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Although Notts teams performances in the league have fallen
away since Christmas, the club still has the chance of cup
success in three different competitions.
The First XI have had a fantastic run in the Notts
County Cup making it through to the semi finals after defeating
three teams from higher leagues than themselves. Their latest
victory over Magdala Amateurs, on penalties, after a goalless
120 minutes, was well deserved, particularly after the Ones
have missed out on several cup wins recently by the same
sudden death method.
In the semi finals Notts will face Pelican Reserves for
the possibility of reaching (we think) a first ever County
Cup final for the club.
Notts 1st XI are also alive and kicking in the MAA
Senior Cup. Having disposed of holders Trent University
in the delayed quarter final, they are now drawn against
league rivals Bracken Park, who narrowly defeated Notts
2-1 in a ill tempered league game at Bluecoat just after
Xmas.
There is no doubt that Notts will be looking for revenge
in this game for that defeat and with the chance of a high
league place virtually gone, all the 1st team’s energies
will be ploughed into these two important cup ties that
will shape the club’s season.
As we have said many times before, the first XI can be
a very unpredictable team, but on their day they can be
as good as anyone and they possess the fighting spirit that
all cup teams need to see them through difficult matches.
Notts Threes have hopes of a cup final appearance
too having fought their way into the MAA Cup semis with
an excellent win over Kirkby Autocentre Reserves. They now
face table topping Old Elizabethans in a very tough looking
tie. The decision of the MAA to allow OEs to drop their
second team rather than their Threes, which would be customary,
is looking like an act of ‘sharp practice’ as
the Threes (or rather Twos) are cruising to an easy Division
Two title.
At least the Threes have a relatively strong squad to
select their side from with 2 or 3 regular second team players
available to them as they aren’t ’cup-tied’.
Unfortunately, Notts Reserves cup chances have
long since evaporated, they are beginning to regain some
form in the league after a post Christmas dip in results.
As ever, Division One is proving to be a strong league,
but the destination of the title is in little doubt. Notts
Reserves could yet have a big say in who eventually claims
the minor places as they have yet to play return fixtures
against all the top sides.
After some disappointing performances, Notts Twos will
be keen to ‘set the record straight’ against the
likes of Kirky Autocentre, Old Bems, Derby Amateurs and
Sherwood Forest in the next few weeks.
With much still to play for in the remaining three months
of the season, we hope to be reporting on further Notts
success in our next fanzine issue.
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