Aslockton taken to the wire by Cotgrave in cliffhanger.

In Aslockton Cranmer's first match of the season, visiting Cotgrave Colts Blue arrived full of confidence after their 11 - 1 win against West Bridgeford the previous week.

However, things did not go to plan as Aslockton dominated the first half leading 3 - 0 at half-time. New to his role up-front, striker MUSSERT (MoM) kept Cotgrave's defence busy with his movement and given excellent service by ACFC midfielders DEXTER and HARDY his positioning was spot-on, giving him a well deserved hat-trick. It was only due to strong keeping from Cotgraves HODDGETT which kept ACFC in sight.

Brimming with confidence ACFC expected more of the same in the second but Cotgrave came out fighting and soon had an early goal from WOOD putting Cotgrave back into the game. ACFC's riposte was a blazing run down the right by substitute DAWS and a beautiful ball across the face of Cotgraves goal giving DEXTER his first and ACFC their fourth, maintaining ACFC's three goal lead.

Nevertheless, Cotgrave were galvanised by their first goal and piled on the pressure and substitutes giving them fresh legs, making ACFC defenders TONG and BLATHERWICK earn their keep and drawing some superb saves from keeper BEARDSLEY and earned themselves another two goals from WOOD to narrow the score.

It was a close game by the final whistle but ACFC Captain WILSON managed to hold them together with a strong attitude, defending and distributing the ball for counter-attackers to relieve the pressure on the home sides goal, and earning a valuable three points to start the season.

A great game, full of excitement but without tension, which everybody enjoyed.

Gareth Wilson Assistant Coach Aslockton Cranmers FC Sunday Division 2 Under 10's.