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

Clarke Dabell (not available)

On an extremely cold morning Cotgrave Under 8’s travelled the short distance to Keyworth for what turned out to be probably one of the most exciting games of the season. Both teams are sitting very close to one another near the top of the YEL league table.

From the kick-off both teams displayed their determination to win and put a lot of pressure on whoever had the ball. Keyworth looked very confident and put our defence to the test within the first couple of minutes with a few menacing attacks and shots at Adam in our goal who produced a couple of outstanding saves to warm him up. Our first real chance came from a great shot from Kieran which was unfortunately saved by the Keyworth goalkeeper.

Keyworth looked the stronger side mid way through the first half and despite our best efforts Keyworth scored to put the home side in front. The ball continued to remain in Keyworths half and Luke Sissons and James Bennett did very well in stopping the continual attacks. Luke as strong as ever cleared a number of Keyworth corners to hand play back to us. Cotgrave were not giving up and a tidy display of passing between Jordan and Luis gave Jordan a chance to shoot one of his super strikes at goal which was brilliantly saved. Just before half time Keyworth were awarded a free kick which was taken brilliantly and was never going anywhere but the goal leaving us 2-0 when the half time whistle blew. We were on unfamiliar territory and what would happen next?!

Half time: Keyworth 2 Cotgrave 0

A few slight changes saw Jacob Hill come on and take up his position in defence, James Bennett moved to play down the left wing and Kieran took a rest. Cotgrave certainly had the upper hand from the off and Jordan scored within a couple of minutes with a low drive into the net. This was more like it. Keyworth however continued to play extremely well and Adam brilliantly saved a shot from the ever present Keyworth number 9. Luis Parkes meant business and his determination and super ball control saw him break through the defence and take a great shot at goal which hit the post. Well done to the Keyworth keeper who maintained composure and pulled off a couple of saves in quick succession from two more strikes from Luis.

Keyworth regained control and surged forward but Jacob produced some superb tackles in defence to make sure there were no clear chances at goal. He also managed to create more and more chances for Cotgrave. The well deserved equalizer from Harrison who picked up the ball from the half way line after the goal kick and ran through the midfield passing to Luis and Jordan to shake off the defenders in order to regain the ball to slam into the net. 2-2.

From the kick off Cotgrave were given a corner which was taken by Luis and directed straight to Jordans feet who struck an amazing volley which had no chance of being saved. Cotgrave were in the lead.

With the clock ticking, the pressure was still on and Keyworth were awarded a free kick just outside the area. As the crowd held their breath they saw the ball fly through the wall and into the goal. Although Adam was positioned well, the kick was unstoppable.

The battle continued for a couple of minutes until the final whistle and both teams will receive a point each from the draw.

Full time: Keyworth 3 Cotgrave 3

HAPPY CHRISTMAS