Thought I'd have another go at this match report lark - thinking of doing a few more next season - if the reader response warrants it, that is. No point slaving for hours over a hot PC with a viewing audience of just a couple of dozen or so!
Anway, I digress!
Me and the Daftlad paid a visit to one of our old stomping grounds, Hucknall Rolls Royce Leisure, on Wednesday evening to see a Notts Sunday League semi-final between local rivals Barflys FC and AFC Dowhan. The winner of this tie to face either F.C. Sez or Trowsers FC in the final. That semi-final is scheduled for 3rd April at Dunkirk FC. Stood with Linby CW chairman Adrian Ward and Hucknall Town’s Michael Banister – who was still hyped-up over the semi-final he’d played in against Basford Utd the previous evening.
A decent crowd for this so-called "pub" game - my headcount made it well over 150!
Line-ups:-
Barflys : Innes, Blair, Curtis, Harrison, Martin, Needham, Newman, Nicholson, Tuitt, England, Whiles. Subs: Ashurst, Manders, Matthews
AFC Dowhan: Walker, Conn, Brooks, Coupe, Cotterill, Potter, Bernards, Large, Smith, Betteridge, Foster. Subs: Mushambi, Mann.
I’ve watched Dowhan on many occasions over the past few seasons, their Titchfield Park home ground is just a few hundred yards from my home. I’ve also seen quite a few Barflys' games - another short trip - their Nabbs Lane home ground is adjacent to the Watnall Road home of Hucknall Town.
Referee Phil Wootton is a regular on Sunday League games and along with Assistants David Hague and Ben Hopton, Mr. Wootton handled the game well.
Officials |
A very well observed minutes silence was held prior to kick off, in memory of former T8’s manager Mark Bramley, who sadly passed away last week.
Nice one, lads |
The form book showed that Dowhan ought to win this tie, but it was outsiders ‘Flys who took an early lead when a terrific pass to ROBBIE ENGLAND caught the Dowhan defence flat-footed, and the well-travelled striker ran at goal and slotted the ball past Jack Walker with some ease.
The lead lasted until the half-hour mark – AARON LARGE netting from close range. Dowhan were awarded a penalty seconds later, but Barflys’ keeper Matt Innes saved well from Chay Bettridge.
Great save! |
Dowhan did take the lead a few minutes later though, ASHLEY FOSTER netting when the ball was played across the goal to where he was waiting, on the line, to tap home the simplest of chances.
Foster on the line |
It was 3-1 just before the break, JONATHAN BERNARDS diving Superman like to head home.
H-T 3-1
Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's Jonathan Bernards! |
The second half was a little flat, to begin with, but Dowhan kept plugging away and their efforts paid dividends when FOSTER added his second, and Dowhan’s fourth with 70 minutes played. BETTERIDGE added a flukey fifth a few minutes after, his tamely hit free-kick from the corner of the box going past the defensive wall before creeping in at the far post.
TAKUNDA MUSHAMBI nodded the ball over a lead-footed Innes with four to play, ending the scoring and with just three minutes added by Mr. Wootton it was off to the car and back home. F-T 6-1
I had promised Mrs. Daftlad that I’d have her hubby home by 9:30pm, but being a couple of minutes late the good lady was waiting on the doorstep in her PJ’s, all rolling pin and curlers – not one to mess with! (just joking – Sue is a lovely lady really, and has a very good sense of humour - I hope!). F-T 6-1