GroveB

Match Report

Collingham grinded out a result today after a mild local derby with Grove Rangers. On a day that saw Collingham down to its bare bones, Betts, Parlett, Williams, Cook and Dodds all out and then the unfortunate loss of Lee Woolley due to a dead leg eventually saw them being reduced to 10 men. So despite the difference in the positioning on the league table, it was due to be a close encounter. Although we had players out, the players who came in did well, inparticular Richard Lamb who showed great determination and the ability to almost control the left side of the field in Lee Woolley's absence. By far his best game of the season.
The first half started in a quiet fashion with neither team really showing much interest, and it went along at a slow pace for the best part of 10 minutes...that was until Grove caught the sleeping defence and the unaware keeper, with a stunning shot of 20 yards that flew in to the roof of the net. A good goal but sloppy play by the defence. This gave Collingham a slight and I mean a slight kick start...they realised after 2 draws on the bounce that they needed to give a little more to show their worth. So they did, after Lee Woolley was fouled near the touchline, Richard Dawson demanded to take the free kick...he did, and hit a great ball in to the box which suprisingly Wilko met with his head to lay off for Nocivelli to calmly knock home. A good setpiece goal which has been a rare sight so far this season. Collingham proceeded to dominate the game even with 10 men but often struggled to get the ball to the forwards. Jamie Gavin also decided he didnt want to give the ball to the forwards! After Edens had won a corner, Gavin delivered an awful cross from the corner however to the crowds amazement the ball flew in for what was a great goal, some people may say it was fluke but it looked like Jamie new what he was doing! After that goal it looked like we were ready to build on the lead, however Grove were let back in. A needless and debateable push in the back resulted in Grove being awarded a penalty. It was duely converted being blasted just to the right of White. So it was four goals shared in the first half but Collingham were reduced to 10 men, so to be fair Grove should have been favourites.
But this happens often in football 10 men often play better than 11. And despite losing an influential player it did. After a talking to and a few helpful words of advice at half time, Collingham played better in the second half. They passed the ball more but often failed to get it in the final 3rd of the pitch, Wilko was working hard, Lamby was oferring the play down the left, Edens was exquisite in some of his attempts at goal, and we didnt look vulnerable after a determined Dawson was trying to make up for his 1st half errors. Much of the play was just possession play and eventually it paid off...but it was left late. We were awarded a free kick 30 yards out and wilko stepped over it. He then that suprised everyone, the crowd and the players but not himself and thankfully although a slight delay to Wilko's quick thinking, Edens latched on to a beautifully weigthed pass and slid the ball home to give Collingham the victory.
Although not a convincing performance a hard fought one and a deserved win. Well Done on a marginal victory!!

Match Ratings
White - 6
Edens - 7
Woolley - 6
Dawson - 7
Lamb - 7
Miller - 6
Blake - 5
Schilicht - 6
Nocivelli - 7
Wilkinson - 7
Gavin - 7

Subs

None due to injuries

Man Of The Match

Special Thanks
A big thank you to all the parents for a fantastic amount of support. I look forward to seeing you all in two weeks time when we travel to Spilsby.

James