16 November 2008
GFSN League
Away (Moor Lane, Birmingham)

Nottingham soared to the summit of the GFSN league table with their most accomplished performance ever. The Ballbois displayed composure, commitment and slick passing moves which had their hosts rather in a spin.

A dream start saw Craig S, facing his old team, score inside a minute with a sweet angled curler from twenty yards. Although no more goals came in the half, Nottingham did most of the pressing but Blaze settled into the match and had a good ten minutes before the break.

The second half began in the same way as the first, with an early Ballbois goal. The scorer this time was Brett L, who went up for a corner and smashed home from eight yards to double the lead and continue a personal sequence of scoring at Moor Lane (three goals in three games now).

Another goal would have killed the tie but Birmingham hung on as the match reached its climax, despite some penetrating runs from James on the wing. Nottingham could not afford to relax, and the tie became tenser as the half progressed, a tension intensified as the referee stepped up to centre stage with a bizzare penalty award on eighty-five. As everyone, including Blaze supporters, tried to work out the reason for the penalty, Birmingham made sure that it was converted to bring themselves back into the game.

The final five minutes were nail-biting for Nottingham, but the team retained their composure and, cheered on by a vociferous visiting support, they closed out the game to take a deserved first victory over Blaze.

Everyone played their part - players, subs and supporters - to give coach Bestwick a great 40th birthday present (sorry gaffer!). For an outstanding defensive performance Brett was named man of the match.

Team: Dave S, Jeff N, Brett L, Paul B, Adam R, AJ, Jordan K, Craig S, James H, Damian S, Chris L
Subs: Dave O, Matt H. Subs unused: Tony L, Shaun B, Gareth D
Goals: Craig S, Brett L