Boots ended the 2010/11 Season on a high with a battling draw that all but ended the title hopes of Notts Medics A. Despite starting with weakened numbers due to traffic and kit delays, Medics began the brightest (rattling the crossbar within the first 30 seconds) and it took Boots the first 15 minutes to settle down as new partnerships were formed throughout the team, with Patto and SuBo in defence, Pete and Sicky in midfield and Griff and Ian up front. Medics dominated possession in the early stages, so Simon switched to a 4-5-1 formation which allowed Ash to help out the central midfielders, while Griff tussled with their left-back on the right wing, and slowly Boots worked themselves back into the game, producing a few dangerous balls down the wings or onto Ian’s head, although progress was slow. Following good work down the right wing from Griff, Ash and Horlicks, advancing down the pitch with throw-ins and battling headers, Boots finally made the breakthrough when Ash sent a swirling cross into the box, which bounced through two confused defenders to Crozier at the back post, who calmly controlled the ball on his knee and sent a fizzing left-footed shot into the far corner from 15 yards (for his first goal of the season)! Medics were clearly rattled, and Boots calmly saw out the half, with Phil only required to claim the ball or parry away optimistic shots on a few occasions.
The second half was a similarly physical affair, with both teams only managing brief passages of passing play. However, Medics pushed for an equaliser, which allowed some space for the Boots midfield to win the ball and release Ian, who had several opportunities to lob or slide the ball beyond the keeper, but couldn’t find the final finish. Aided by Patto, Chibs and Hawrylak, SuBo continued to clear every high ball or make vital interceptions, and Phil simply had to mop-up the longer balls as Medics began to run out of ideas. Unfortunately an unchallenged run from midfield presented them with their desired goal with 15 minutes to go as an unstoppable left-footed strike beat Phil in the fading light, but Boots did not give up, and with Dave Eite, Brett and Bally coming on from the bench, further half-chances were created. The game eventually ended with Medics looking shattered after battling for 90 minutes against a spirited Boots team who gave them very little.
Ian was chosen as Man of the Match by the opposition, and he did prove a nuisance in attack throughout the game, but overall the team performance was fantastic, with noticeably improved communication, the midfield working well for one another, a strong desire to win challenges shown throughout the team, and “the defence were brilliant” (Medics Captain, 2011). Thanks also to Simon, Howard, Rowan, Phil Parrot, Danny and Spence who all came down to support but were unable to get on the pitch.
