Squad: Clark Dabell, Luke Sissons (C), Jacob Hill, Keiran Harris, Harrison Dowzell, Luis Parkes, Jordan Hopkinson, Adam Ward and James Bennett.

Cotgrave Under 8’s first game of the league was played at home against Netherfield Colts on a bright mild morning with a very good attendance.

Netherfield had the slight advantage with already having played two league games already. However, Cotgrave dominated at the beginning of the match and Netherfield’s

defenders and keeper were put through their paces with a few early shots at goal. Cotgrave kept good possession of the ball and Keiran Harris and Harrison Dowzell playing down their respective left and right sides provided Jordan Hopkinson and Luis Parkes with some super crosses to shoot with. Netherfield however continued to mount a strong defence and were able to contain the piercing runs and shots from Cotgrave.

Netherfield quickly got their game together and decided to test our defence and keeper in similar way. Jacob Hill and Luke Sissons did a superb job at the back leaving only a couple of shots to Clark Dabell in goal to save. One shot on target appeared to some to go over the line but the referee judged otherwise.

A Netherfield corner which was cleared off the line gave Cotgrave a quick break resulting in the boys pushing forward thus giving Harrison Dowzell the chance to shoot a super volley at the goal which was parried by an outstanding save by Netherfield’s keeper.

Netherfield kept attacking and the half time 0 – 0 result showed it was very much an equal match.

A couple of changes were made to Cotgrave’s team in the second half which saw Adam Ward introduced down the left wing and James Bennett in defence.

Netherfield started extremely well with Clark having to save a super shot from Netherfield Number 10. However it was Cotgrave who scored the first goal with an unstoppable long-range shot from Jordan Hopkinson putting the boys one nil up but not for long…..

The scores were inevitably levelled when a superb Netherfield corner hit the back post and fell into the net.

Both teams battled until the final whistle and took away one point each from the draw.

Cotgrave weren’t at their best today and certainly didn’t play as well as they did in their friendly win over Keyworth a couple of weeks ago. However, saying that, everyone played well and tried hard.

Keep up the good work boys and good luck to Netherfield for the forthcoming season.

Feedback: name: Sam Dowzell

Involvement: Cotgrave Parent

Quite a good first match for Cotgrave. I don't think the Netherfield goal was from a corner though.

Keep working hard lads.