19 May 2007
Ballbois 1st Anniversary Tournament Semi-final
Home (Grove Farm)

The first Ballbois Anniversary Tournament was held over two days with four teams, with full 90-minute games, the other semi-final being contested between Birmingham Blaze and London Leftfooters. Nottingham came through their semi-final against local rivals Leicester Wildecats, with the result decided on penalties.

Having not played a competitive eleven-a-side fixture in close on three months, Nottingham were perhaps not surprisingly slow starters and the Wildecats well-organised team generally held the upper hand. They employed a sweeper system which proved difficult to break down, with only sporadic chances occurring.

Tony was the busier keeper, and as the half progressed the Cats' experience shone through and right on the whistle they deservedly scored. Bois needed lifting because although effort wasn't questioned, they were predictable offensively and had to show more gusto and nous. In essence they had to play like a GFSN team, even though they weren't one.

A strong fifteen minute spell saw the homesters in the ascendancy as they turned the screw, but only Jordan's speculative long-range efforts caused any real problems. Both sides were cancelling each other out as an away victory appeared likely. When Bois gained a free kick twenty yards out, hoever, Jordan nonchalantly fired home a deserved equaliser.

In a frantic last eight minutes, neither side could find a winner, so penalty kicks came into play. Tony saved the first magnificently before five in a row (including Jeff, Adam and Phil P for the Ballbois) hit the net. Then Tony saved once more, which left Jordan with the honour of winning the tie - and what celebrations followed.

Team: Tony L; Andy B; Phil P; Jordan K; Gareth D; Jeff N; Adam R; Ian R; Sam N; Brett L; Chris L
Subs: Dave O
Goals: Jordan K