Newark Town V RHP

''And Glory Shone Around''

There no doubt - RHP FC are one of the best teams in Nottinghamshire, if not further afield, this is supported by past, and this seasons evidence, unbeaten in the Premier League they have reached the semi-final of Nottinghamshire's Senior Cup and last week were only defeated in extra-time in the national FA cup, having reached the 3rd round.

They have a strong squad with many to select from, with players such as, Daryl Price, Ricky Brewer, Adam Boddy, Jame Lloyd, Will Nelson, Nathan Burrows and the legendary Danny Purves. A number of whom, frequently grace the field for the Newark Town Saturday side. On Saturday both Ricky Brewer and Will Nelson played extremely well in Towns defeat against Bently FC.

Newark Town on Sunday were playing at home on Devon Park defending the Willie Hall cup that they had won last season. So this game was likely to be a serious test of resolve to hold on to that beautiful piece of silver ware in what is the 50th year of that competition.

Playing for that famous trophy players were aware of its significance but also the fact that Willie in 1930, before scoring what was the fastest hat-trick in international football at Wembley, had at the age of just 18 signed for Notts County from his beloved RHP team.

From the kick-off this was a tough encounter both teams were obviously intent on committing 100 percent of effort and generally for the first half both teams were evenly matched as they cancelled each others efforts out. There was however one player that began to, out shine others in that period, Bobby Lee or Rocket as he is know, was outstanding playing on the right side of midfield he was constantly a threat to goal and in general a pest for the opposition, like a Jack Russell terrier would chase down a motor vehicle attacking a biting at its tyres, Bobby was constantly running down and winning the lose balls then cutting in towards the centre of the park before making several nicely waited forward ground passes that cut through the oppositions defence, only some fine defending by RHP prevented the creation of a number of what were, potential chances.

After just 12 minutes Bobby was heavily challenged he hobbled off the pitch for treatment on what looked like a pretty serious deep cut to the shin, medical dressing was applied and despite that injury, Rocket fuelled with the injustice of that tackle and apparent liquid oxygen and hydrogen charged, was back onto the field of play, eager to trust again at the RHP defence. Bobby, like a ballistic missile it seemed, was supercharged as just 3 minutes later he collected the ball on the right-hand-side just inside the crowded RHP's penalty area he turned beat one defender and then a second and then he was tripped - falling the Referee did not hesitate but immediately blew for a penalty. Up strode in the 16 minute in his cool and laid back manner Liam Warner who neatly and firmly placed the leather into the bean bag 1-0.

On the 22 minute a long kick from the RHP goalkeeper found some of the Towns defence still backtracking from a previous attack, short in numbers Town were under some pressure to cope Anthony Richardson in goal ran towards the incoming ball and attempted kick but the resultant lose ball fell to the feet of RHP's talented left winger Wayne Ord who controlled the ball and ran towards goal whilst two defenders were trying the cover the goal he cleverly paced the ball wide of them both from twenty yards making the score 1-1.

HT 1-1.

Last week in the FA Sunday cup there was apparently some controversy over a penalty that was awarded against RHP that forced that game into extra time that eventually led to their defeat. After 20 minutes of the second half some of the RHP players hotly disputed another decision that went against them. After they had scored a goal from a couple of yards out the Referee ruled that goal as being offside.

As the game progressed Town started to play the better football that seemed to tire somewhat the RHP defence, as it found itself under wave after wave of attack, often balls controlled in defence by Luke Parsons, Lewis Poole and Billy Hurst were played wide to players but importantly to players in space and along the ground. It was such a forward pass that found Joe Braithwaite a strong and well balanced player whom ran down the left flank beating one and then taking on a second before leaving in his wake that defender - a powerful drive from 30 yards followed that was driven across the goal at a height of 3 yards, in came the fearless Bobby Lee and despite a challenged that resulted in the end of his game he managed to bravely smash the ball into the net from two yards using his left foot 2-1.

With 5 minutes remaining Town should have had a third. The forever smiling right back George Pailing pushed the ball down the right wing and from 40 yards crossed a well delivered pass that was met by the head of Joe Braithwaite, an excellent header from 8 yards from the Man-of-the-match, rattled the cross bar.

In the last quarter of the game RHP appeared to run out of steam somewhat as players like Tom Perkins, Martin Rose and the powerful Midfield General, Ricky North, put town on the offensive. Ben Lund, who came on as substitute on the right wing/ midfield also immediately and then relentlessly put RHP on the back-foot thus squelching time-limiting the ability of the RHP side to mount any real serious, counter goal attempt. Also, Leigh Cooksey who on arrival in the centre of midfield as a substitute made a number of good runs and accurate passes from the centre of the park.

A fine man who unfortunately because of injury is unable now to play that often (he did grace last season Willie Hall cup final for the last ten minutes however) contributes much off the field for the team that allows some of the enormous pressure to be taken off the manger Colin Rusby or Big Col as he is known, with the administration of the Club work, etc. Ty O'Donovan, is certainly our secrete weapon a phenomenal Mr Secretary and as he describes himself a real Trooper. Thanks for your good company Ty and that unique sense of humour.

So in summary - Firstly and most importantly a Great Team Performance but:

''Whilst spectators watched their team that day all stood upon the ground - a Rocket from Our Lord came down and glory shone around. Fearless was he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled minds, glad tidings of great joy, he scored for us and glory shone around''

2-1.

A well earned break from football will hopefully allow some injuries to repair before the start of 2017.

Congratulation to you all - undefeated in 2016 - Top of the Premier League -In the Quarter Final of the Notts Cup and in the much conveted Willie Hall Cup Quarter Final .

Wishing you all a Very Merry and Peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Up the Blues.