Babworth

Report
   A solid and convincing performance was experienced today by the team, supporters and management. We played Babworth a team who came 5th last year in the C Division.
    As the game kicked off so did the rain, it hammered it down and i was soaked on the line, but as expected it didnt effect the performance. Immediately Collingham passed the ball around superbly between defence and midfield, and in the opening minutes Babworth struggled to get the ball. Similar to last week against Horncastle, we struggled in front of goal. We could have been four up after 15 minutes, but the goals did come and the first was from nifty nockers a good finish after a good delivery from Betts. Nocivelli kept a cool head as always and slotted home neatly. The next came from Kye, a superb strike with his right boot from outside the box, which left the keeper with no chance. Majestic Miller with a magnificent goal. Two goals in 5 minutes and it was beginning to look easy, but we made hard work of an easy job. Yes we worked hard, perhaps too hard because at times we made it difficult for ourselves. Players doing too much, and not keeping it simple was very evident in this game. The last 15 minutes resembled the first 15, with missed opportunities galore.
    At half time two substitutions were made Edens and Dodds were brought on for Betts and Williams. Dawson was pushed up front to try and boost the attacking options. It did work, but not well enough, clinical finishing was still a non-occurrence and it often seemed that the strikers wanted to walk the ball in to the net, whilst the midfielders seemed scared to shoot. With the absence of Dawson at the back, the defence seemed nervy and often made mistakes, as a result Babworth had their only shot on goal and scored. The game now didnt look so one sided. Dawson was dismissed back to defence, with Woolley switched to left wing and Miller replaced by Betts. Edens was also pushed forward with Gavin in the holding role. A change around worked, the ball was spread around well and the two wingers Woolley and Williams were using the ball well. It paid off, after some great work down the right wing by Williams, the ball was drilled in to the area only to be cleared to Edens, who looked up and scored with a 20 yard strike that the keeper struggled to hold. A good goal and an important one, that restored confidence and gave the team a cushion. From then onwards we were very good, passing was precise, the dribbling was daring and delightful, the shooting was accurate, and the team played together with tenacity and skill. Step up Sam Betts to kill the game off. After lets just say not such a good first half, he was brought back on and played superbly. He held up the ball, moved well, and rekindled his ability to score. He had two shots on goal in the last 10 minutes and they both were decisive, both leading to good goals. His second being the last kick of the game and thats how it ended 5-1
    There were some good spells of football today and more importantly you played well as a team, again. A good performance none the less. However it was slightly marred by a despicable display of throw-ins and corners, something that will no doubt have to be worked on in training. But apart from that you can go away smiling, each and every one of you did your job today. Well done!

Match Ratings
White - 6
Schlicht - 7
Dawson (c) - 7
Woolley - 7
Williams - 7
Cook - 8
Gavin - 7
Wilkinson - 8
Miller - 8
Betts - 7
Nocivelli - 7

Subs
Blake - 6
Edens - 7
Dodds - 6

Man of the Match

Special Thanks
Thank you to those parents who gave up their time to transport, watch and support the lads today. We had a fantastic turn out today, I think we actually had more fans than Babworth, job well done lets hope it stays that way! As always it was much appreciated. Well Done!

James