Today we played against a team that had knocked us out of the shield earlier in the season. We knew what to expect from them and we came with a game plan to improve on our defeat. We knew that Toton had 2 big strong players in the middle of the park and in order to get something out of the game we had to stop them from playing. We tried to use the width as much as possible and close down their midfield and not let them play their game. Its hard to tell players to forget their own game and try to stop the opposition from playing by keeping them marked at all times.

We started todays game with a few changes Colin came back into central defence along side Morley, and Mat went into midfield to give us a bit more bite with Joe. Craig went out onto the left wing with Glen on the right. Ben came back after missing last week at right back with Luke at left back. Ryan started up front along side Greg. Ollie started in goal and Jake started as our only sub. Jimmie, Callum and Laighton were all missing today.

We started very well and looked alot more confident on the ball than last week. We closed down the Toton players very well and created a number of chances. Greg and Ryan seemed to play well together up front and looked to pass to each other when ever possible. Mat and Joe looked to close down the opposition and move the ball out wide or up front when ever they could. With Ollie in goal our defence looked a much better unit. Our defenders stayed tighter to their men and both wide players Glen and Graig worked hard up and down the flanks. With a strong wind to help them Toton had more of the play in the first half and took a two nil lead, but we were playing some great football and knew if we kept our heads the game was not over. We managed to get the ball in the net only to see the flag raised for offside but Ryan soon scored a good goal and we went in 2-1 down at half time.

The second half began and Cotgrave started very well it was a hard game and a few of the players were begining to tire. Luke had come off in the first half with a injury after he had made a great start even clearing one off the line and we did not have any fit subs left.The game was all about the next goal and both sides had their chances but some great keeping kept it on a knife edge. Toton managed to get two goals in quick at the midway stage of the half and the game was over from that point. Cotgrave kept ther heads up, creating chances and using the ball well but Toton broke away at the end and got their fith.

Overview

We played some good football today and could of got something from this game. We know the games we have to win this season to stay up and if we approach those games like this one we will do very well. Thanks to Brian for running the line and Boller for helping carry the water bottles back. This was made easier when we emptied them.

Feedback: name: mark brewis

Involvement: Cotgrave Parent

Once again lads you played really well with the scoreline flattering the opposition, again against Toton a couple of defensive errors cost us, that alone is no reflection of how well you played, heads up and it will all come together in the end, great football and well done to Toton for coming out on top.