The first of 2 games in 2 weeks against Rossington was going to be another tough test for the boys, but after their performance against them earlier in the season hopes were once again high.  This week it was Ant's turn to stand down, as again all the boys were available.  The game kicked off in some welcome sunshine, and immediately became something of a battle between the 2 midfields, with neither side really able to create a clear chance.  Oscar, in an unfamiliar left back role combined well with Henry down the left a couple of times, and similarly down the right hand side Joe and Jay tried to put a couple of attacks together.  However, it was Rossington who went closest to scoring after a break down their right led to a low ball being played across the goalmouth.  As one of their strikers hit it towards the goal Jacob appeared from nowhere and superbly managed to tip the ball over the crossbar - just like Gordon Banks (for those of you old enough to remember)!!  As neither side really threatened again, the first half finished goalless, but the boys had probably played the better football and remained confident they could go on and win it in the second half.  The second half started like the first had finished, and again there were few chances.  However, Bessacarr were slowly getting on top and started to put the Rossington defence under some pressure.  Jay W broke through and looked to have finally broke the deadlock with a superb shot from just inside the area, but it hit the crossbar and bounced out again.  A few minutes later Jay broke through again but this his well hit shot was saved at the nearpost by the Rossington keeper.  At the other end, Jacob once again made a great save to keep the boys in it.  As Jay G and Rhys both went close with shots from the edge of the area, it looked like the game would end goalless - and it did.  Another tough game that the boys probably deserved to win, but again, a fantastic effort from them all - well done boys!

(MoM = Jacob)

Following last week's fantastic result against Barnby Dun (sorry about the lack of report, but I was away), the boys went into their 3rd game of the season against Bawtry feeling confident.  This week Christian volunteered to stand down as once again everyone was available.  Both previous games had ended in 3-2 victories - 1 for each side - and it was clear upon arrival though that this game was going to be made even more difficult due to the state of the Bawtry pitch.  One goalmouth was like a bog, and it was agreed with the ref that one corner (which was ankle deep in mud and water) would be ruled "out of bounds" and result in a drop ball.  Bessacarr kicked off and immediately went onto the attack.  With just over a minute gone Ross broke clean through the Bawtry defence and made it 1-0 with with virtually the first chance of the game.  The boys kept the pressure on and Oscar, Jay W, Cameron, Rhys and Jay G all went close to increasing the boys' lead.  However, shortly before half time, following a corner at the other end, the ball broke to a Bawtry player on the edge of the area and his first time shot sailed over Jacob's head into the top corner for the equaliser.  Following the usual half time changes the boys started the second half on the attack and knocked the ball about well as they tried to retake the lead.  Cameron went closest after following up on a fumble by the Bawtry keeper, but he couldn't quite put it in as the keeper recovered well and made the save.  As Bawtry started to come back into the game there was some desperate defending by Oscar, Joe and Henry, and a couple of great stops by Jacob kept it level.  However, following a close escape they couldn't prevent Bawtry taking the lead with a couple of minutes to go.  The boys kept going and just before the end Jack C found himself in front of goal, but tried to set up Jay W who couldn't quite get his shot off, and the ref blew for full time.  Another entertaining and close game in extremely difficult conditions, but again, a game that they probably should have won. Hard luck boys - that's just the way it goes sometimes!

(MoM = Henry)

After losing to Bentley a couple of weeks ago the boys had a quick chance for revenge, but with a strong wind it was going to be an "interesting" morning.  With Danny standing down this week, and a few tips as to how to play in such conditions, the boys kicked off into a strong wind.  They looked like old pros, as they intelligently kept the ball on the floor and knocked it around well.  Henry on the left, and Ant on the right were starting to find a lot of space for Ross and Jay W to exploit.  They started to pile the pressure onto Bentley, and Jay W in particular went close on at least 3 occasions (don't worry Jay, it'll come soon!).  However, after a long kick forwards, and a couple of bounces, it was Bentley that took the lead with a well taken first time shot going over Jacob's head.  It stayed like this until half time, but hopes were high that with the wind behind them they boys would turn some of their pressure into goals.  They didn't have to wait long, as Cameron got an equaliser early in the 2nd half with a beautifully placed "curler" from the corner of the area.  The boys then pushed hard for another, and when Jack C was brought down in the area, it was Rhys who stepped up to take the penalty.  His firm kick was well saved however by the Bentley keeper, who went flying to his right.  Moments later, following a corner, Rhys hit another seemingly unstoppable shot, which again the Bentley keeper saved.  Next it was Jay G's turn, as he broke free and had his well placed shot saved too.  The Bentley keeper was having a blinder!  Jack R then thought he'd made the breakthrough when he poked the ball in, but, in spite of his premier league celebration, the goal was disallowed for offside (...I knew, honest!).  As the clock kept ticking it looked like it would be another frustrating morning, but finally the boys got a lucky break, and it was Oscar that cooly rounded the keeper to score the 2nd.  Then, with almost the last kick of the game Jack C broke on the right and just managed to squeeze his shot under the Bentley keeper and inside the post for a 3rd.  As the final whistle went, the boys celebrated another well earned victory.  Once again, every single one of them played their part in a great team performance - well done boys!!

(MoM = Oscar)