Newark Town v Attenborough

Congratulations to Newark for reaching the Final of the Notts Senior Cup by beating Attenborough a team that had won that trophy for the last two years.

Both teams shared equal play for the first twenty minutes after which Newark took control and possession, of the majority of the ball, with some nice precise passing. This was probably Newark best team effort of the season, if not since their formation three years ago, not in the fact of progressing to the final but that each and every player unselfishly ran and ran for each other and never gave in to the physically strong and experienced opposition or let them have any time with the ball. Whilst the team could be awarded man-of-the match collectively Ben Lund was one player that stood out because of his 101 percent commitment.

It was Newark who scored first on 28 minutes, after some good work down the right, a long ball found its way to Tom Perkins who ran at the defence with pace from the left wing, from fourteen yards he let rip of a shot that found the bottom right hand corner of the net that left the keeper just watching as the ball flew past him 1-0. With only fifteen seconds remaining of the first 45 minutes Attenborough equalised after a loose ball on the centre spot was missed by Newark the resultant pass found its way to the edge of the area where a ball was driven from the right just outside the penalty area low into the right-hand side of the net 1-1.

Attenborough played a better game in the second half in fact there were times when they looked threatening but for the superb defence of Anthony Richardson in goal, Billy Hurst, Captain Luke Parsons, Joe Braithwaite and Simon West, a well organised unit that was almost never breached that looked always confident under pressure.

With 27 minutes remaining a much-deserved and well taken goal was struck from seven yards from the foot of Ben Lund 2-1.

Not many teams probably have been heard to complain as much as Attenborough but a couple of their players were seemingly constantly verbally throwing insults to the Town players and towards the three match officials, which was water off a ducks back to the experienced Newark side and may have even diverted Attenborough away from their best asset, their footballing ability. Newark players were to be admired for the noticeable respect they gave the match officials and for not getting involved in the unnecessary disagreements.

On 78 minute a fantastic run and silky skills by the flawless Liam Warner beating two players on the right put him inside the penalty area with only the keeper to overcome but unselfishly he drove a low hard ball across the goal line to the waiting, on the far post Bobby Lee, who from 2 yards out let go of a volley that rocketed into the net 3-1.

For the last ten minutes of the game despite giving away a few free kicks Newark’s defence and excellent midfield held firm to give Newark and much deserved and hard-fought victory.

It has been suggested that the final will be held at Notts County ground, we shall see, and at a date yet to be announced, probably late April or early May.

Well Done Newark Town.
Up the Blues!