Following two recent victories and a steady improvement in our recent performances it was time to welcome a very strong Clifton team to the Welfare Ground.

We have played Clifton more times than anyone else, after a couple of close tussles at u6s we found ourselves well beaten (3-7) in September and we made it clear to the boys today was going to be a very tough game.

The 5-1 score line to Cotgrave is very pleasing but the win was secured by hard work, plenty of skill but most of all excellent team work from all 11 boys who played today.

Charlie naturally grabs the headlines with his 5 goals; he was a constant threat to the Clifton defence, after missing two early chances he kept his head up and was rewarded with 5 goals.

Whilst Cotgrave were putting the ball in the net at one end it was just as important the work of the defence at the other end.

In the first half Clifton probably had more chances but solid defending from every player gave Cotgrave a 3-1 lead.

Half Time: Cotgrave 3 Clifton 1

James our keeper was the player of the match with a number of point blank saves, excellent handling and much improved distribution. The key moment of the match came early in the second half when he not only saved a penalty, with the score at 3-1, but also pounced on the follow up shot. He has shown this form in training for a year but today was the first time he has really shown how good a keeper he could be and was congratulated by the management of both teams.

Our main two defenders Kenny and Owen had excellent games today winning the tackles and being in position throughout the match, Kenny followed the Clifton striker around not allowing him time on the ball and Owen was on hand as last man to clear a number of dangerous situations.

The midfield supported the defensive superbly in the first half with all 3 of them getting back to help win back the ball, in the second half we grew in confidence and started to get lots of players forward.

Many players were used in midfield, we started with Liam in centre midfield, who was captain on his Birthday (must be noted Liam parents Hayley & Chris were spotted in a popular late night Nottingham nightspot in the early hours clearly still celebrating!!). Thomas worked hard down the right and was still putting in last ditch tackles near the final whistle.

Josh has added balance to our left midfield, naturally helped out the defence and was unlucky not to score with a long range effort.

Harry was the sub used and contributed much to our improved attacking options as the game went on, linking up well with Charlie for a couple of goals.

Jack played down the right in the first half and then moved to his more natural striker role later on and was also unlucky not to score.

Robbie came on at half time and was constant threats running at pace down the right wing and a short spell up front late on nearly brought a goal.

Lewis was the last player to be used, but another outstanding contribution second half, with the team growing in confidence the other midfield players were searching for goals, Lewis was prepared to work hard for the team playing just in front of the defenders and helping to stop a number of Clifton attacks.

In conclusion our best performance so far, made sweeter by the fact it came against a very strong Clifton team. A lot of positives from today are game with EVERYONE playing a vital role for the team.

A special mention to today’s match referee Liam Cooper, who at 13 was refereeing for the very first time. The planned Ref was late finishing work and Liam offered to take the whistle just before kick off. His performance was very confident and assured for someone so young, not afraid to give Clifton a penalty or to make his own decisions ignoring the crowd.