26 November 2006
Friendly
Away (Bournemouth)

Due to late withdrawals Ballbois only had ten available players available but the seasiders sportingly lent goalkeeper Ben whilst Yorkshire pal Ali kept the subs bench warm.

Bournemouth utilised their massive squad throughout and when they raced 4-1 ahead inside thirty-five minuets the signs were ominous. A disastrous own goal was sensationally cancelled out by Jeff’s 35 yard thunderbolt free kick. An even period of play changed suddenly with the now customary mad ten minute spell (this time was seven minutes!) in which three goals were conceded .

Nottingham threw caution to the wind (which by the way was blowing profusely against them in the first period) switching from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2 and it paid off when Brett’s fine run and shot gave them hope. A strong second half enhanced that belief, especially when Chris pulled another goal back. With Jeff/John using their vast experience at centre back and Ali bringing stability and a calm head to a generally novice midfield quartet a “Houdini act” looked possible.

A lack of numbers cost them though because injury (Adam) and sickness (Ryan) meant that the team had reached breaking point and a late home goal finally settled the issue. What a fantastic performance though, confirmed later by a home player “We’ve never been under so much pressure before in a second half”, praise indeed. This really was Ballbois at their valiant best.

A special thanks to Ben, Ali, all the team and supporters David and Mark for making it an unforgettable trip to the South coast.

Team: Ben, Gareth D, Tom M, John S, Brett L, Ryan O, Dave O, Adam R, Basil L, Chris L
Subs: Ali L
Goals: Jeff N, Brett L, Chris L