Collingham FC v Newark Town FC

Last time these two teams met was in November, the Town then were victorious in that home league tie 8-2, this Sunday's league away fixture whilst in the end was won relatively comfortably, this was certainly not as easy, as 2-11 final score line might suggest.

Whilst driving to this game I was thinking of Frank Palmer (R.I.P.) who was one of those volunteers instrumental in the set up of the fine Collingham stadium to be found today situated 7 miles from Newark. Speaking of Frank before the game with Rob Townsend, one of the present days hard working volunteers, he said as a young lad he remembered it was Frank, with others that had had built the early part of the Club House from what was once formerly just a shed.

The Collingham side unfortunately seem to lack the most important ingredient in football for success that being confidence not surprisingly maybe given some of their recent results but today they were playing a very fit and talented side that controlled, and passed the ball extremely well and at the same time sought the space so as allow a suitable pass to be made but despite Towns dominance, after 45 mins the score was just 1-3.

Unsurprisingly Collingham were unable to cope with the wave after wave of Town attack in the second half and the reason why eventually defences were breached. Collingham nevertheless gave a spirited performance with the young goalkeeper later being deservedly awarded Man of the Match. For Newark that accolade went to Liam Warner who wins that title so often there is talk of a conspiracy but others who know better see the quality of football that he makes, an unassuming lad off the pitch but such a talent to behold when on the pitch. A player that obviously loves to play the game as it should be played.

Much has been said of how the Town missed Luke Parsons who returned this morning for his first full game after a three month lay-off, an injury incurred whilst playing in a victory for NTFC Saturday side. And what a return. Playing predominately down the centre of the park, as a roaming centre forward, centre midfielder and later in the centre of defence he cleverly controlled the flow of the game and to his credit also scored four well taken goals that any forward worth his salt would have been proud of.

Other scorers for town were Adam Britten, a simple tap in at the far post, Martin Rose, a clever flick header from a corner, Bobby Francis Lee, two, finished with forceful running taken then with composure, Liam Warner, a cleverly placed shot from 12 metres, Stefan Bilyk after a good run, control, a powerful finish from 20 metres, and Rick North with a sublime free-kick placed with his right boot into the top right corner of the net from 22 metres.

Next week will be a difficult tie in the Willie Hall Cup a game no doubt that RHP will desperately want to win - given their departure from the English FA Sunday cup today. They are a very good-side and must be congratulated in reaching the third round of that tough national competition.

On Wednesday evening it is hoped Newark Town known as the panthers because of their pink away kit will be together in Nottingham to watch Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey team. An invite for the team for their two fine cup wins and league title win of last season. It is hoped that this will be enjoyed by all who can attend.

Well done Newark it is pleasing to see you enjoying the fine football you attempt and often successfully play. With Christmas now rapidly approaching and your last game, against RHP, before the big celebrations on the 25th, it is hoped that you will all be rightly personally motivated for next Sundays important home fixture in the Willie Hall Cup that you so deservedly won last season. As this year is the 50th year of that competition and as Willie originated from the Town it might be only fitting that Newark retain that converted piece of silver ware - even though Willie at the age of 18 played for RHP before being transferred to Notts County, Tottenham and then his England duty.