Total Demolition v Newark Town

This game was played on muddy pitch that might better favour the less skilful but more physical side was actually the quarter finals of the Nottinghamshire Junior Cup against a strong Total Demolition FC of Division One of the Nottingham League, a team promoted last season having won both their league and also the Nottinghamshire Minor Cup.

It was Town's first fixture after what seemed a long three week Christmas break played off Clifton Lane in Nottingham, close to the River Trent. Maybe ironically then, once having a nickname of the 'Trent Siders' because of their former grounds proximity of the Trent on Muskham Road in the 1900s that it was Town who were victorious and thereby successful in reaching the semi-finals.

TDFC fielded a full side, many of whom play for Bilborough Town on a Saturday a team that was obviously familiar playing together both Saturday and on Sundays and as such a unit that proved difficult to breakdown
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It would be true to say whilst on that rutted soft surface TDFCC played a physical game they also had a number of skilful players who were well motivated to win, however, it was Town who despite the often physical nature of the game showed a greater amount of character and skill.

All who played for Town gave their all, unfortunately three substitutes were needed, not for the preferred tactical reasons but because of injury. Martin Rose, hobbled off the pitch with a knee injury, Stefan Bilyk with a right foot injury and later Luke Parsons with a re-occurrence of the upper-leg/groin injury that had kept the Captain off the team sheet for several weeks pre-Christmas. All unfortunate injuries meaning that all three substitutes had been used meaning that during extra-time no replacements were available when others became heavy-legged and tired by the muddy pitch.

On 15 minutes a lose ball in the centre of the penalty area found Sean Fulcher a good shot was well blocked the ricochet was collected on the right of the box by Bobby Lee who then proceed on one of his runs towards the centre of the pitch beating two players he then let rip of a bobby-dazzler that came off a defender to Joe Braithwaite who coolly placed the ball into the net 0-1.

On 19 minutes Town were caught forward and a ball quickly played down the centre of the park was driven wide of keeper Anthony Richardson 1-1.

HT 1-1

In the second-half Town had the majority of possession and on 64 minute a ball fed wide on the right found Adam Britten who ran twenty metres almost to the corner flag before he made a forty metres cross that was met by Joe Braithwaite a quick shot almost a flick from his boots saw the ball drift nicely into the onion bag 1-2.

With only twenty minutes off the 90 remaining it was Bobby Lee who chased down a ball his persistence on the ball was followed by a wonderful cross into the box where Louis Cree was waiting to tap home 1-3.

With only minutes remaining it would seem that Town were home and dry but maybe over confidence took the better as a free-kick was nicely executed from 30 metres by TDFC making it 2-3 and then a shot from outside the area with only a couple of minutes remaining that effort forced its way through a crowded defence and beyond Anthony Richardson 3-3.

After 90 mins 3-3.

In the second half of extra-time with only 8 minutes remaining Ben Lund played a wide ball from central defence to the right where Bobby Lee collected and ran down the wing a good pass to Louis Cree on the left hand side of the penalty box - with no hesitation Louis side footed with confidence the leather into the net for the winner 3-4

FT 3-4

It seemed especially during the later stages of the game that Liam Warner received some attempted heavy challenges but this did not deter this fine central midfielder from producing skills that were a wonder to behold. Often surrounded by two or three players he was able to twist and turn and by use of both feet perplex opposition midfielders and defenders alike leaving them wide-eyed and open mouthed and mesmerised as he moved forward with the ball almost stuck to his feet and then often followed almost pinpoint passes. For his efforts Liam was award Man-of-the match by the opposition. Probably one of Liam's best games for the Town for several months.

Adam Britten, had a good game he defended well and then often made himself available to push forward causing problems and panic in the TDFC defence with his powerful runs with the ball at his feet down the right wing that resulted in several excellent crosses. Bobby Lee, Joe Braithwaite and Louis Cree also all played well causing problems in the TDFC defence BUT ultimately this was a good all round team performance against a strong side on a muddy pitch away from home.

Well done Newark Town you now to play in the semi-finals of this Nottingham Cup, some achievement.