10 games without a win. Not an impressive record for any side in any league. That was the run that Notts first XI were on. We were playing a side below us in the league and this marked the best opportunity to put right one of the worst starts to a season in many years.
Manager Sanjeev stressed the importance of the three points won. Attitude needed to be right on and off the pitch if Notts were to turn around the results.
The game started brightly for Notts who used a wide, grove farm pitch, by spreading the ball well and creating a few chances. Premium were limited to balls over the top or sometimes a threaded ball to their small but quick forwards. These were usually dealt with by a strong Gajree header or Pownall sweeping up. The breakthrough came from a corner where a loose ball was expertly dispatched by Mott on the edge of the area. The Premium keeper couldn’t get across the goal quick enough! Shortly after Nevers finished a great move to put Notts 2-0 up at the break.
The second half saw Notts survive a few half chances from Premium but these were mainly due to a lack of communication among defenders about offside. The defence on the whole performed well in this game. The game was put out of reach by two good goals. From a corner Johnson rose to hammer a header home, hitting the underside of the bar for dramatic effect! This was a surprise as AJ had struggled with headers all game.
Finally, Marcus Nevers made a superb run into the right side channel. 1 on 1 with the keeper he went one way then the other . . then back, and back again (!) before sliding the ball to Dyce on the 6 yard line for him to dispatch.
A deserved victory which will mean nothing if it isn’t built on. Here’s to a more successful 2008!
|
