County cup. A chance to play against some better teams and a chance to play and pit yourself against better players. Welbeck play in the Central Midlands Premier and few steps up from the NAA.
The day didn’t start too well for Notts, traffic meant that the journey to North Nottinghamshire was longer that it should have been, and before Sanj had even read the team out the ref was knocking on the door threatening a fine for a late start! We got changed quickly and ran out onto the pitch without a warm up! (Note: the excuses are coming already!).
The game continued in the same vein, and Notts conceded two early goals through slack defending. Shortly after another two came and Notts looked set for a demoralising afternoon. Manager Khalia decided that last weeks successful 4-4-2 wasn’t working and switched to a traditional 3-5-2. The midfield looked stronger and the next 30 minutes proved to be more even. Players began to ‘turn up’ and from battling from Errington in the middle the ball fell for Greensmith who stuck the ball in the back of the net for well took goal. On the stroke of half time. Welbeck broke through, beat the (foolish!) offside trap and finished calmly. Half time 5-1 down. Not the best half time team talk an players got a deserved bollocking. Clearly we were playing for pride and our individual battles across the field had to be won.
The second half was a huge improvement and Notts threatened on a couple of occasions, York and Greensmith going close. Had Notts taken those chances Welbeck might have wobbled at 5-3. Unfortunately things got worse. The difference in class was evident as Welbeck’s first attack in 15 minutes was finished with a goal.
This was a bad day for Notts. Not enough players stepped up to the plate. This was never a game that Notts should never expect to win but 8-1 is embarrassing. The league is priority for Notts and players should look to build on the experience of playing against quality opposition.
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