Report

YELLOW & GREENS SET NEW CLUB GOAL RECORD

New Cottingham scored the most goals they had ever scored in one game with an 8-4 thrashing of Burton Grange. The squad seemed strong on Saturday night but three late pull outs on Sunday morning in David Horsley, James Green and Lee Wildman left Manager, Neil Jarman down to a bare eleven. Michael Wilkinson, originally not in the squad was drafted in at the last minute, and ironically was the first player to show up at the ground.

In what is destined to be New Cottingham’s last game of the season, the starting XI took the shape of Ian Abrahams in goal with a back four of Nathan Innes, Martin Collins, Adam Muir and Michael Hall who was captaining the side for the first time on his 66^th appearance for the club. Steven Ratcliffe played on the right wing, with Damien Burton on the left. Michael Wilkinson and Steven Torrance played in centre midfield. Jarman partnered Matthew Sheen up front.

New Cottingham had a right to fear the worst when they found themselves 2-0 with barely 5 minutes on the clock. However, thanks to a quick fire Sheen hat-trick, they found themselves leading 3-2 on 15 minutes. In a subplot, Sheen and Muir were battling it out for the top goal scorer award – Sheen had it signed sealed and delivered with a kiss. His first goal was set up by a long Abrahams clearance and the second was set up by Torrance, although in truth the main helping hand came in the form of the Burton goalkeeper. The hat-trick goal came about 30 seconds later as Sheen closed down the Burton players straight from the kick off. With them dallying about with the ball, Sheen took full advantage and New Cottingham lead 3-2.

Abrahams was forced into plenty of action and pulled off some good saves, as well as sweeping up the loose through balls. Steven Torrance once again had a hand in the fourth goal, and it was Damien Burton who had the final touch at the back post to score his first goal for the club. Jarman hit the post with a header and Burton also had another chance to increase the lead. The Burton linesman was also a little flag happy, but the score was 4-2 at half time.

Into the second half and New Cottingham increased their lead with just about their first attack of the half. A Martin Collins throw in was glanced into the bottom corner by Jarman. Adam Muir added goal number 6 with his teeth as he rose highest from a Michael Hall corner. Sheen then got his fourth after another long ball from Abrahams to make the score 7-2 with plenty of the game still remaining. New Cottingham looked to be able to score on every attack, but it was Burton who scored the next two goals.

A mix up between Collins and Abrahams let Burton in for their third. Sloppy defending also let Burton score a fourth and the sheen was starting to be taken off the performance. 7-4 to New Cottingham at this stage.

The final goal of the morning came from the big man up top for New Cottingham with the easiest goal of the morning. A Burton shot was parried straight into the path of Jarman and even he couldn’t miss a gaping open goal like that. The final score 8-4 to New Cottingham.

Man of the Match: Matthew Sheen – very difficult to score half of your team’s 8 goals and not pick up the award.
Funny Moment: Ratcliffe racing off to get a loose ball and trying to jump over a 6 foot fence before assessing the situation. Pierced the palm of his hand open. There was actually a walk way about 10 yards to the right, but you know Ratty, everything is done at 300mph!
Ref Watch: Jim Ryan – Seemed to forget it was the last game of the season and a bit of a jobs worth. Has had better games. NCFC Mark 5/10