Spencer's Match Report (edited by Patto):
Despite a late pitch change from Cropwell Butler to Cotgrave and no changing rooms the game kicked off just 5 minutes late. A spirited second half Boots performance on the quagmire-like pitch was ultimately not rewarded, with a harsh 5-2 scoreline being the end result in favour of Chequers.
The first 30 minutes was all Chequers and during this time they scored twice when their midfield was allowed too much time on the ball to play through their well-timed strikers for simple goals. We rode our luck with them hitting the woodwork on 3 separate occasions. However Boots started to wake up and forced Chequers back in the final 15 minutes of the half.
Another special team talk from the manager got Boots playing much better football and threatening the Chequers goal on a number of occasions. We got our deserved goal when a Rob C corner was headed in by ‘Toblerone head’ Taylor and the goalkeeper could only push it into his own net (Kieran's studs on his foot may have helped!) At this point Boots looked good, and threatened further when Rob C cut inside and saw his well-struck shot deflect on to the bar.
Unfortunately Chequers were still dangerous and got a third goal when their MOM turned Neil in the area to score. Boots didn’t give up however and from another Rob C corner a low Taylor shot was blocked, and Bally (who had come on for Kieran) tapped in the loose ball. Boots continued to push and took risks at the back which (from a shocking short corner between Neil and Rob C) led to a three-on-one break which Neil H did well to save one-on-one. However, a cross from the resulting play found an unmarked midfielder in the box who headed it into the corner. Another goal squirmed under Neil H in goal in the final minutes to give the scoreline a harsh feel to it.
Our MOM was Chris F who had an excellent game at the back, there were also very good performances from Rich S, Neil T and Patto. Thanks also to our travelling fans!
