Newark
Titans 7 Cotgrave Colts 6 |
1st
December 2007 |
Nott's
FA Shield |
Team:
Match Report: Last season we were knocked out of this competition in the 1 st round so to make it to the 3 rd round shows the improvement in the team. Unfortunately playing Saturday meant that we would be without Connor, Max and George which meant a few positional and personnel changes. Before today’s game we knew little of Newark Town save for they win most of their games by a considerable margin and Sam Weaver (ex Colts player) was their right back. So it was going to be interesting. The game got under way early and in the opening stages Newark were showing that they had some very good players in their ranks; Richard was being kept very busy by the wide left player. If Newark were showing to have good players the Colts were soon to show theirs were equally as good. Eight minutes into the game, following a lovely pass by Ryan B, Dylan slotted home his 99 th goal of his career (at this age group). It was good to see Ryan B and Dylan playing together upfront because in recent weeks we have not had that luxury and as a result, at times, have looked a little blunt. The games was unfolding into a real battle between two very energetic sides. 12 minutes later Robbie sent a great through ball down to Dylan who set-up his strike partner to extend the Colts lead; a well taken goal Birchy. Even at 2 up the game still looked evenly balanced and the Colts players were having to battle hard to keep the Newark players from reducing the arrears. When they did break through Liam was always well positioned to make his saves look straightforward; this is the sign of a good keeper. 6 minutes after Ryan B’s goal Newark were rewarded with a goal themselves to make the score 1-2. As so often has been the case this season, immediately the Colts replied and Dylan extended the Colts lead. After scoring he lifted his shirt to reveal a t-shirt that had emblazoned on it “100” to mark the fact that he had reached his century. It was my idea for him to do this, not his own (far too modest), because I wanted him to enjoy the moment and receive the recognition for what is a great achievement for a 13 year old. Dylan will be the first to admit that whilst it’s him that puts the ball into the net, it is the support play of his team mates that create the chances for him. Within a minute he was after the 200 target and netted to put the Colts 1-4 up. Not to be outdone within 4 minutes Ryan B added a fifth. Half-time: Newark 1 Cotgrave 5 The first half was a team effort; our goalkeeper was showing safe hands, the defence looked resolute and the midfield were battling hard and creating chances for the front men who weren’t disappointing either. We needed to change the formation for the second half because we knew that we would be asked some serious defensive questions against the strong Newark forwards and the even stronger wind that would be blowing in our faces. 10 minutes into the half Newark reduced the arrears with a well taken goal. One minute later it could have been reduced further had it not been for an excellent save from Liam “The Cat” Cooper. Diving to his right he turned away a shot that looked destined for the bottom corner. Then up pops Birchy to complete his hatrick; a quick ball in, he seemed to dribble it along the goal line before despatching a great shot across the keeper and into the net. Ryan is a confidence player and 3 goals really put a smile on his face. Then I am afraid it all started to go wrong for the Colts. Newark were putting a lot of pressure on the midfield and were getting a lot of players forward. The time would not pass quickly enough for the Colts and in the last 16 minutes Newark scored 5 goals to win the game 7-6. Full time: Newark 7 Cotgrave 6 Summary: As a comparison to the scenes after our game today where the Colts players looked dejected and flattened after loosing a game that they had earned the right to win, I went to Notts County (arrived just before half-time) and watched them loose to non-league opposition. The difference being that Notts County never looked like winning because they were rubbish and when they lost, to be frank, they didn’t look that bothered. Those well paid (even at Notts County) so called professionals should come along and watch our team play and learn again what football and being in a team in all about. (feel free to add your words of sympathy for me regarding Notts’ sorry plight!!). Well done boys for getting to the 3 rd round; I am proud of you all and I am sure your parents are too. We didn’t know what to expect from Newark but they showed themselves to be a very good side; some quick skilful players who were complemented by hard working and well organised team mates; best of luck to them in the next round. It was nice to meet up again with Sam Weaver who played for the Colts from a very young age through to Under 11’s. Sam is one of the nicest lads you could meet and he seems to be really enjoying his football which is great to see – even if he did beat us!! Also nice to see Rus, Tanya and Charlotte – hope you all have a great Christmas and Happy New Year (you can say that now its December!!). There were a lot of positives today; I know that the lads didn’t see this at the end of the game yesterday because of their disappointment but to say we were short of one or two players that would have added to our strengths, the Colts gave a very good account of themselves. The Newark supporters were saying after the game that their team haven’t been tested like that for a very long time. I have added a couple of new news item on the front page to mark a couple of milestone events regarding Dylan’s century and Richard and Chris having played 100 games for the team. Please read these because things like this are a real achievement for the lads and they should be congratulated by us all. Training as usual this week and we are at home on Sunday with an 11:30am kick-off. Hard luck today boys – lets move on. Alan and Mark. |
Feedback: name: Kev Cooper Involvement: Cotgrave Parent Firstly congratulations to Dylan on scoring 100 goals - he has always had an eye for goal but I actually think his finishing this season so far is better than at any time in previous years. I know that Dylan was very upset to lose as was Liam in conceding the goals - Im sure other players were equally frustrated but didn't perhaps show it in the same way !! Liam moaned on the way home about being too defensive ? its true the midfield got deeper and deeper but sometimes you have to accept the qualities of the opposition. I rang the Chairman at half time to tell him we were 5-1 up but being out played - thats how I saw it their midfield was very strong which meant ours had to work twice as hard to keep closing them down (& they also played one up front against the wind)- i thought our whole team worked their socks off, but eventually the Newark quality and Cotgrave tired the goals started to fly in. I would compare Newark to Priory Celtic who beat us 8-0 last season, they were very very good and with the help of the wind got 7 goals. The wind also played a huge factor in Cotgrave scoring 5 in the first half, that and excellent finishing, we only attacked with 3 to 4 players, against the wind second half it wasn't so easy to get forward. 6 weeks ago when we were conceded lots of goals I think many of us thought here we go again !! But the defeat to Newark was different and the lads should be proud of pushing a very good team so far with all 12 players giving their all in difficult conditions. The loss of 3 players was a factor because of the effort all our team put in Alan didn't have the subs to give players a rest So despite defeat well done and similar performances in the League will see the team continue to climb the table |
Feedback: name: Jack Involvement: Cotgrave Player Well played boys we didn't deserve to loose. On the bascis that they haven't lost all season I thought we did extremely well! Most of the goals in the second half we couldn't do anything about. We can't be dissapointed for too long as it isn't going to get us anywhere- we should try and forget about it and focus on the league. Well Done Dylan for his 100 goals and Chris and Richard on there 100 games for the team! Lets go for it next week. |
Feedback: name: Russell Weaver Involvement: Opposition Parent Sam played for both the Titans & Colts until after starting secondary school & being swamped by homework. He had been with the Colts for a long time & he wrangled with his conscience before finally choosing the Titans. I am no Jimmy Hill, but by my wreckoning, when Sam left, the Titans were probably a year ahead of the Colts. Sam was nervous to say the least on the match day & was anxious that the Titans make a good account of themselves. It didn't take long for us both to realise how far the Colts have come on. You provided the Titans with a test that they rarely recieve & to be honest at half time I thought the game was beyond the Titans.I have not seen our last man Harry out run by anyone until Dylan, bye gum your fast. I thought I would just drop you a line because you don't notice the change when you see each other every week,but I think your progress is awesome. The one thing I was pleased to see about the Titans (apart from the win) was their abilty on this occasion not to give up & to fight back despite the size of the job. It was good to see you all again, good luck for the rest of the season & have a great Christmas. Sam, Lottie, Tanya & Russ. |
Did you see things differently? Do you have anything to add? We will add feedback to the bottom of the report, but PLEASE refrain from personal criticism, whether it is players, referee, linesman, managers etc. If you do, then it will not be added. Try as much as possible to keep it positive.