Cotgrave travelled to FC Interski, who play in the First Division of the Mansfield League, for this County Shield match and expected a tough game. From the kick-off Cotgrave were under pressure, particularly on their right where Thomas Staples and Lewis Hopkinson needed to be strong. However, after five minutes Hopkinson broke away down the right wing and crossed for Kit Weir who slotted home from close range. This goal didn’t change the pattern of the game and Interski came back at Cotgrave, putting the team under severe pressure. On ten minutes Interski got a deserved equaliser, stabbing the ball home from a corner.

Matthew Hodgett was introduced to give the midfield more defensive cover, and Cotgrave also started to adjust to the pace of the game. On eighteen minutes Weir hit the bar following a good passing move, and two minutes later Weir was again involved, feeding the ball to Hopkinson who saw his shot well saved by the Interski keeper.

Interski continued to look dangerous going forward and with half-time looming a terrific one-handed diving save by Nathan Burgin ensured that the teams went into the break level.

The second-half saw Cotgrave put in a superb team performance. The defence of Thomas Staples, Ben Halcro, James Staples and particularly Elliott Coulthard-Gaunt, who was up against a very classy and tall FC Interski right winger, was outstanding and provided a base for Cotgrave to play football. Five minutes into the half David Young sprinted down the right wing and crossed for Max Robertson coming in at the far post to give Cotgrave the lead for the second-time. Weir, Luke Black and Aidan Sheppard, with another one of his typically battling performances, were driving the team forward from midfield, and with wingers Young and Robertson in full flow Interski’s defence was now the one being examined.

Jordan Cumberland found space for two shots, one just wide and the other saved by the keeper, before with twelve minutes left Robertson was put through to apply a good finish and give Cotgrave a two goal cushion. Interski’s attack was still looking dangerous and Cotgrave could not relax. Kris McCann switched onto the right wing and Cotgrave continued to press forward. However with three minutes left Interski found the net with a good shot from the left side of the Cotgrave penalty box and it was sweaty palms time. But within one minute Cotgrave had secured victory, Hopkinson slipping the ball to Cumberland who neatly flicked the ball past the Interski keeper.

Bearing in mind the quality of the opposition the best performance of the season so far by Cotgrave.

Man of the Match - Kit Weir