CrossJA

Report
    Consistent Collingham kept up their winning ways with a comfortable 6-0 victory in Lincoln today. It was the second time we had met Cross Juniors and again it was a convincing victory with a pleasing clean sheet.
     Collingham started off steadily keeping possession and gradually moving the ball around with conviction and accuracy. In the first 10 minutes several chances were created but none clear cut enough to take the lead...and then inevitabely it came, a precision pass from Gavin was converted superbly hit half volley by Lee Cook, a great finish to a great ball. As play seemed to be all down the middle, with Williams inspirational in between the defence and midfield, Collingham began using the width, and with the two pacey lee's out wide it was looking more and more likely there were more goals to come. In what was probably the best move of the match, the ball was moved tidily out of defence by Dawson who laid it off to Wilkinson who in turn sent a through ball down the left to Woolley. The warrior began, skipping, jumping, charging with rage in his eyes Woolley got to the line and whipped in a cross to be met with a cool finish with an unfamiliar left foot of Sam Betts...splendid!!! Then came the onslaught of corners we had that were created by great play on our behalf, their goalkeeper was forced to pull some good saves, their defenders were forced into errors and we maintaining all round strong pressure. From one of the corners we scored our 3rd, Jamie's brilliant delivery was met by the ever present Dawson, who headed down brilliantly...the ball fell to Nocivelli who neatly turned and shot to score his 10th league goal of the season. 3-0 at half time was a fair reflection on the game after White pulled off a great save and the forwards missed a few chances.
     Two substitutions were made at half time, Edens replaced Nocivelli up front and Miller returned to action in place of Williams. We were very composed in this half, right from the goalkeeper to the frontmen, White watched over his men and was always on call with safe hands...Parlett paraded the central defence role superbly...Schlicht skilfully played the ball out of defence...Dawson dictated and drove the play forwards from the back...Wilko was magical with delightful twists, turn and precision passing...Gavin was guarding the defence and frustating the other team with crunching tackles and great deliveries...Cook was crafty and calm down the right with his darting runs, on and off the balls...Miller masterfull in his presence, played a strong attacking role and was unfortunate not to score when his screaming shot was tipped on to the cross bar...Woolley continues to astound specatators with his wizardry runs and often exquisite passing...Edens was elegant in supporting the scoring machine Betts (who made some outstanding off the ball runs)...all in all it was impressive, but not only as individuals but as a team. The break through eventually came in the first half when Gavin sent a gift in to the box from ANOTHER corner, Dawson met it immensely with a grand header which had power and just dipped under the cross bar, a pleasing set piece. Then Blake, bright as always, replaced Wooley, this led to the play being switched to the right, but to good effect. Cook picked up the ball and laid it back in the middle for Gavin who sent a ball over the top which Betts perfectly put away, to score his 15th goal in 7 league games. The sixth goal came after even more changes in personnel, with Cook coming off and then on to score his 2nd of the game, a good ball from Nocivelli fell to Lee in the centre of the box and he sent it home sweetly.
      This was a great team performance with some very good individual performances, but it impressed me that you all remained focussed and worked for each other.

Match Ratings
White - 8
Schlicht - 8
Dawson (c) - 9
Parlett - 9
Williams - 8
Cook - 9
Gavin - 9
Wilkinson - 9
Woolley - 8
Betts - 8
Nocivelli - 7

Subs
Miller- 7
Blake - 7
Edens - 7

Man of the Match

Special Thanks
Thank you to those parents who gave up their time to support and transport the players back and forth to Lincoln, your maintained support and commitment is and as always very much appreciated.

James