Semi Final Notts Cup - Major Oak v Newark Town FC

A semi-final game played away from home on the actual ground of the opposition Major Oak FC kicked off at 11 am Sunday at the Claverton Miners Welfare . The pitch was well churned up and muddy after the numerous fixtures played on that pitch this season and recent rain but the soil was not too heavy, unlike clay, and allowed therefore for reasonably game to be played.

From the kick-off Newark were on the offensive with wave after wave of attack lose balls forced away from the Oak's' defence was extremely well managed by a solid Newark defence that was constantly pushing to the halfway line and beyond whilst maintain its own shape and good discipline.

On 19 minutes Town were awarded a free-kick on the left side of the park Joe Braithwaite stepped forward and from 27 yards hit a shot that David Beckham would have been rightly proud of - a drive that had power but also turned in flight and curled away from the keeper into the top left of the onion bag 0-1.

Whilst Newark dominated the game in the first half the Oak did have a few efforts but the ever reliable Anthony Richardson commanded the last line of defence in his goal and showed much confidence in his handling of the high ball when these efforts approached his goal.

HT 0-1.

Whilst still not fully fit captain Luke Parsons led his team by impeccable example in giving one hundred percent of effort he was also creative in his passing and throughout 90 minutes did miss a header, so important against a team that relied heavily on playing the long ball.

On the 52 minute a corner was taken by Bobby Lee that created much panic on the goal-line that in turn resulted in an own goal that gave the Town a much deserved 0-2 lead.

With 22 minutes remaining a free kick was fired in from the left and 35 yards by Bobby Lee at the far post was Town's centre half, Luke Parsons, who slotted home with his boot a shot from 2 yards 0-3.

Each and every player for the Town should be praised for this fine win in the Notts Cup that takes them to a final likely to be played on a neutral ground in Nottingham sometime in early April.

After the game Bobby Lee tweeted ''Final of the Notts Cup – Well played Boys'' in response, there were many more, Joe Braithwaite said ''top bins that all that matters''

Newark Town did indeed play well but in addition they were all ambassadors for the Town in the matter they acted both on and off the field.

Bring On the Final – Up The Blues.