Squad: James Bennett, Clarke Dabell, Harrison Dowzell, Kieran Harris, Jacob Hill, Jordan Hopkinson, Luke Hopper, Luis Parkes, Luke Sissons, Adam Ward, Ben Weir.

A sunny morning – so nice after the pre-Christmas weather ordeals - for the first match of the New Year: home to Hucknall Sports.

The match began as a fairly even contest, with Hucknall Sports defending well in numbers against Cotgrave pressure, and also building some attacks of their own. Cotgrave’s closest efforts came from corners, from one of which James shot just over from a tight angle. Midway through the half, Kieran came on for James, and Jordan began to take more control of the midfield. Having forced the Hucknall goalkeeper to make a good save, Jordan threaded a ball through to Luis, who nearly scored. A goalless first half beckoned but, then, just before half-time, breakthrough: Kieran latched on to a Luis pass to score from close range. Half-time: 1-0 to Cotgrave.

In the second half, Cotgrave had the slight slope in their favour, and began to play better. After a couple of good efforts by Jordan and Luis, a good passing move saw the ball moved from Luis to Jordan to Harrison, and Harrison finished for 2-0. Hucknall continued to defend well and to mount a few attacks, but Luke S and Jacob were so solid in defence that Clarke had quite a quiet game in goal and never looked troubled. Following further good efforts on goal by Kieran and Luis, Kieran swooped to score from a corner to make it 3-0. Adam came on for Luis, and was quickly into the action, just keeping the ball in play from a Harrison cross, which set up Kieran who shot just wide – so close to a hat-trick! A neat one-two between Jordan and Harrison saw the Hucknall goalie save well with his leg. After a quiet first half, Harrison was now really getting going: a number of surges down the right led to Harrison shots going just wide or being saved, but Harrison persevered admirably to score again for 4-0. Meanwhile Ben and Luke H had come on in defence and played well. Late on, good work by Luis set up Adam for a good goal attempt. Final score: 4-0 to Cotgrave.

Hucknall Sports defended well throughout, making it difficult for Cotgrave to put the result beyond doubt. With two goals and so nearly a hat-trick, Kieran was Man of the Match. Well played everyone.