On a better morning than the weather experts had predicted, Cotgrave Under 8’s played Bingham Town at home in the fourth game of the cup competitions

Squad: Adam, Ben, Luke S, Liam, James, Clarke and Luke H, Jacob, Luis, Jordan, Harrison, Kieran

From the kick off Bingham forced Cotgrave to defend almost immediately. The back duo of Clarke Dabell and Luke Sissons ensured that Bingham failed to convert this early pressure into shots on goal. Cotgrave gradually began to get into the game but Bingham defended menacing attacks from Ben Weir and Liam Hutchinson and ensured that Cotgrave were unable to create a clear opportunity for a goal. Bingham were playing well and scored the first goal with a shot that hit the crossbar and fell back to the very same player who pounced on the rebound and had no trouble burying it in the net. Despite Adam’s best efforts in goal so far, he couldn’t have done anything to save this. The boys did not let their heads drop and continued to work hard to get an equalizer. Liam Hutchinson battled down the right wing and showed some brilliant strength and skill. Luke Hopper controlled the ball brilliantly and got some good passes through to Ben in midfield and Liam and James on the wings but Bingham continued to defend well sniffing out Cotgraves efforts and held onto their lead.

Clarke remained solid in defence continually intercepting the ball and trying to get Cotgrave back on the attack with some great balls down the line to James Bennett but once again, Bingham’s defence denied us any clear cut opportunities. The only real chance of this half was a free kick which was awarded for a tackle on James and although he struck the ball well from a distance, it unfortunately flew high over the cross bar to deny us an equaliser. Bingham were playing some good football. Their number 6 put a lovely ball through to Ben 10 but thankfully for us they were unable to get anyone on the end of it leaving the half time score one nil to the visitors.

Half time Cotgrave 0 – Bingham 1

Some changes were made which saw Jordan and Luis pairing up in midfield with Kieran and Harrison playing down the wings. Jacob replaced Clarke in defence, Luke S and Adam stayed on.

Cotgrave attacked from the off and gave Bingham no time on the ball. Kieran was focused as usual and found space to receive the ball and had a shot almost immediately which was saved by the Bingham keeper. Shortly after, Harrison took a throw in straight to Jordan who volleyed in the equalizer…… it was neck and neck. Bingham had the next chance again with a super shot from their number 11 but this went over.

Luis Parkes was playing with his usual drive and enthusiasm and it wasn’t long before he put us in the lead after he took control of a ball in from the right and buried it in the net. Luis showed some impressive skill and control and worked really hard as usual. Bingham however, not to be outdone continued to press and challenge our goal to try to even the scores up again. Jacob worked hard as usual to prevent this and Luke got rid of the ball during some nail biting moments. Adam who was reading the game very well impressively came out of goal to narrow the angle therefore preventing scores being leveled again. However, seconds later an unstoppable strike from the Bingham Number 6 did just that. Shortly afterwards as coolly as ever, Jordan saw a clear opportunity to regain our lead and claimed his second of the day which was a great goal. James came back on for a few minutes towards the end of the game and held his position well.

Harrison got the fourth and final Cotgrave goal of the day after he found space behind Bingham’s defenders ready to latch on to the pass from Jordan.

Full time Cotgrave 4 – Bingham 2

Well done Clarke who was again awarded man of the match for some brilliant defending. You Colts can all give yourselves a pat on the back today though as you all did well. Carl’s hard work with you all in training is really paying off. What will we all do on a Sunday morning soon?