COLLIERY THROUGH TO FINAL

 Euro Soccer Nottingham Senior League: Intermediate Cup Semi Final

BESTWOOD COLLIERY WELFARE FC 2 EAST LEAKE ROBINS FC 1

On a sunny afternoon, everything was set up for a Semi Final that could well have been the Final itself, where the two top of the table clashed from Division Two North and Division Two South.

On arrival, I set out my chair on the dugouts sides in the shade and then had a chat with a few folks and got both teamsheets as the young referee Ben Hopton arrived and had a chat.

just before kick off AC Wollaton(The Angels) Manager Roberto arrived, he started up this team project some years ago and I remember going to one of their first matches when they played Sneinton Town FC, since then, this charity team play regular for different charities in the region ad n Saturday 4th June, I have selected a NSL Rep team(s) to play against them at Basford United FC. At present they are collecting Easter Eggs for QMC Childrens Ward, so Shawn presented Roberto with 10 easter eggs saying he would like them to go to children who arent as lucky as he is.

Well on to the match and it was the Welfare on the front foot, pushing forward and the visiting keeper had to be at his best a coupe of times with great saves, but it was a cup semi final and one of no holds barred with full blooded challenges and each ball being fought for. The visitors had a couple of break away chances, but it was mainly the Welfare that had the best of the First Half.

In the 43rd minute came the breakthrough, when a cross from left found out KASEY FISHER to fire Bestwood in front.

During half time, I crossed over to the other touchline, where the majority of the 89 spectators were. As I settled down in my chair, Bestwood burst forward down the left side and a chip over the keeper seemed to be going just wide, but in popped KAI BYRON to make sure he doubled his sides lead on 49 minutes.

At this stage, Robins picked up their game and started to press the homesters back and have a few chances at goal and after 68 minutes must have thought they were back in the game when they saw Mason Ball's shot smash the crossbar. The Miners were playing on the break and both sides now looked dangerous going forward. There was a few handbags and the referee dealt with them calmly and without any fuss.

In the final minute, the Robins got a goal back as CHARLIE EGGLESTON scrambled the ball home, but it came too late for them.

After the match, Gez from Bestwood Colliery Welfare FC kindly donated £5 to the charity blog in aid of Family Fund, which helps and supports families with special needs children, Thankyou Gez. The Running total now stands at a superb amount of £1,353.50p

To view the 182 photos from the match, please click this LINK