Team:

• Liam Cooper
• Ryan Shield
• Robbie O’Donnell
• Tom Marshall
• Craig Dale
• Max Pashley
• Macaulay Kilpatrick
• Connor Bartle
• Dylan Farrow
• Ryan Birch
• Chris Cockbill  

Subs:

• Will Gill
• Richard Meagan
• Jack Morris

Match Report:

It was good to be back playing football again today – and the bright sunshine meant that all was set for a good game between two teams that, although in different Division, have already played each other this season in another competition.

The early exchanges saw the Colts have most of the possession but unable to take the lead. However, the boys stuck to their task and you sensed that a goal would come as the game progressed. If the goal had gone to Clifton then it would have been interesting to see how our boys would have responded after dominating with no reward.

As it happens we had no need to worry and with 10 minutes gone Dylan scored to put the Colts 1 up. Good passing by Ryan B set up the chance for Dylan to score the goal.

The goal spurred the boys on and 5 minutes later Dylan added to our advantage with a well taken goal that he set up for himself; twisting and turning in the box left Clifton defenders in his wake leaving just the Keeper to beat.

Winning football matches is not just about scoring goals and our goal keeper and defenders were proving this point today. Although Clifton’s goal scoring opportunities were few, this was because our shape was excellent (in defence and midfield). When needed, Liam played the role of sweeper (as is a part of the modern days goalkeeper job). There were a number of occasions during the first half when Liam helped the defenders by calling for back passes (when they were under pressure); once in possession his distribution was excellent and a couple of his kick’s set-up a number of chances that led to goal scoring opportunities.

Five minutes after our second goal came our 3rd. Another Dylan finish which was expertly set-up by Birchy. The two of them are forming a great partnership and after the game Dylan commented that this was his favourite goal of the game – apparently Birchy had done such a good job that all he (Dylan) had to do was tap it over the line.

The passing movement today was very slick at times. Max and Macaulay (in the middle) were linking up well with the forwards and Connor and Chris were working the wide areas to great effect.

It was a big day for Connor today; playing his 100th game for the Colts (Connor also plays for the Under 12’s), on 28 minutes he scored his first goal for the Under 13’s. Excellent work by Max set Connor up and he finished with great confidence. Connor made his debut in the Cup game against Clifton earlier in the season so it was fitting for him to score against them today.

Clifton were not letting us have it all our way, and on 33 minutes they scored one of the best goals of the game. An excellent cross from the right was volleyed high into the roof of the net giving Liam no chance.

One minute later Birchy turned from provider to scorer netting after excellent work by Macaulay. The midfield maestro broke into the Clifton box, went on a mazy run and set up Birchy to score. This was just reward for the striker who is proving to be an excellent partner up front for Dylan.

Half-Time: Cotgrave 5 Clifton 1

At half-time we warned the boys about complacency; those that played in the FA Shield away at Newark didn’t need too much reminding. Games are rarely won at half-time as we know to our cost. We needed to work just as half in the second half as we did in the first if we wanted to make sure of progressing to the Quarter Finals. Interestingly, I noticed the other day that Newark Titans (after beating us) demolished Balderton 7-1 in the Quarter Finals (of the FA Shield). If we had managed to hold on against them ( Newark) I am confident it would have been us in the Semi Final at the beginning of February. Still, that’s football I suppose.

In the first half I mentioned our defence had played well; the second half they would have the wind in their faces so it would be interesting to see how they would cope the change in elements. Craig is a stalwart in our defence. Not only is he strong in the tackle, his distribution is excellent and he uses this skill to play the ball out of defence intelligently. Robbie is playing with renewed confidence and played well throughout the half to keep the right sided attackers (of Clifton) quiet. Ryan S played in the first half as he always plays; with great confidence and determination. Tom, back for his first game for a while, looked solid and resolute alongside Craig in central defence.

Chris was moved into central midfield at the beginning of the second half, and played his best 35 minutes of the season (in my opinion). His first touch and close control were excellent as was his passing. His efforts were rewarded when he scored a good goal which was borne out of good passing.

Will is a player that scares the opposition when he runs at them. He is extremely quick and there a few left backs that can catch him when he is in full flight. As the half progressed he linked up well with Jack (playing at right back) and was responsible for setting up a number of excellent attacks down the right. Jack is proving to be a solid and reliable right back and today had another good and effective game.

When we first signed Max (from Clifton AW) I told him that he needed to settle his account with us. If you remember he scored against us on the first day of the season. Today he scored his second goal for us which now puts him 1 in credit. Well done Max – all is forgiven!!

As we continued to press it was vital to defend as well. It always nice to score goals but clean sheets are equally as important. A big factor is keeping things tight at the back was Richard; although he shares his time between football and motor bikes, he is a great asset to the team and today he didn’t give the Clifton forwards an inch of room.

We took the opportunity today to experiment with positions and the boys once again showed what a versatile bunch they are. Craig moved into midfield, Ryan S moved to the left side of midfield. Max went in goal and Liam played the last 15 minutes up front. Robbie (in the end) covered every blade of grass on the pitch (more about that in the summary).

I was very pleased for Ryan S today – he had a great game and scored his first goal of the season for good measure to complete the scoring.

Fulltime Cotgrave 8 Clifton 1

Summary:

Our experience at Newark certainly helped today – the boys applied themselves for the entire 70 minutes and deservedly won through to the Quarter Finals of this competition.

Like the Wollaton match I enjoyed today’s game (as you can probably tell from the length of the match report). It’s not the result so much as way in which the boys played the game. Being a Notts fan I am sometimes starved of “real football” but the boys recent performances are more than compensating for this. The other pleasing thing is that our players never cause referees problems with indiscipline. This is a credit to them.

It was good to see everyone encouraging Robbie to go on and score today. And it was a credit to Robbie that although I kept urging him forward in the last 5 minutes, when the play broke down, he raced back to his defensive duties. Football is all about different skills and different attributes, those with an eye for goal have to be complimented by those with an eye for a last ditch tackle.

Thanks to Neil Stafford today’s referee who I thought officiated the game very well. Also, thank you to Max’s brother and the Clifton nominee who ran the line today. Thanks to everyone that helped in any way in relation to the nets, ropes, tea bar, etc, etc. As always your help is gratefully appreciated.

Training on Friday at 7. If you need a lift please let me know and I can arrange one for you.

Well done boys.

Alan and Mark