defence, and kept the Sandiacre strikers at bay. Cotgrave got another breakthrough in the 17 th minute when Liam Hurworth played the ball over the top of the Sandiacre defence for Keenan Berry to chase. Keeno was first to the ball, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-0 to Cotgrave. Sandiacre started to get frustrated and resorted to shooting from long range which never really troubled the Cotgrave keeper. There was drama in the 23 rd minute when Sandiacre were awarded a penalty. I didn’t see the challenge, but according to the Sandiacre Manager, and several others, the penalty decision was a bit harsh on the Cotgrave players. After eventually finding the penalty spot, the Sandiacre player stepped up and struck the ball to the left of Jake, and MISSED!!!!!!!! Denied by the post. Cotgrave quickly counter attacked, but Will Robinson was brought down 18 yards from goal. I asked Johnny to step up and take the free kick, but he seemed a little confused as to whether or not it was direct or indirect. So just to be sure, he surprised everyone and passed the ball back to Liam Hurworth, who lashed the ball into the roof of the net to make it 3-0 Cotgrave.

Half Time

Sandiacre 0-3 Cotgrave

Second Half

Sandiacre got the second half underway, and still looking a little frustrated had a shot from the halfway line. Cotgrave started to come under some heavy pressure from Sandiacre, who came out fighting for the second half. Again, Sandiacre had the better chances, but Cotgrave stuck to their task and battled well. The Cotgrave players were starting to get tired as Sandiacre kept pushing forward, and in the 38 th minute they had a long range shot which went high into the back of the Cotgrave net, leaving Jake with no chance. The goal gave the Sandiacre players and supporters a much needed lift, and we knew the final 10 minutes would be a big test for us. Cotgrave still managed to create a few chances, with Johnny Commins coming the closest for us. Sandiacre scored a second goal in the 45 th minute to make it 2-3, and make it a tense final 5 minutes. Cotgrave got all their players behind the ball and stood firm to deny Sandiacre an equaliser.

Final Score

Sandiacre 2-3 Cotgrave

Summary

Wow, what another great performance! Sandiacre are by far the best footballing team we have played this season, so for us to win is a massive achievement. Sandiacre are unbeaten this season and sitting proudly at the top of the league, but we went there today with nothing to lose. Every player played their socks off today, and thoroughly deserved the win. The only disappointment today, was that I was unable to play everyone, but I can only thank the subs for understanding, and supporting their team mates. We still have plenty of games left for everyone to be involved, so hopefully I will be able to give everyone the opportunity to play a part in our remaining fixtures. I spoke to the Sandiacre manager after the game, and he congratulated us on our win, also stating we are one of the better teams they had played this season. Although Sandiacre will have been disappointed with today’s result, I would like to thank all of the players and supporters for their attitude towards Cotgrave today. We wish you all the best in your quest to win our league, and we will play our best in our remaining games to try and help you out.

Finally another well done to everyone today, keep up the hard work and enjoy the moment.