Squad: Luke Sissons, Jacob Hill, Keiran Harris, Harrison Dowzell (C), Luis Parkes, Jordan Hopkinson, Adam Ward, James Bennett, Clarke Dabell, Luke Hopper, Liam Hutchinson,

Ben Weir away

Unfortunately Kieran was still unable to play through injury. Hope you get better soon mate

It was our last cup match of the season today and Cotgrave Under 8’s traveled for the away fixture against Vernon. Vernon are the only team in our Division Cotgrave have been unable to beat. They are a very strong side and have some amazing players. We first played them in September and lost 8-1, in January we lost 6-1. On Thursday in the Cup we actually gave them a game in my opinion, the boys rose to the occasion and even though we were twice in the lead we ended up losing 5-2 and today we even bettered that and narrowly lost the game by one goal with the final score 3-2 to Vernon.

Anyway, the game….

Cotgrave had nothing to lose today and went to play the game they all love against the League (and possibly Cup) winners. The whistle blew and after only a minute Vernon broke through our defence and fired a shot at Adam in goal who got a foot to the ball to deny them this early lead. Seconds later however, an unstoppable shot put the Reds in the lead.

Cotgrave had the next chance from Luis but unfortunately he shot just wide. Cotgrave battled and tried to keep attacks from Vernon minimal but exceptional passing in the midfield in particular showed that they were very much the stronger team.

Luis got on the end of a super ball from Jacob and attempted to even the scores up. He was awarded a penalty for a challenge and Luis put Cotgrave level. Jordan played brilliantly as usual in midfield and had a few long distance shots at goal and was unlucky not to score. Vernon continued to pressure us and Adam was required to make some important saves. Well done again Adam in this tough match you did well.

Jacob got another ball to Luis who tried his best but unfortunately he was left on his own to deal with 3 red players and nobody to pass to. Harrison was unusually quiet down the right hand side and he would normally have run to assist Luis but he didn’t appear to be on the game at this point in the match.

James put in some strong tackles to stop the constant threats from the Vernon boys and Luke applied the pressure when required. However, just before half time the Vernon captain number 10 skillfully took on 3 of our players to score putting them 2-1 up at half time.

Half time Vernon 2 – Cotgrave 1

Harrison moved to play down the left wing and Liam came on to take his place down the right. James took a rest. Play resumed with both teams playing well. Harrison seemed to be working harder in this half and showed good skill and put in some strong tackles. The midfield were working well together now and Jordan seemed to be controlling the play for Cotgrave winning most of his balls comfortably. Jordan is such a versatile player that at times he was required to defend a lot today due to the quality of the opposition. He was brilliant and did everything that was required of him and did it so well.

Harrison’s hard work and determination in the second half paid off with him equalizing to level the score at 2-2.

Vernon kicked off and straight away took a shot at our goal which Adam saved superbly. Jacob dealt with a Vernon corner and gave play back to Cotgrave. Unfortunately for us Vernon number 12 (Darius as I have been informed) went on a run which we were unable to deal with and scored to hand them back the lead.

Luke took a rest and made way for Clarke at the back who got stuck into the action straight away and once again had a very good game thus ensuring that no more goals were scored by Vernon. Liam who had played well took a rest and Luke Hopper came on up front and had a shot at goal almost immediately which was saved. Cotgrave had a couple more last minute efforts from Luke Hopper again and Harrison shot wide.

Well done Jacob for your deserved man of the match trophy today.

One last mention goes to Lewis Hopkinson who was cheering nice and loudly for the team and is battling with Paul now for our loudest supporter!!

Good luck to the Vernon boys for finals day. Some of us will be watching at our home ground and we are looking forward to it.

Don’t forget the drink you owe me Michael on tour for writing this report…..

And here ends the Under 8s first season…… thanks to Carl again, all the parents and families supporting and last but not least the boys who really are a credit to this team and their parents (most of the time!!).