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Quorn 4-2 Lincoln (1/12/09)
Quorn handed Reserve team keeper Andy Simpson his first Unibond start in goal in place of the injured Michael Payne, with regular keeper Craig Jones taking a place in the bench. Sam Wood and Julian Joachim also returned to the starting line-up with Russell Peel and Phil Miller dropping down to the bench.
The home side began the stronger and struck the crossbar with their first real attack and with players switching roles the home side looked a bit disjointed in the opening 10 minutes. Tom Byrne threatened for Quorn but he was brought down just outside the box and Steve Purton's well struck free kick was spilled by Mario Ziccardi and it was Byrne who reacted first to steer the ball home to give the home side the lead. Quorn nearly made it two when Purton advanced to play a 1-2 with Byrne and his ball into the box fell to Joe Shaw but his first time shot was blocked. A great run by Byrne saw him slip the ball inside to Joachim who fired just inside the near post to double Quorn's lead on 17 minutes.
Another good run by Purton opened things up and his cross was only partially cleared to Joachim but he wasted the opportunity by firng wide from 18 yards. A cross from the visitors right was met first time by Matt O'Halloran but his well struck effort flew straight at Simpson who held well. Quorn were guilty of a number of mis-placed passes and were made to pay when another sloppy ball was picked up by O'Halloran, who was brought down by Shaw, 25 yards out, the Lincoln player took the kick himself and fired past Simpson who looked to have it covered but missed the ball. Worse was to follow, when straight from the kick off another sloppy ball was seized upon and O'Halloran fired past Simpson from an acute angle just inside the far post for a well taken goal. Quorn's sloppy play continued and Lincoln stuck the crossbar and had another effort go narrowly over as the half drew to a close.
After the break Quorn had the better of the opening exchanges and Purton had a goalbound effort blocked by his own player before a good move involving Byrne and Joachim resulted in a superb first time cross by Purton that was hacked away at the last second with two men poised to add the finishing touch. A superb double save by Simpson prevented Lincoln from taking the lead as Quorn again looked all over the place. Just before the hour mark Quorn regained the advantage when a superb through ball by Shaw saw Byrne scamper clear and he finished clinically past Ziccardi.
Peel replaced Cameron Keast as Quorn at last began to get on top and Wood broke to release Purton and his great cross was just cut out by Ian Wilkins at the expense of a corner. The visitors were forced into dealing with a number of dangerous crosses coming in from both flanks but stuck to their task well. Wood again freed up Purton and his powerful shot was deflected just past the post, before a similar break at the other end saw Brendan McDaid have his effort deflected wide. From the resulting corner Purton did brilliantly to clear off the line with Simpson beaten. Another fine ball by Shaw bisected the static Lincoln defence and Purton waited to drill past Ziccardi to restore Quorn's two goal advantage with just over ten minutes remaining. Joachim looked certain to get the fifth but a superb tackle by Wilkins forced the ball for a corner. Ziccardi then saved from Byrne and substitute Matt Langham in quick succession as Quorn finished on top.
Matt O'Halloran was the pick of the Lincoln side with the industrious McDaid not far behind and for Quorn, Byrne was always lively and was an obvious contender along with Shaw, who had a fine match but my MOTM goes to Steve Purton.
Rushall 1-0 Quorn (28/11/09)
Quorn were again without Sam Wood and Julian Joachim for the trip to the West Midlands to face a Rushall side looking to put behind them, their recent indifferent form. Michael Payne continued in the Quorn goal and Michael Papparozzi continued in place of Wood with Phil Miller in for Joachim.
Quorn were forced to do some early defending with skipper Kris Matthews once again at the heart of things. Double disaster struck after 5 minutes when first Russell Peel's attempted clearance struck Rushall number 9 Damian Charle, who strode on to the rebound and rounded Payne to slot home the first goal. Unfortunately Payne popped his shoulder in his dive to the strikers feet and had to leave the field, Cameron Keast came on and Ash Robinson volunteered to don the keepers jersey.
This reshuffle in the ranks saw the home side continue to pile on the pressure and following one of several corners Robinson produced a superb tipover to stop Rushall doubling their lead. Quorn's attacks were very infrequent with the midfield having to stay so deep but in a rare breakaway Tom Byrne went close but his effort drifted wide. The home side continued their aerial assault but Keast and Matthews stood firm and Joe Shaw was also having a fine game on the right and Rushall became frustrated as the half wore on.
After the break it was more of the same and the first 15 minutes saw Rushall pepper balls towards the Quorn box but the visitors were in determined mood and last ditch challenges and some fine goalkeeping, if unorthadox at times, by Robinson, continued to frustrate the home side. Quorn should have equalised following a corner but Peel headed over from close range.
The introduction of Matt Langham in place of Miller saw Quorn at last exert a bit of pressure at the other end and Byrne's shot was not far away. As time began to run out Rushall again looked to increase their lead but Robinson and his overworked defence held out.
On a heavy pitch Quorn struggled to put any decent form together but never the less under the circumstances it was a very good defensive performance with Matthews and Keast oustanding, Shaw, Papparozzi and Anthony Marriott also put in a lot of work but my MOTM goes to Ryan North who covered every blade of grass, working tirelessly and more than once saved his side with last ditch tackles.
Quorn 1-1 Shepshed (3-4 pens.) (24/11/09)
Quorn's depleted side went out of their third Cup competition in 8 days with Manager Dougie Keast making 8 changes to Saturday's starting eleven with only Russell Peel, Steve Purton and Michael Payne remaining from the FA Trophy exit at the hands of Vauxall Motors. The visitors were forced to make a late change with Matt Millns held up in traffic, Joe Harris deputised at short notice and Shepshed also gave a first start to Roland Agbar alongside leading scorer Luke Barlone who missed the League encounter between the two sides 10 days ago.
A tentative opening by both sides with the blustery conditions making life difficult, saw the first real action of note when Purton's well struck free kick from the edge of the box, expertly tipped over by Nick Jupp. The visitors responded and a good move ended with Agbar's effort fielded comfortably by Payne. The Quorn keeper was severely tested moments later going full stretch to deny Barlone and again did well following a corner bravely saving at the feet of Barlone. At the other end Purton whipped a cross over that gave Phil Miller a great chance but his effort was just off target. Miller again got free but fired wildy over and in reply Jai Stanley's shot from an awkward angle was cleanly gathered by Payne. Peel's run and cross gave Miller another chance but his header again failed to test Jupp.
Millns replaced the injured Chad Sheppard and soon was in the action making two vital interventions as Quorn threatened. Barlone was making his presence known at the other end but like Miller couldn't quite make the break through, going close a couple of times after working himself into good positions. Former Quorn man Vijay Sidhu, making a comeback with Shepshed following his serious injury last season, looked to test his former team mate Payne but his effort from distance screwed wide of the mark. Peel's cross was turned back by Tom Ingram into the path of Miller but again his effort was off target. The visitors finished the half in the ascendancy but without seriously threatening Payne's goal.
Quorn gave Andy Simpsom a chance to impress, when the young keeper replaced Payne at half time. Miller missed the best chance of the game,when Adam Brown's good run and cross down the right was headed by Michael Papparozzi into his path with time but again he failed to find the target. A defensive mix up gave Barlone a chance but Simpson spotted the danger and made a great point blank stop and collected the rebound. A long ball by Purton picked out Miller in space but his poor cross was easily cut out. Purton spotted Jupp off his line and tried a speculative strike from distance but the keeper was back in position to safely see the effort clear the bar. Miller's run was halted by the long legs of Millns but Barlone had a great chance for Shepshed as they maintained the pressure, but again dragged his effort wide. Millns blocked a good effort by Ingram for a fruitless corner and Jupp had to be alert following a poor back pass.
Barlone cut in from the left but Simpson smothered his effort, before at the other end Milln's timely intervention robbed Brown following Purton's long ball. Barlone put over a great cross that just had a shade too much pace and again the striker created himself a chance with fine control but shot wide. Shepshed looked to finish the game in normal time putting their hosts under considerable pressure, a quickly taken free kick saw two men onside but Simpson gathered, as the ball bounced kindly. A cross from the left was nearly turned into his own net by Peel as Quorn hung on for extra-time.
Half way through the first period Quorn took the lead, a free kick was headed back at the far post by substitute Liam Turner into the path of Miller, who made no mistake this time firing home to give Jupp no chance. Papparozzi had a shot blocked and fired wide from the rebound . A needless challenge by Peel gave Shepshed a free-kick in a dangerous position and Millns rose to head home past a despairing Simpson as the first period came to an end. Agbar's strike was bound for the top corner but Simpson made a superb stop at full stretch to claw the ball away. Lee Greenaway headed over when well placed and Barlone's close range header went straight to Simpson who held well as Shepshed finished on top but Quorn held out for penalties.
Quorn led when Simpson made a superb stop to deny Tom Bates but Jupp saved comfortably from Peel's poor kick to level, Millns made it 4-3 to Shepshed and Miller struck the crossbar with Quorns fifth to send the visitors through to the 4th round. With so many players returning from long lay offs credit must go to the whole side for a spirited display against a strong Shepshed side which included my pick for MOTM, Matt Millns who came on and shored up the defence and made vital interceptions and fired home the winning penalty.
Quorn 2-3 Vauxall Motors (21/11/09)
Quorn were forced to make a change with Michael Payne replacing Craig Jones in goal, following the ever present keeper being involved in a car accident on Thursday, Although thankfully uninjured it was decided not to risk him. Skipper Kris Matthews was passed fit to play despite ankle ligament damage and a suspected broken bone in his foot.
A first minute penalty awarded against you is the last thing you need when you playing against a side two levels above you in the pyramid system but that's exactly what happened when Referee Rathbone gave Vauxall Motors a perfect start when the ball struck the arm of Russell Peel in the first attack of the game, was it ball to hand or hand to ball , Brian Moogan didn't care as he stepped up to fire past Payne to put his side ahead. The Quorn players responded superbly and put up a first half performance that belied the difference in standing between the two sides. Anthony Marriott won the ball well before delivering a cross that was just deflected out of the path of Tom Byrne by visiting skipper Chris Lane. From the resulting corner Ash Robinson had a great chance to level the scores as he rose unmarked at the far post but his downward header bounced over the bar.
Quorn continued to press and good flowing football seemed to come as a surprise to the visitors as the home side looked to level after the early setback. Sam Wood, Julian Joachim and Joe Shaw combined and the latter's cross picked out the unmarked Peel but he seemed to be caught in two minds and his header sailed harmlessly wide from a great position. Peel's fine run down the left ended with a neat ball to Byrne but his effort from the edge of the box was blocked and cleared upfield. A defensive error by Robinson looked ominous but Kris Matthews was alert and made a great tackle to clear the danger. Shaw, Byrne and Joachim combined and Byrne cross took a deflection to sail safely into the arms of Danzelle St. Louis Hamilton the Vauxall Keeper. A Marriott slip gave Joshua Wilson a shooting chance but his effort from distance was wide of the mark. This was an isolated attack as Quorn continued to dominate without getting the vital breakthrough. As half time approached Hamilton made a panic clearance after good work by Robinson and Joachim and in the last action of the half Quorn were even closer as Ryan North and Marriott combined to free Joachim who rounded the keeper but his goalbound strike was cleared off the line by Lane.
Quorn started the 2nd half as they they finished the first, well on top but not quite able to strike a telling blow as Payne remained a virtual spectator at the other end . With 10 minutes of the 2nd half gone disaster struck for Quorn when out of nowhere a mis-placed pass by Purton was seized upon by Karl Noon who strode on before slipping to Wilson who finished well past Payne . Purton tried to atone for his error but his well struck free-kick hit the wall and the visitors broke but Thomas Grice struck his shot well wide. Quorn pressed forward and were undone again as Noon looked to have booked his sides place in the next round when he cleverly beat three players before laying on the simplest of chances for Joshua Heine to convert to leave Quorn 3 nil down with less than thirty minutes left.
The home side looked shell shocked and for the first time in the match,the visitors looked like a conference side. Manager Dougie Keast threw caution to the wind, sending on an extra attacker in Phil Miller and Quorn again regained the ascendancy. Matt Langham replaced Joachim and Michael Papparozzi came on for Peel, with Robinson pushing forward as well, Quorn were playing with just two at the back and were taking risks but had nothing to lose. More Quorn pressure finally told when a superb strike by Wood from 30 yards flew in the back of the net to give the home side the reward they richly deserved. A Terrific run by Robinson took him deep into the visitors half but his final shot was off target. Purton overlapped on the left and put over a great cross that 3 Quorn attackers were just inches away from. With 5 minutes remaining, Quorn got a second when constant pressure told as Byrne chipped to the far post and Shaw rose highest to send his header crashing just under the bar.
It was the visitors turn to look shell shocked as Quorn pushed everyone forward, even Payne spent more time in the opposition box than his own as the home side fought desperately for the equaliser. Loud appeals for a penalty were turned down by the Referee, when he deemed it was “ ball to hand” this time with two minutes left of the ninety. Wood had another long range effort just deflected past the post as Quorn threw everything at their opponents in the dying moments of the game.
The visitors held out and the relief on their faces was in stark contrast to the disappointmentt etched on the Quorn players faces in what was a magnificent display by the entire Quorn team. It would be unfair to name a MOTM because everyone gave their all and with any luck at all Quorn would be in the draw for the next round. It wasn't to be and we wish Vauxall Motors all the best in the competition.
Quorn 1-3 Grantham Town (17/11/09)
Quorn went out of the Presidents Cup after an indifferent performance saw Grantham Town deservedly go through to the next round. Quorn were without Anthony Marriott, Julian Joachim and still absent, leading scorer Phil Miller. Matt Langham and Michael Papparozzi had rare starts in an otherwise unchanged line-up. The visitors have gradually strengthened their side since the two teams last met in the league cup nearly two months ago, with Quorn taking the honours after coming from behind to win 5-3.
The visitors looked anything but a side that were going through a bad patch, results wise and were by far the better side in the opening 15 minutes but the Quorn rearguard were coping well and good chances were at a premium despite the pressure. Quorn took the lead against the run of play when Papparozzi was unceremoniously scythed down just outside the Grantham box. Steve Purton hammered the free-kick against the far post with Richard Stainsby the Grantham Keeper a mere spectator, Langham was first to react and forced the ball home from close range.
This shock reversal saw Grantham continue to press the home defence into desperate defending at times and more than one occasion Craig Jones was at his best to deny the visitors, Ash Robinson cleared off the line when Jones was beaten and a timely intervention by Russell Peel prevented a likely equaliser as Quorn came under the cosh. As the half wore on the game became more even and both sides had chances to alter the scoreline but a mixture of poor finishing and good defending at both ends saw Quorn finish the half with a slender lead.
After the break Quorn began to show a bit more but it was Grantham who finally got the goal their first half display merited. A needless free kick just outside the Quorn box gave Danny Brooks the chance to fire over the wall with consumate ease to level the scores. Sam Wood had an effort blocked and Ryan North blasted the rebound over before at the other end Ben Saunders went close and Danny Hargreaves also fired just over. The introduction of Gio Carchedi pepped up the visitors front line and he gave his side the lead with just under 20 minutes remaining, Jones should have held his first effort but could only parry straight back to the former Lincoln striker who easily finished with Jones a forlorn figure.
Quorn at last began to show glimpses of their recent good form and it was the visitors turn to defend in numbers. A superb save by Stainsby from Wood's rasping shot prevented the equaliser and Tom Byrne went desperatly close as Quorn threw caution to the wind as the game wore on. With so many men pushing forward Quorn were exposed at the back and in the 89th minute a cross from the left was headed on to the inside of the post by Saunders but Jones looked slow to react as the ball squirmed over the line to put the tie beyond doubt.
The visitors deserved their victory and we wish them well in the next round, for Quorn, Robinson, Wood and North gave their all but my MOTM goes to Ian Robinson the Grantham skipper, with Brooks and Hargreaves not far behind.
Quorn 1-1 Shepshed Dynamo (14/11/09)
A disappointing end saw Quorn concede another late goal after seemingly heading for 3 welcome points in the first local derby of the season. Quorn Manager Dougie Keast was able to field an unchanged side for the third game in a row, Phil Miller returning from illness started on the bench along with Liam Fitzpatrick, who unfortunately injured himself in the warm-up after making his return in the reserves last week after a 7 week lay-off.
The visitors were awarded a couple of early free-kicks that were comfortably dealt with by Quorn's back line, Sam Wood's neat ball sent Tom Byrne clear but the alert Nick Jupp was on hand to block with his legs to prevent the opener. Quorn pressure gave Wood a chance and his well struck effort was brilliantly turned away by the Shepshed keeper. Kris Matthews played a long ball to send Julian Joachim clear on the right and his cross was met by Byrne but again Jupp made the save. Ash Robinson whipped in a dangerous looking cross but there were no takers and Shepshed responded with a good run by Ben Twigger, slipping a neat ball to Shane Benjamin, but the no9 blasted over. Good movement of the ball between Joe Shaw, Byrne and Wood caused concern for the visitors and the ball reached Steve Purton who crossed superbly for Shaw to head goal wards only for the impressive Jupp to make another excellent save, low to his left.
Robinson, Joachim and Byrne combined well to set up Wood for a strike and again Jupp came to his sides rescue, his parry fell to Anthony Marriott but his effort was way off target as Jupp rose to his feet. Shepshed began to come more in the game and threatened mainly down their right hand side but a corner from the other side was ficked on at the near post into the path of Chris Tullin, who couldn't keep his header down and Quorn survived. This was to prove costly for the visitors as in the next attack Joachim controlled well and lay off to Byrne who stepped inside and struck a superb curling shot into the top corner to give Quorn the lead on 35 minutes. The visitors responded and a free-kick from fully 35 yards by Chad Sheppard brought a fine save by Craig Jones at full stretch and again he did well to make the catch under pressure from the resulting corner. Shepshed began to have their best spell of the game but without breaching the home defense. Shaw rescued Quorn when he headed a goal- bound effort off his own line. As half time approached Quorn broke and Joachim looked to go free but the ever alert Jupp raced out to clear. Joachim had an effort blocked just before the whistle.
An early Shepshed corner caused panic but the ball came off a defender straight into the grateful arms of Jones. Marriott wasted an opportunity for Quorn after good work by Joachim saw the home side with numerical advantage. Robinson's long ball saw Byrne scamper free on the left Jupp spotted the danger but the Quorn man came away with the ball but his strike from an acute angle sailed past the far post. Quorn continued to dominate and Joachim fired past when well placed. Byrne won the ball in the air to set up a Joachim strike that was blocked, Wood picked up the loose ball to set up Marriott but his effort was well over. Matt Millns headed over the Quorn bar following a free-kick but the home side were well on top and a great tackle by Matthews saw him come away with the ball and advance deep into the visitors half, eventually the ball reached Byrne but again his effort was off target.
Joachim broke and set up Byrne again who shot wide of the mark but it wouldn't have counted anyway, coming back from an offside position. Marriott broke from deep and the ball fell to Ryan North but his effort was also the wrong side of the post. Despite Quorn being on top for long periods, keeper Jupp wasn't called upon to make a serious save and the home side were made to pay just before the end when Adam Goodby rose unchallenged to head past Jones to give Shepshed a share of the spoils.
Jupp's first half performance made him a candidate for my MOTM, Danny Gaunt another for the visitors who impressed along with Matthews, Byrne and Wood for Quorn but my my vote goes to Joe Shaw.
Quorn 2-2 Cammell Laird (7/11/09)
Quorn fielded the same starting eleven that won in midweek with Tom Byrne partnering Julian Joachim up front with Phil Miller absent through illness. The visitors started much the brighter and Quorn spent the opening 15 minutes having to do a lot of defending. A rebound fell kindly into the path of Anthony Gardener, who struck his effort well but Craig Jones pulled off a splendid save to push round for a corner. Quorn continued to live dangerously with a mix of sloppy play and lack of urgency as the visitors attacked at will but without calling Jones into further action.
At last Quorn began to wake up and superb control by Sam Wood and a neat 1-2 with Russell Peel saw him send Byrne clear but Ritchie Whiteside rescued his side with a great save. Wood again showed neat footwork but was fouled as things looked to open up for Quorn on the left hand side. Quorn took the lead on the half hour mark, this time Ash Robinson was the architect nipping in to break up an attack before advancing down the line, playing a 1-2 with Joe Shaw and crossing superbly for Joachim to fire home from close range. Quorn were now showing the kind of resolve and form that they showed in midweek and Robinson's diagonal cross caused panic but the visitors scrambled it clear. Flowing moves caused more problems for the merseysiders and Anthony Marriott's superb through ball sent Byrne racing clear but as he rounded the keeper he took it too far and shot disappointingly wide. The visitors nearly caught out Quorn on the break but superb defending by skipper Kris Matthews ended the danger. A good run and cross by Peel gave Byrne another chance but his glancing header went by the far post. Another flowing move down the right saw Byrne cross invitingly for Wood to hit first time but Stuart Jones blocked the goalbound effort.
The game turned on its head with a sloppy goal kick by Jones that went straight to Gardener, who needed no second invitation, and dispatched the ball first time into an empty net, with only a minute of the half remaining. Quorn looked shocked by this set back and lost possession straight from the kick off and conceded a corner, worse was to follow as the kick came over, visiting skipper Ian Cooke met the ball at the near post and directed a powerful header past a static Jones.
The confusion continued after the break as a chip forward was headed poorly by Steve Purton but Daniel Andrews lobbed the ball wide of the mark past the advancing Jones. This let off stung Quorn into action and Robinson's cross from the right was met by Byrne but a fine save by Whiteside prevented the equaliser. Minutes later the keeper repeated the feat, this time pushing away at full stretch a well struck effort on the run by Wood. Wood again went close, firing wide after a neat lay off by Ryan North. Quorn continued to press but Whiteside was not called into serious action.
Manager Dougie Keast gambled by putting on an extra attacker and was rewarded as Matt Langham controlled well before laying off to Wood , his neat stepover threw the visitors and Marriott met the ball with a right foot shot from 25 yards that flew past the depairing dive of Whiteside just under the crossbar to give Quorn a deserved equalizer midway through the half. Jones's free kick was headed on by Langham to send Byrne clear but his tame effort was straight at Whiteside who collected easily. The game petered out as both sides finished with the defenses on top.
After the first 15 minutes Quorn were the better side and should have won this game but missed chances and individual errors gave the visitors a share of the spoils. Matthews again was in terrific form at the back but was just pipped for my MOTM by Sam Wood.
Quorn 3-2 Boston United (3/11/09)
Quorn landed a place in the FA Trophy 3rd Round Qualifying with a 3-2 victory against Boston United in a pulsating replay that could have gone either way in the last few minutes with chances at both ends. Both teams made changes at no 9 from Saturdays 0-0 encounter, Danny Davidson replaced Mikel Suarez for the visitors and Tom Byrne came in for Phil Miller for Quorn.
Quorn were the first to show with Joe Shaw’s weighted ball finding Julian Joachim but his cross was cleared by Lee Canoville . At the other end Craig Jones was fortunate to collect after his initial error, following a cross by Mark Camm. Ash Robinson’s throw was cleared straight back to him and his first time effort into the near post, brought Tom Evans into action but he dealt with it confidently. Davidson did well to keep control but couldn’t get a shot in and Kris Matthews made the clearance. James Cullingworth made a strong run down the visitors right but when he cut inside, his effort on the run was off target.
The Lincolnshire side took the lead on 19 minutes when they were awarded a soft penalty as Matthews appeared to be pushed by Davidson as he rose to head the ball but there was no doubting the arm came up and made contact with the ball, the Referee gave the spot-kick and Marc Newsham fired past Jones. Quorn responded and Byrne’s strong run gave Russell Peel a chance but his shot was just wide. Quorn should have had a penalty when a blatant tug on Byrne wasn’t spotted by Referee or linesman and not long after, Peel was brought down as he tried to burst through the visitors defence and again no foul was seen. Sam Wood played a fine ball to Joachim and his cross was put behind by Shaun Pearson as Byrne closed in. The same pair combined again to free Peel whose cross was cleared for another corner which came to nothing. Peel put Joachim through but instead of shooting first time, he checked and the visitors crowded him out. Robinson found Wood and his fine ball to Joachim led to a disappointing finish from the former Boston man. The visitors had the lions share of possession but like the first match rarely threatened Jones. Camm did get a strike on target but Jones dealt with it comfortably.
After the break Quorn began to peg the visitors back, Wood had a shot blocked after his neat turn and Byrne’s effort from the rebound was also blocked. Just on the hour Quorn fashioned a superb equaliser, Wood freed Joachim and although his shot was blocked, Ryan North picked up the loose ball and fired a great shot past a despairing Evans. This was no more than Quorn deserved but Danny Sleath nearly restored his sides lead when his neat play set him up for a strike that flew just over the bar. Robinson fired a free-kick to the near post but Evans was equal to it. At the other end Cullingworth crossed but Robinson did well to clear under pressure but was awarded a free kick anyway.
The visitors recovered from the shock of Quorns leveller and began to exert pressure with Suarez on for Davidson to try and get on the end of a series of crosses. Jones made a hash of a couple of high balls but a mixture of good fortune and desperate defending kept his goal intact. The visitors had a shout for a penalty that was rightly waved away before Sleath scuffed his shot wide from Suarez’s knock down. Robinson relieved the pressure with a fine ball to Joachim but the Quorn striker failed to find a way past Canoville. It looked like Boston were running out of ideas and Quorn began to exert pressure at the other end, good work by Wood freed Byrne to send in a cross that was put behind and desperate defending by the visitors ensued as Joachim and Wood both had shots blocked before Shaw fired well over as he burst into the box. Byrne got free down the left and beat his man before crossing to the unmarked Joachim who gleefully fired past Evans to put Quorn ahead for the first time, with less than ten minutes remaining.
Boston responded and threw caution to the wind and again penalty claims were brushed aside although this time it looked a good shout but the referee, on the spot said no. Three minutes from time it looked odds on for another 30 mins to come as a deep cross was headed down by Suarez into the path of Anthony Church who smashed past Jones to level the scores. Quorn brought on Miller for Joachim and Michael Papparozzi replaced Peel in readiness for extra time but Miller had other ideas and latched on to a cross to slam the ball past Evans into the far corner to put his side back in front. Back came Boston and only a tremendous save at point blank range by Jones, prevented the tie going into extra time, in the dying moments Quorn held out to book their place in the next round.
Quorn rode their luck at times in both games but on the whole, thoroughly deserved their victory, the determination shown by the Quorn players and the fight back, when they were under the cosh, made for a proud night for the club. Couldn’t pick a MOTM , some did shine more than others but it was a superb team effort.
Boston United 0-0 Quorn (31/10/09)
Quorn travelled to Unibond Premier division high flyers Boston United with a virtually full strength side for this FA Trophy 2nd round Qualifying game, Cam Keast the only absentee from last Tuesday's win at Stamford. The home side made 2 changes from the side that lost in midweek at Stocksbridge, when they were knocked off top spot, Mikel Suarez and James Cullingworth replacing Danny Davidson and Liam Parker.
The home side were soon in their stride and Mark Camm caused problems for Quorn with a few early crosses, Danny Sleath shot over before a good move at the other end, involving Russell Peel and former Boston favourite Julian Joachim, ended with Sam Wood's strike having the sting taken out of it before keeper Tom Evans tidied up. Camm's dangerous cross was well cleared by Kris Matthews under pressure from Suarez and moments later the same combination ended with Suarez's first time effort striking the crossbar before Quorn scrambled clear. Joachim charged down an attempted clearance and crossed to the unmarked Phil Miller but Evans was off his line like a shot to smother the strikers effort. Steve Purton's long ball saw Joachim scamper clear on the left but his cross was cut out by the alert Shaun Pearson. Miller then had an effort charged down but these were isolated attacks as the home side put pressure on Quorn's back four who were coping well with the aerial threat of Suarez. Jamie Yates had his shot blocked by Ash Robinson before Craig Jones was called into action to deal with a cross shot by Camm that he pushed round for a corner.
Yates's deep cross was chested behind by Purton before the same player cleared to Miller who looked to play in Joachim but Pearson read the situation well and nipped in to clear. Quorn appeared to have weathered the early pressure and Wood's ball to Joachim was again intercepted as danger threatened. Good work by Yates caused panic at the back for Quorn but Peel cleared his cross at the expense of the first of a series of corners that had the visitors defending desperately but successfully. The home side began to look a little frustrated and just before the break Quorn began to exert pressure at the other end. Only a brilliant save by Evans prevented Quorn taking the lead, parrying Peel's close range effort, as he turned smartly to shoot following a neat interchange between Wood and Joachim. The home side finished the half with a flurry with Jones called upon to make a double save, first to parry from Sleath's initial strike and then to deny the follow up effort from Suarez.
Quorn began the 2nd period better than the first and Joe Shaw crossed for Joachim to get in a shot that was blocked and a good run by Purton ended with Chris Wood conceding the corner. A disputed free kick was only partially cleared by Jones's punch and Suarez narrowly headed the loose ball over. Matt Langham replaced the industrious Miller and immediately made an impact setting up Wood for a strike that produced another fine stop by Evans. Peels inswinging corner caused a spot of panic before Ryan North got forward and forced Evans to make another fine save at full stretch. Purton flashed a ball across the face of Evans's goal as Quorn sensed a shock victory. Robinson freed Langham on the right and his fine cross was met by Joachim but unfortunately he mis-kicked and a great chance went begging.
Robinson lay injured on the ground for nearly two minutes before Quorn finally knocked the ball out of play for him to receive attention. Will Richards came on and Quorn were forced to reshuffle and the impetus was lost as the home side stepped up a gear sensing victory in the closing stages. Sleath had an effort blocked, Purton cleared off the line from Pearson and sustitute Spencer Weir-Daley shot just over. Lanham had an effort blocked after good work by Richards and Tom Byrne, who was on in place of Wood. Dan Cotton came on for Boston and had a shot blocked and Weir-Daley's effort was comfortably gathered by Jones.
All in all probably a fair result as both sides had moments to break the deadlock, Quorn's overworked back four all played their part in an excellent team performance against higher opposition, Pearson and Evans were the pick of the home side in terms of performance. Kris Matthews and Ash Robinson were both outstanding for Quorn and share my MOTM nomination but this doesn't detract from superb performances all over the pitch. Home advantage will count for nothing as Quorn will have to, at least, match the effort and workrate in the Replay on Tuesday as the Premier division side look to assert their senior status.
Stamford 1-3 Quorn (27/10/09)
Quorn welcomed back skipper Kris Matthews after a lengthy spell on the side lines and Anthony Marriott moved into Midfield with Tom Byrne dropping down to the bench despite his 2 goals in the last match. Phil Miller partnered Julian Joachim up front looking to build on their combined 13 goal haul this season.
The home side were the first to show when Michael Stevenson crossed from the right but David Farrell's header was wide of the mark. Quorn took the lead with their first attack of note on 13 minutes, when following a good move involving Russell Peel and Joe Shaw, Philip Miller fired first time past Danny Bircham from just inside the box with a well struck effort. Miller almost doubled the lead moments later when he seized upon a loose ball and broke clear but a superb tackle by Paul Malone at the expense of a corner saved the day. Bircham's error from the resulting corner gave Joachim a chance from close in but he couldn't keep his effort down.
Stamford responded and Stevenson's corner was headed wide by the unmarked Malone before at the other end Shaw's deep cross beat the defender but Bircham was alert to make the save as Joachim lurked. A great run down the left by Andy Ellis was spoiled by a poor cross before sloppy defending by Quorn gave Danny Matson a shooting opportunity but Craig Jones parried his effort before Ash Robinson completed the clearance. Ryan North replaced the injured Cam Keast after the half hour mark and minutes later Sam Wood weaved his way into a shooting position and although his effort was blocked it fell invitingly to Joachim who drilled a superb shot past the despairing dive of Bircham to put Quorn 2 up. Following a neat interchange Marriott fired over and at the other end, following a free kick Malone fired across the face of Quorn's goal but nobody was able to get on the end of it and half time came with no further score.
After the interval both sides were guilty of scrappy play as promising moves at both ends broke down with sloppy passes going astray. A superb turn and through ball by Miller, set up Joachim but he scuffed his effort wide of the far post as Bircham narrowed the angle. Byrne replaced the out of sorts Wood and this upset the balance of the side and the home side began to get on top for the first time in the match without Jones being called into serious action. A strong run by Steve Purton down the left should have wrapped the game up for Quorn but his superb cross to the unmarked Byrne, was knocked straight at Bircham, with the goal at his mercy.
Quorn's shape and pattern became terribly disjointed and Stamford deservedly pulled a goal back when Farrell fired home following a lengthy spell of pressure with just under 30 minutes remaining. The home side sensed they could get back on level terms and such was Quorn's disarray, Stamford looked favourites to do so. The game changed again when a terrific 1-2 by Marriott and Joachim saw the former pick out Byrne, who made amends for his earlier miss by firing past Bircham from 10 yards with less than ten minutes remaining. The work rate of the home side continued and Jones got down well to make a smart catch from Lee Ellison's strike but Quorn played out time to book their place in the next round.
The home sides misfortunes continue but no one could fault their work rate and possibly with a rub of the green, may have got something out of the game especially 2nd half following the introduction of the industrious Lee Beeson, who was the pick of the home side but my MOTM goes to the returning Quorn skipper Kris Matthews who led the back line superbly well.
Quorn 6-3 Radcliffe Borough (20/10/09)
In an action packed FA Trophy 1st Round Qualifying Replay at Farley Way Quorn, the home side finally won through to a 2nd round Qualifying tie at Boston United. With Matt Langham unavailable Liam Turner started after a long spell out through injury with Tom Byrne also doing likewise in an otherwise unchanged line-up.
The visitors started the brighter and Eddie Stanford went close shooting just past the far post before Quorn's Byrne did likewise at the other end. A great cross by Byrne set up Turner but the striker's effort was tame and Lloyd Rigby the visiting keeper gathered safely, the same player was guilty of another glaring miss after a superb cross by Ash Robinson gave him a guilt edge chance. These missed chances cost Quorn as keeper Craig Jones failed to react to a low shot from Stanford that crept in off the near post.
Worse was to follow for the home side when a Stanford cross was converted by an unmarked Shaun Conner from close range in the 31st minute. Minutes later the goalscorer became villain when Julian Joachim burst through for Quorn only to be upended by Connor and the Referee had no option but to show him the red card, to compound the visitors agony Steve Purton fired the free kick from 20 yards past Rigby to reduce the deficit. Any thoughts of the visitors crumbling were dispelled when a sloppy clearance by Quorn keeper Jones was seized upon by Ben Wharton who fired home just before the break.
The 2nd half began with the visitors looking quite comfortable, content to allow the home side possession but without them looking to breach the Radcliffe defence . Suddenly the game changed when Byrne produced a solo effort beating two men before firing a low shot past Rigby. Byrne's pace was causing all sorts of trouble for the visitors and chances were in abundance as Radcliffe fought desperately to keep Quorn at bay. Joachim missed a good chance for Quorn following Russell Peel's cross and Byrne's effort on the run was just too high. Byrne again went close before he turned provider, crossing superbly for Peel to fire home the equalizer.
Quorn were now rampant and Sam Wood's effort was brilliantly tipped over by Rigby but the keeper was powerless to prevent Quorn going ahead for the first time when Purton's run and cross was slid home by Byrne from close range. The visitors to their credit didn't wilt under the constant pressure and deserve full credit for the way they stuck to their task but the numerical advantage was just too much and Joachim's fine run set up Wood to fire past Rigby who had no chance as Quorn went further ahead with less than 10 minutes on the clock. A superb move involving 4 players ended with substitute Michael Papparozzi crossing to the unmarked Peel to grab his 2nd and Quorn's sixth.
Radcliffe deserve a lot of credit for their part in a very entertaining game and the manager can be proud of his team's 2nd half battling performance despite the scoreline. The Man of the Match goes to Quorn's Tom Byrne.
Radcliffe Borough 2-2 Quorn (17/10/09)
Quorn travelled to Radcliffe Borough in this FA Trophy Ist round Qualifier still without the services of skipper Kris Matthews , Ash Robinson continued in the back four and Julian Joachim returned from illness in place of Phil Miller who got caught in traffic on the M6.
Quorn defending the slope first half were the first to show with Russell Peel feeding Joachim who crossed, Matt Langham neatly stepped over allowing Sam Wood to strike but his goal bound effort was blocked by Ben Manning. A long ball to Jody Banim nearly caught Quorn out but the ball just had too much pace and Craig Jones gathered comfortably. Langham cleverly beat his man but his cross was well held by home keeper Lloyd Rigby as Joachim lurked at the far post. Quorn’s appeals for offside went unheeded as Ben Wharton broke clear but as Jones came out the strikers attempted lob, drifted wide. A great ball by Anthony Marriott picked out Peel but his shot was blocked and a sloppy ball in midfield led to a long clearance that Banim controlled superbly before firing just over. The same player benefitted from a lucky deflection that saw him break clear but Robinson read the danger and cleared superbly.
Robinson’s corner was headed over by Langham before the industrious Banim rounded his marker but Jones blocked his effort with his legs. Again Banim caused panic but his shot from an acute angle produced a fine tip over by Jones. Jones then spilled a catch from the corner but recovered to gather. Eddie Stanford’s free kick cleared the wall but Joe Shaw made the intervention and cleared well. Banim again caused problems and he forced Jones into another fine save. Play was end to end with both sides applying pressure but it was Quorn who made the first telling blow when a superb flowing move involving Wood and Peel led to Ryan North setting up Robinson whose first time strike from 25 yards flew into the far corner to give his side the lead just before half time. There was just enough time for Peel to flash the ball across the face of the home goal but with no takers.
After the break Quorn began to get on top, Robinson and Joachim combined to set up North who fired just wide and the same two combined again to set up Wood this time but his effort was blocked by a defender. Steve Purton played a neat 1-2 with Langham before crossing but Rigby held well under pressure. With Quorn now in the ascendancy it was no surprise when they doubled their lead, Langham, Joachim and Peel all involved before Wood stroked the ball home from close range.
Radcliffe responded with a curling effort by Wharton that wasn’t far away and again the impressive Banim weaved his way into the box before the ball found its way to Wharton who was again just off target. Poor marking from a long clearance allowed time and space for Banim to finally get the goal he richly deserved firing past Jones with a superb strike with 10 minutes remaining. It was two in a minute as the Quorn defence went AWOL leaving Wharton to side foot home from close range. The home side sensed what was an unlikely victory minutes earlier and only a magnificent save by Jones from Banim’s header kept the scores level. Quorn did recover their composure and both North and substitute Michael Papparozzi missed chances to wrap it up for Quorn in the final minutes.
Both sides could point to chances lost but all in all probably a fair result with the MOTM going to the superb Jody Banim. The Replay is scheduled for this Tuesday at Quorn 7-45 ko.
Quorn 3-0 Spalding Utd. (13/10/09)
Quorn won through to the last 16 of the Presidents Cup with a 3-nil victory against a depleted Spalding United side who were savaged by a flu virus. Quorn themselves only fielded 5 players in the starting 11 that suffered a disappointing loss at Spalding 10 days previous. Andy Simpson, Kyle Smith and Tom Byrne were given first starts of the season and Liam Turner, Tom Ingram and Michael Papparozzi all returned with several players rested as a precaution.
Quorn took an early lead when a long throw by Ash Robinson was headed on by Cam Keast and Davy Sheppard was unfortunate to put through his own goal past a startled Richard Roberts in the visitors goal. Ben Goode went close for Spalding before Byrne side stepped two defenders before setting up Ingram who with a left foot strike tested Roberts who saved well at the foot of the post. Robinson’s 30 yard strike was deflected just wide before Byrne and Ingram combined to free Smith but the youngster’s shot was blocked by the legs of Roberts.
Byrne went close again as half –time approached but Roberts again got the vital touch to prevent his side going further behind. With both sides having so many changes the quality of play was sadly lacking but never the less still provided entertainment.
The 2nd half continued with Quorn the dominant force but resolute defended by the visitors in numbers although effective meant that their attacking options were limited to breakaways. Roberts did well to get his hands to Byrne’s 18 yarder but from the resulting corner Ryan North picked up a loose ball and fired through a crowd of players past an unsighted Roberts to put Quorn 2 up. A Steve Purton header from a Joe Shaw cross was cleared off the line and Sam Wood, just on for the injured Keast, played a ball down the line to Turner who was off target as Roberts narrowed the angle. Another good move by Quorn saw Shaw cross to Turner who tamely headed wide when well placed.
With play continuously at the visitors end, chances came thick and fast and first Shaw tested Roberts when he broke down the right and cut inside and fired a low left footer that the keeper saved with his legs and a superb turn and shot by Byrne was again well saved by Roberts who tipped over and from the resulting corner Byrne again picked up to fire just over from the edge of the box. Purton’s run and cross eluded everyone as it flashed across the six yard box, and Substitute Will Richards combined with Byrne to set up another Substitute Phil Miller but Roberts was out bravely at the striker's feet to make the save. Robinson burst into the box from the right and Shaw blasted wide from close in before Byrne finally beat Roberts when jinking past two defenders set him up to smash past the overworked keeper. As Quorn took the foot off the gas Alex Knibbs broke clear for the visitors but Simpson came out bravely to save at his feet.
Individually several good performances without the fluency collectively but my MOTM goes to Richard Roberts the visiting keeper at the heart of a rearguard action with Tom Byrne the pick of the Quorn team.
Witton Alb. 2-2 Quorn (10/10/09)
Quorn made the daunting trip to this mornings League Leaders Witton Albion without the unavailable Phil Gilchrist, Julian Joachim also out through illness and skipper Kris Matthews still on the sidelines for at least another week. Phil Miller returned to partner Matt Langham up front and Joe Shaw and Ryan North both included in a reshuffled side. With Russell Peel back after suspension, Steve Purton slotted into the back line with Ash Robinson partnering Anthony ,Marriott in the centre.
With so many changes, it took a while for the team to settle down and it was no surprise that the Witton side were by far the more potent side in the first half hour. Quorn were made to work hard defensively having to defend against numerous set pieces and from a corner, Peter Heler’s snap shot was only inches past the post. At last Quorn mounted an attack of note with good one touch football involving Peel, North and Sam Wood, with the latter playing in Miller who looked to be clear but his hesitation to shoot led to him being closed down. A couple of occasions the home side did find the back of the net but both were long after the whistle had blown for offside.
Brad Maylett worked his way to a good position and his well struck effort produced a fine save from Craig Jones at full stretch. A cross by Shaw struck a Witton hand but was deemed “ ball to hand”by the Referee . A deep free-kick found the head of Paul Booth but Jones made a comfortable catch. A series of needless free-kicks caused unnecessary pressure and Steven Hall nearly put his side ahead but his shot struck the crossbar and Quorn survived. At the other end a cross by Miller looked dangerous but Peel’s header was off target. A brilliant turn in the box by Steve Foster gave him a shot on goal but his effort just cleared the far post. Just before the break a Purton corner reached Miller but his reverse cross was headed clear but Robinson struck a first time effort from 20 yards that produced a fine save by Joe Clegg at the foot of his near post.
The 2nd half was only 4 minutes old when a cross into the Quorn box struck Peel on the hand but this time the Referee deemed it to be “hand to ball”- a very harsh decision considering it was identical to the one in the first half – and Foster fired home to give the home side the lead. A Robinson 30 yard strike on the run produced a great save by Clegg again at full stretch but as Quorn began to get more and more into the game, the equalizer didn’t take long when following a spell of pressure in the Home sides box the ball fell to Purton who smashed the ball home from the edge of the area off the underside of the bar.
5 minutes later Quorn were ahead when a fine ball by Wood saw Miller scamper clear and fire past Clegg from 12 yards. The home side did have the ball in the net but again well after the flag had been raised and a Third for Quorn was chalked off following a foul on the keeper. Quorn were still looking the more likely to score with first Peel firing just over and a Marriott shot on the run from distance just went wide off the mark. In the 89th minute the Referee awarded the home side another spot kick when substitute Mike Moseley was adjudged to have been fouled, the Quorn protests brought nothing but yellow cards and Foster stepped up to rifle past Jones for the equalizer.
The first half belonged to Witton, who perhaps were rueing a couple of missed chances but the 2nd half certainly was Quorn’s and to concede two soft goals through no fault of their own was very disappointing and far from being a great point won – it felt like two points were snatched away. A lot of improved performances all over today but my MOTM goes to Joe Shaw.
Spalding Utd 3-0 Quorn (3/10/09)
Quorn made the trip to Spalding, minus the services of Skipper Kris Matthews, Russell Peel and leading scorer Phil Miller, but this could not be offered as an excuse for the awful defending that cost 3 goals and but for 2 or 3 fine saves by Craig Jones could have been a lot worse. Spalding to their credit are a better side than suggested by their winless season prior to Saturday’s game and although they started each half rather nervously were never the less carried through to a deserved victory by their non stop work rate and for the most part clinical finishing.
Quorn started brightly enough and should have took the lead as early as the 4th minute when following a cross by Ash Robinson, a deliberate push on Matt Langham, making his first full start of the season, as he rose to head the ball. With Miller sidelined the penalty taking fell to Robinson who went for the corner but home keeper Steve Norris guessed right and made a fine save low to his right. The home side were spurred on by the let off and Ben Goode forced Jones into a fine tip over with a rasping drive after the first of many defensive blunders.
Goode again broke free but Sam Wood got back to save the day as Quorn were exposed again. Woods free kick found Michael Papparozzi, who turned well but fired wide before Quorn went close following a good move when Langham fed Julian Joachim whose neat turn gave Steve Purton a chance to open his account on his debut but his shot was blocked well. Langham’s neat lay-off to Purton produced a fine cross which was cut out just as Joachim looked to be in. Paul Tocco’s 20 yard free-kick was only inches past Jones’s left hand post. Phil Gilchrist played a fine ball down the line to Langham who crossed well but again the alert home defence cut it out.
In contrast the Quorn defence were caught napping again when Tocco’s cross was punched away by Jones but straight into the path of Luke Forbes whose first time volley was only equaled by the superb reaction tip-over by Jones. At the other end Robinsons cross was well controlled by Joachim who slipped to Papparozzi and his first time effort hit the post and rebounded into the grateful arms of Norris. Goode produced another fine shot on the run but again Jones was equal to it with another fine stop, but 7 minutes before the break he had no chance as Simon Mowbray lashed home following more defensive walkabouts.
The 2nd half began with Quorn dominating play, Purton’s cross only inches away from Joachim toes and Robinson’s goalbound strike struck a defenders hand but Quorn’s appeals were waived away. Langham played a fine ball to free Papparozzi and when the cross came over the no9 just shaved the bar with his header. Papparozzi then fed Joachim who in turn freed Wood to strike from 20 yards but Norris just got his hands to the ball to prevent the equalizer. Then came the deciding moment midway through the half as the Assistant Referee flagged for a throw to Quorn – the Referee gave it the other way and as Quorn dithered Ben Garrick galloped clear and fired past Jones. 5 minutes later sloppy defending on the other flank following another disputed throw-in allowed Goode the freedom to finish well on the run, to make the game safe.
Quorn’s triple substitution came too late to change the course of the three points and whilst there were 1 or 2 decent performances for Quorn the MOTM award deserves to go to any of the Spalding Forwards who, when chances arose, showed how to finish.
Brigg Town 2-2 Quorn (29/9/09)
Quorn made the trip to Brigg town without Thomas Liberatore, who was unavailable, Skipper Kris Matthews returned in an otherwise unchanged line-up that beat the League leaders on Saturday. Quorn were soon out the blocks with Michael Papparozzi setting up a chance for Russell Peel but his effort was always rising. An Ash Robinson corner was headed out to Sam Wood, whose dipping volley had home keeper Jody Barford scrambling as the effort fizzed past the upright. Another Robinson corner had Brigg in trouble and a spot of head tennis finished with Matthews hitting the bar and with Papparozzi unable to keep the rebound down, the home side survived again.
Slick football by Quorn saw Peel get in a cross but Tom Ingram’s strike went narrowly wide. At last the home side mounted an attack from a deep free-kick that fell to Ollie Chappell but his effort was way off target from the corner of the box. A corner to Brigg was cleared off the line but the whistle had gone anyway. A long free-kick by Anthony Marriott nearly freed Julian Joachim but he was just stretching and the ball flicked through to the keeper. Joachim then showed a touch of class in releasing Phil Miller but Barford raced from his line to clear . Papparozzi made a good run down the left but chose to cross instead of laying back to the unmarked Peel and the chance was gone.
For all Quorn’s dominance it was the Home side who took the lead when a breakaway gave Jason Maxwell a shot on goal, Craig Jones got down well to initially make a fine stop but spilled the ball and Karl Slack reacted first to slide the ball home on 38 minutes. Quorn responded with another cross by Papparozzi that was returned across the face of goal by Joachim but with no takers. Robinson freed Peel with a fine ball and his superb cross was met by the head of Joachim but with Barford beaten the ball just cleared the bar.
After the break Quorn continued to take the game to their hosts but Matthews had to be replaced following a knock on the head and a fit again Ryan North replaced the Quorn skipper. Robinson’s deflected shot looked to be going in until Barford re-adjusted to get down well and make a good catch. Brigg finally had a spell in the ascendancy and a deep cross was missed by the Quorn defence which took Slack by surprise and his effort went by the post. Back came Quorn and a superb run by Wood, who weaved his way past 3 or 4 defenders ended with his deflected shot spooning up for Ingram who chose to hook the ball home when a header looked easier and his effort went tamely over.
A cross by Brigg ended up with the unusual sight of Jones holding the ball against the crossbar as two home forwards tried to get to it and although the ball ended in the net the Referee awarded a free-kick to Quorn. A mis-cued clearance put Jones in trouble that he struggled to deal with and it looked like Quorn were throwing the game away but a fine cross from Ingram found the head of Joachim who rose superbly to head past Barford giving the keeper no chance to level the scores with just over 15 minutes left. Poor defending then allowed Brigg to retake the lead within a minute, although the cross by Daniel Barrett and the headed finish by substitute Matty Godden were both top drawer the attack should have been dealt with easily beforehand.
A 35 yard strike by Marriott swerved viciously and Barford had to readjust to make the parry and with six minutes to go Quorn’s pressure finally told when Millers cross was palmed onto the head of Cam Keast who headed home to give his side a deserved equalizer. Quorn finished the game on top but were unable to find the winner. MOTM was easy tonight despite several good performances from players of both sides Sam Wood looked head and shoulders above anyone else with a superb 90 minute performance all over the pitch.
Quorn 2-0 Leek Town (26/9/09)
Quorn welcomed the previously unbeaten League leaders Leek Town and following on from Tuesday’s fine win at Grantham, thoroughly deserved the 3 points from an entertaining game at Farley Way. With skipper Kris Matthews unavailable, Ash Robinson partnered Anthony Marriott at the back with Michael Papparozzi filling the void in midfield.
Early attacks from both sides petered out before danger threatened but it was Quorn who nearly scored first, when a neat move involving Russell Peel and Papparozzi gave Phil Miller a shooting opportunity, but his effort, although drifting wide, was pushed behind by Steve Hodgson in the Leek goal. Not long after Hodgson produced a great save to deny Peel after good work by Miller. Leek responded and Wayne Corden wasn’t far away with his snapshot . Quorn were caught out by a long clearance by Hodgson that found Dan Cope, the no 10 skipping away from two defenders before firing tamely straight at Craig Jones.
A Robinson throw caused panic in the Leek box and Hodgson had to adjust before palming away. Another long clearance fell to Leon Ashman and his first time attempt to lob Jones, drifted wide. Robinson’s quick throw to Peel was returned and his first time chipped cross shot had Hodgson back peddling but the ball just cleared the bar. At the other end only brilliant defending by Marriott prevented the first goal after a superb cross by Rob Hawthorne looked to find the head of Ashman. Sam Wood’s run into the box caused concern when his neat cross found Julian Joachim but 2 Leek defenders closed him down. Ashman had a great chance for the visitors following another fine cross, but his header cleared the bar from six yards. Joachim likewise had a great chance following good work by Wood but the striker fluffed his kick and Leek survived.
It was end to end as the half drew to a close and Cope had his effort charged down before Joachim again had a great chance after being set up by Papparozzi but again scuffed his shot and Hodgson wasn’t troubled. The visitors stepped up a gear after the break but the pressure was contained by the Quorn defence superbly marshaled by Marriott. A break by Quorn saw Miller free Tom Ingram but his effort was blocked before he returned the compliment and Miller’s first time volley from the right hand side had Hodgson scampering back as the ball just cleared the woodwork. Papparozzi’s fine run gave Peel a chance to cross which was headed behind. Robinson’s deep corner was missed at the far post by Hodgson and Thomas Liberatore forced the ball over the line to give Quorn a somewhat fortuitous but never the less deserved 1 nil lead with just over 10 minutes remaining.
A Quorn error gave Cope a chance to cross that was met with a superb header by Mark Ruddock but Jones flung himself brilliantly to his right to claw away one handed to prevent the equalizer. With 4 minutes of normal time remaining Quorn made the game safe when a fine through ball by Wood sent Miller clear, and although Hodgson parried his first strike the no 9 followed up to slide home the rebound. Leek didn’t give up and Cope’s neat lay off in the box found Corden but his first time shot flashed just past the upright. Miller nearly got his 2nd but his strike was cleared of the line in time added on.
Papparozzi and Wood both had fine games but my MOTM is shared between Ash Robinson and Anthony Marriott who were both Superb at the back in what was a fine team performance.
Grantham 3-5 Quorn (22/9/09)
A Hat-trick from Phil Miller and a Julian Joachim double enabled Quorn to progress to the next round of the Unibond League Cup, finally overcoming Grantham by 5 goals to 3. Quorn made one change for the visit to the Kesteven Stadium with Will Ricketts making his first start replacing Tom Ingram who dropped down to the bench.
The home side suffered a blow, early on when Rob Norris had to leave the field and was replaced by Martin Wormall. With both defences on top clear chances were minimal until a superb cross from the left by Sam Saunders was headed home by brother Ben Saunders from 12 yards with 20 minutes gone.
Quorn responded and Miller’s long range snap shot was only just over from distance and Cameron Keast brought out a fine save by Grantham keeper Alex Goddard. The home lead lasted just six minutes when Russell Peel was adjudged to have been tripped as he burst into the box and Miller confidently depatched the resulting spot kick.
Quorn took the game to the home side and Goddard produced a fine save to deny Miller a second, after great work by Joachim had put the striker clean through but the keeper couldn’t prevent Joachim from giving Quorn the lead 10 minutes before the break when Miller reversed the earlier play by setting up his stike partner who made no mistake. Wormall had a great chance to level but fired into the side netting from close range.
After the break the home side took the game to Quorn and Danny Brookes leveled the scores with a side foot volley from just outside the box with Craig Jones rooted to the spot. Grantham continued to dominate with Gio Carchedi going close before Saunders rose to head past Jones with a deft header to put his side back in front just 5 minutes into the 2nd half.
Just on the hour Quorn made a double substitution with Michael Papparozzi and Tom Ingram joining the action and immediately the play swung to the other end , Joachim brought a fine save from Goddard and Peel had a effort blocked before Ingram burst into the box and was upended unceremoniously to give the Referee an easy decision and Miller again stepped up to tuck home the penalty to level the scores on 66 mins.
Joachim picked out Miller with a fine ball and the number 9 controlled well before firing into the top corner past Goddard to put Quorn back in front with 15 minutes remaining. Back came Grantham and Saunders went close to his treble before Joachim finally made the game safe firing past Goddard from an acute angle just before the end. MOTM – some fine individual performances but Phil Miller gets my vote .
Market Drayton 4-2 Quorn (19/9/09)
Quorn’s visit to Market Drayton ended in another defeat, this time in controversial circumstances with Quorn’s Russell Peel dismissed by the referee after barely 30 minutes of the game with the scores level at 1 apiece. Quorn began with Thomas Liberatore starting in place of the injured Phil Gilchrist and Ash Robinson returning after injury in midfield. With only 8 minutes gone the home side took the lead when a crossfield ball was missed by a Quorn defender and Matthew Biddle took the following pass to slot home past Craig Jones. Just after a quarter of an hour the Home side made a mess of a routine clearance and Miller nipped in to intercept a poor backpass to level the scores. Robinson fired wide following good work by Cam Keast before Martyn Davies cleverly played in Biddle but Robinson got back to do just enough and Jones collected easily.
With Quorn beginning to get on top the game changed dramatically with Peel bursting through into the box and reaching the ball before the advancing home keeper Andy Price who collided with the Quorn wingman, Peely rose first, looking likely to finish but to everyone’s amazement the Referee awarded a free-kick to the home side and handed Peel a yellow card, having already received an earlier caution, the red card followed much to the disbelief and annoyance of the Quorn team.
Instead of being 2-1 down, the home side were soon 2-1 up, following a long ball that looked liked Jones should have come for, Kris Matthews was caught wrong footed and when the cross came over Jones could only palm in the path of Biddle who calmly dispatched for his and Market Drayton’s 2nd. Worse was to follow 2 minutes before the break, when Sam Wood, was left to mark 2 men at a free kick and the home pair worked the 1-2 well before a missile of a cross was bravely headed home by Paul McMullen past the static Quorn defenders.
Following the restart Davies screwed wide from a good position before at the other end Quorn’s luck in front of goal continued as Julian Joachim charged down the keepers attempted clearance only to see the ball roll agonizingly past the post. This lucky let off spurred the home side and it took a tremendous headed goal line clearance by Wood to prevent them going further ahead. With the introduction of Matt Langham and Will Richards up front Quorn began to have the upper hand and a long throw by Robinson caused panic in the home defence and Langham’s slightest touch was enough to cause Grant Goodhead to put through his own goal to set up an exciting last 25 minutes.
Langham again caused problems and won a corner which came to nothing before Biddle wasted an opportunity for his hat trick at the other end by heading tamely at Jones when totally unchallenged. Joachim’s great cross for Quorn was well cleared by Goodhead as Langham and Keast were waiting to pounce. Joachim’s quick reaction saw him fire in a shot that appeared to be handled but no penalty was given.
With Quorn’s 10 men in search of the equalizer, Market Drayton broke down the left and full back Gary Anslow played a neat 1-2 before firing a great shot that beat Jones at his near post to seal the home victory with 5 minutes remaining. Quorn were always up against it following the sending off but the 10 men gave it a real go. My MOTM goes to Nicky Porter the home no 7.
Quorn 1-2 Rushall (15/9/09)
Despite the scoreline, this was the best performance of the season so far, although the same old story continues with missed chances and defensive frailties the reason for this latest setback. With Ash Robinson out injured, Quorn welcomed back Sam Wood for his first game of the season and Phil Gilchrist returned to the defence after injury. Just before the kick off Liam Turner picked up a thigh strain and Phil Miller replaced him alongside Julian Joachim.
With less than 5 minutes gone Nathan Lamey, the Rushall no 9 had to leave the field with what looked like a serious injury and was replaced by the former Willenhall striker, Rory May. The game settled down and a fine ball by Kris Matthews saw Miller go clear and chip the advancing Rushall keeper, Chris Gemmell, only to see his effort drift wide of the near post. Wood drove forward for Quorn but his shot had the sting taken out of it and Gemmell gathered cleanly.
With 14 minutes gone a great tackle by Cam Keast broke kindly for May and the big striker advanced as the Quorn defence backed off and with the assistance of the wind curled a right foot shot into the top corner to break the deadlock. Joachim was put through by Keast but his shot lacked the power to trouble Gemmell. Russell Peel was next to show for Quorn, skipping down the left before cutting inside but his right foot shot was deflected for a corner. Peel again caused panic in the visiting defence, beating two men before a third made the clearance. Michael Papparozzi’s great cross from the left found the head of Miller but his tame header failed to trouble Gemmell and again the same player shot wide when well placed after good work by Wood.
Tom Liberatore came on to make his debut for Quorn, replacing the injured Gilchrist. With 33 minutes on the clock Rushall scored a second , with Quorn pushing up looking for the equalizer, May found himself in space and his low shot caught Craig Jones unawares and skimmed into the far corner, another poor goal defensively. Peel’s 20 yard free kick was just over following a foul on Wood and just before the break a Tom Ingram free kick wasn’t far away following another foul.
Seconds into the 2nd half, Quorn should have scored when Joachims fine ball was struck by Miller past Gemmell, only for the ball to strike the foot of the post and rebound into the grateful arms of the visiting keeper. With Quorn doing all the attacking a equalizer seemed certain to come and following a neat interchange, Peel struck a fine effort that forced Gemmell into a superb reflex save. At the other end, that man May again posed a threat but Liberatore stole the ball and made the clearance. Papparozzi broke clear for Quorn but wasted the opportunity by shooting well wide.
With 25 minutes remaining Quorn got the goal they deserved when following a good move, Miller played in Joachim, who crossed for Peel to head home past Gemmell. In a rare Rushall attack, May appeared to dive as Anthony Marriott withdrew his outstretched leg but to the astonishment of the Quorn defenders, the referee pointed to the spot but Justice was done as the big striker took the kick himself and Jones read his kick and pushed the ball away.
Back came Quorn and a great cross by Keast was headed narrowly over by Peel. Shots by substitute Will Rickets, also coming on for his debut, Miller and Peel again all went close before at the other end, May’s poor control let him down when again danger threatened as Quorn were stretched. Just before the end a rasping shot on the run by Joachim was brilliantly tipped over by Gemmell to prevent a deserved equalizer for Quorn. One or two things still need working on but the 2nd half performance was as good as anything I’ve seen this season. MOTM – quite a few people looked back to somewhat near their best but Sam Wood for me just pipped Peely and Cam Keast.
Quorn 0-2 Mickleover Sports(12/9/09)
Quorn crashed out of the FA Cup with an inept display at both ends of the field, conceding two sloppy goals and showing no fire power at the other end.
Manager Dougie Keast fielded the same side that took three points in the last game and was hoping to progress to the next round with home advantage against a side with a similar playing record in the league this season.
Mickleover took the lead in the 2nd minute, with the Quorn defence caught fast asleep from a corner and the unmarked Liam Walshe having all the time in the world to pick his spot to head home from close range. Danny Martin could have made it two with a well struck 30 yard free-kick that skimmed the crossbar before Quorn responded in similar fashion with Russell Peel’s effort from a similar distance also striking the bar.
Quorn began to get their act together and a good ball by Ash Robinson to Tom Ingram saw the number 7 pick out Liam Turner but his effort went wide. A long clearance nearly caught out the visitors but Mark Strzyzewski headed behind for a corner, under pressure from Julian Joachim. Robinson’s corner left Turner with another opportunity but his first time effort was again off target. Anthony Marriott’s fine left footed curling cross had Mickleover in all sorts of trouble but Turner failed to connect and keeper Tom Whittall gathered safely.
Peel picked up the ball in his own half and weaved his way deep into the visitors half before cutting inside and firing right footed just over, Peel again caused problems when his deep cross just brushed the defenders head on to Ingram, who controlled the ball well before firing in a shot that Whittall brilliantly parried to prevent the equalizer
Quorn fell further behind when conceding a needless free-kick that Karl Ashton glanced past Craig Jones, with no defender able to make a challenge. Quorn responded, again with Peel the architect, setting up Ingram to fire just over, moments later the same pair combined again, finishing with Ingram’s deflected shot gathered safely by Whittal who had to adjust to make the save.
The 2nd half began with Peel again in the action, breaking free before a great lay off to Turner, but his effort was gathered at the 2nd attempt by Whittall. Substitute Sam Wood had a goalbound strike deflected for a fruitless corner. A constant and needless barrage of yellow cards by the referee in what was a very clean game resulted in a farcial dismissal of Quorn skipper Kris Matthews when already on a yellow, he stumbled when making a challenge and came off worst in the collision, requiring lengthy treatment as the referee waited patiently to issue the 2nd booking before sending him from the field.
Quorn battled on with 10 men and just before the end looked to have pulled one back when Ingram picked out Peel at the far post, only for Whittall to produce another outstanding stop to keep out the diving header. The MOTM by a long way for me was Russell Peel.
Quorn 3-1 Glapwell (5/9/09)
Quorn secured their first League win of the season by virtue of a mix of good solid defending for long periods and the ability to take their chances when they came along. With Phil Gilchrist on the sidelines through injury, Manager Dougie Keast shuffled the side and brought back Michael Papparozzi in central midfield.
The early warning signs, that it was going to be a tough afternoon were soon in evidence, with a great knock down by Ian Brown setting up Neil Grayson, who struck his effort well but Craig Jones was on hand to tip over. Poor marking from the corner left Grayson with a shot on goal but it lacked the power and Jones, although unsighted still made the save at the foot of the post. A quick break by Quorn saw Julian Joachim control neatly before laying a fine ball to the advancing Anthony Marriott who strode on down the right before putting over a superb cross that Steve Kennedy did well to steer behind, from the resulting corner by Ash Robinson, Quorn took the lead when Russell Peel was on hand to force the ball over the line following the visitors failure to deal with the cross.
Glapwell took 3 minutes to restore parity when Grayson got his head to a corner and Brown headed powerfully past Jones to give his side a deserved equalizer. Quorn responded when a good move involving Cameron Keast and Peel ended with Robinson’s effort cleared desperately away. A steady succession of corners for the visitors were dealt with quite comfortably by Quorn, before a long throw by Robinson was cleared back into his path and showing great composure the Quorn no8 deftly drove his effort that beat Neil West but unfortunately for Quorn struck the crossbar .
With play switching from end to end the crowd were kept entertained and first Grayson was denied by a last ditch tackle and a free-kick by Ryan Goward looked dangerous before Ash White cleared at the expense of another corner which came to nothing . Grayson again went close, with Peel getting back to rescue his side with a last ditch tackle. Robinson and Marriott combined to set up Peel at the other end but his trusty RIGHT foot failed to trouble West. A free-kick by Peel, with his left this time, stuck the wall and went for a corner, before good work by Robinson set up Papparozzi but his effort flew well wide . The visitors ended the half back on top without causing Jones too many problems .
Glapwell continued to take the game to Quorn but became more and more frustrated with the lack of clear cut chances, highlighted by Matt Varley’s, “Ronaldo type” dive that received a yellow card by the well placed Referee and Liam Powell breaking free only to waste the chance by firng wide. The play switched to the other end and Joachim’s header was not far off before Papparozzi played a fine ball to Peel who crossed , Substitute Dan Wright’s stepover confused the visitors and Tom Ingram stole in to fire past West to give Quorn an unlikely lead. Worse was to follow for the visitors when a long ball to Joachim was controlled superbly before Robinson burst past two defenders and fired past West to put Quorn 3-1 ahead with just over 20 minutes left.
The Glapwell skipper Justin Burdett tried to rally his side, but twice the number 8 fired wide when well placed and Quorn held firm to register a welcome first win. Peel and Marriott both had fine games but my MOTM goes to Ash Robinson .
Quorn 4-1 Borrowash Victoria (1/09/09)
Quorn won through to the next round of the FA Cup , beating Borrowash Victoria by 4 goals to 1 after sharing a goal less draw on Saturday. The first game saw Quorn miss a few good chances before they nearly lost the game in the final few minutes and had to thank Keeper Craig Jones for making a last ditch stop to set up the replay at Quorn . The visitors were up against it right from the kick off as Quorn attacked with menace unlike the previous game .
It was no surprise when Quorn took the lead when a fine cross by Anthony Marriott eluded both Borrowash central defenders and Julian Joachim stole in and headed firmly past Steven Smith at the far post . Worse was to follow for the visitors when Liam Turner fed Tom Ingram on the right and he jinked inside before curling a left footed shot over the despairing dive of Smith into the top corner with less than 10 minutes gone .
Two minutes later the visitors looked shell shocked as the unmarked Ash Robinson slid home following a corner on the right . Borrowash responded as Quorn switched off and winger Karl Payne stole in but squeezed his effort just wide of the post. Quorn didn’t heed the warning and with just over a quarter of an hour gone Lee Sutton pulled a goal back as the home side lost their shape and rhythm .
Russell Peel with a 25 yard free kick tested Smith, who tipped over the bar spectacularly before Turner again linked well with Ingram before heading wide when the Quorn no7 crossed superbly. Another 25 yarder from Peel, this time on the end of a fine Quorn move, flashed narrowly wide before Cameron Keast linked well with Joachim to set up Turner but the Striker scuffed his shot wide .
After the break the visitors, following three half time substitutions, took the early initiative but were unable to breach the Quorn back four. Turner again went close as he weaved his way into the visitors box but his final shot was deflected wide and the corner was wasted.
A superb turn by Joachim, gave him room to put in a cross that was too good for the visitors and Peel at the far post steered the ball home to give Quorn an unassailable 4-1 lead just before the hour mark. Joachim was replaced by Matt Langham who was unlucky not to have got a fifth for Quorn following another cross by Ingram.
Robinson and Joachim, both had fine games for Quorn but my MOTM goes to Tom Ingram, marking his first full appearance since joining the club in the summer, with a superb all round performance on the right wing.
Quorn 0-2 Willenhall Town (25/08/09)
Quorn's miserable start to the season continued with a lacklustre performance, conceding two first half goals which was enough for the visitors to win the game quite comfortably . With Julian Joachim, making his debut, and Joe Jonas joining Phil Miller up front in a 4-3-3 formation, Manager Dougie Keast was hoping that the pacey trio would be too much for the visitors to handle, but it was Willenhall's Tangeni Nghishidimwa who proved too hot to handle, scoring both goals, the first after 7 minutes with a 20 yard strike that fizzed past Craig Jones, following Quorn's initial defensive lapse.
Jonas and Miller went close for Quorn and on the break Nghishidimwa did well to hold the ball before laying back to Michael Eagles who fired a twenty five yarder that flew straight to Jones who made a comfortable catch. Russell Peel advanced to get in a shot that was blocked, before firing the rebound on the volley that beat Amritjoyt Kler but struck the crossbar, the ball fell invitingly to Miller but his header lacked power and the ball was cleared to safety.
A deep cross by Lee Chilton reached Terrence Morton, but with team-mates available for the knockback, chose to go for goal and Jones held at his near post. Ash Robinson was putting in a lot of hard work but the attacks from Quorn generally petered out before the 18 yard box. Nghishidimwa got his second when following another attack breaking down, the Quorn defence once again, was all over the place and the tall striker broke clear and picked his spot past the advancing Jones, ten minutes before the break.
The second half saw more of the same with Quorn having more possesion but unable to make the breakthrough. Willenhall defensively coped well and when the attack switched to the other end the fears grew that the visitors would increase their lead. The game petered out and Quorn will need to improve if they are to turn their poor start to the season round.
MOTM goes to Tangeni Nghishidimwa, the difference between the two sides.
Chasetown 6-2 Quorn FC (22/08/09)
Quorn made one change for the difficult trip to Chasetown , Russell Peel coming in for the unavailable Michael Papparozzi . Disaster struck in the first minute when Keeper Craig Jones spilled a routine stop and Danny Smith was left with a simple chance to put the home side ahead . It didn't take long for Quorn to be back on level terms, when Phil Miller hit a delightful chip on the run following a long ball by Anthony Marriott. Moments later Quorn were not far off taking the lead when following a corner Marriott headed on to Ash Robinson but his effort just drifted wide of the far post. A free-kick at the other end gave Lee Greenaway a sight on goal but Jones was in position and made a comfortable catch. Sloppy defending by Quorn allowed Smith another easy chance and the home no 10 gleefully accepted to fire his side 2-1 ahead inside 15 minutes.
Quorn responded and Robinson's header from a long throw grazed the top of the bar. The same player then set up Peel with a quick throw , the resulting cross found the head of Liam Turner but a lack of power failed to trouble Ryan Price in the home goal. Richard Batchelor's well struck effort, fortunately for Quorn flew straight to Jones who held well and at the other end, a half clearance fell in the path of Miller but his first time effort was off target. Robinson burst through from midfield and he laid off to Liam Fitzpatrick but the youngsters effort was just too high. Robinson then set up Turner but again his header lacked the power to beat Price. A free-kick to Chasetown 5 minutes before the break was miss-handle by Jones and from the resulting corner, terrible marking in the box gave Craig Marshall the easiest of chances to put Chasetown 3-1 ahead.
With the 2nd half barely two minutes old, Quorn gifted the home side another goal when more appalling marking from a corner gave the Home skipper Richard Teasdale acres of room and plenty of time to pick his spot with his header to effectively kill the game at 4-1. It was the home sides turn to be charitable when Robinson's corner found the head of the unmarked Phil Gilchrist to power his header past Price to reduce the arrears. With less than 5 minutes gone in the 2nd half and both sides having dodgy moments in defence, you sensed there were more goals to come in this game. A fine move by Quorn saw Peel body checked as he advance at speed into the box but the match officials was oblivious to the obvious foul and the chance to further reduce the arrears was gone.
The home side were awarded a free-kick just outside the Quorn box, up stepped Mark Branch and although his shot was not particularly well struck, the deflection off the wall, left Jones flat footed and with still over 30 minutes remaining, Quorn were in danger of humiliation . Miller struck a sweet volley but Price was alert and made a smart catch high to his right. The attacking play of both sides slowed down following a flurry of substitutions, but it was the home side who rounded off a fine afternoon for them, when a crossfield ball caught out Gilchrist and with no cover, Substitute Harry Harris strode on to fire past Jones.
Ash Robinson was the pick from a poor performance by Quorn but my MOTM goes to the home number 7 Ben Steane, who although being substituted just after an hour had already done the damage with an all action display.
Carlton Town 1-0 Quorn FC (18/08/09)
Quorn made two changes to the starting line-up , Phil Gilchrist made his debut, the former Leicester City defender replacing the unavailable Russell Peel and up front, Phil Miller replaced Dan Wright, who dropped to the bench. The home side bidding to avenge the home defeat in the corresponding fixture towards the end of last season started much the brighter with Martin Ball and Dean Gent prompting from midfield and the former tested the Quorn keeper from distance but Craig Jones made a comfortable stop ,low to his right. Anthony Griffiths forced Jones into another save after beating two defenders before firing his shot that Jones knocked behind for a corner which came to nothing.
Tristan Whitman was next to try his luck taking on Kris Matthews, but the Quorn skipper made an excellent challenge to thwart the home no9 and completed the clearance to set up Quorn's first real attack but Michael Papparozzi's run was abruptly halted by a strong challenge by Liam Corrigan . Quorn's front line were well marshalled by the home defence and another Quorn attack broke down too easily allowing Carlton to set up another foray deep into the Quorn defence, this time Dean Gent was able to capitalise. giving his side the lead after 13 minutes, cutting inside before firing home from 15 yards into the far corner past the despairing dive of Jones.
Quorn finally responded when Jones's kick upfield was headed on by Liam Turner to Miller, who strode clear but hit his shot too close to home keeper Alessandro Barcerini who made the save. Gilchrist headed over for Quorn from a corner and Papparozzi was causing problems for the home side, down the left, Getting in a good cross that Turner miss-controlled and moments later put over another fine cross that Barcherini had to cut out low down as Miller waited to pounce. At the other end Whitman again tested Jones but the keeper parried well before Anthony Marriott tidied up. As half time approached Quorn were exposed as another attack broke down and Griffiths advanced to shoot only for Jones to make another good stop.
The 2nd half began with Carlton again having most of the play but this was mainly because every time the ball was knocked up to the Quorn strikers, it came straight back. A fine move by Quorn was halted when Turner was just offside as he broke clear. Papparozzi also was adjudged offside as he broke down the left. Griffiths was definitely onside moments later but wasted a golden opportunity to put his side further ahead, firng wide when well placed. Danny Blair skinned his man and cross but Gilchrist headed behind to cut out the danger. A fine ball looked to split the home defence but as Miller looked to break. a handball cut out the danger and a free-kick was little justice. Liam Fitzpatrick skipped past two men as he cut inside but a third was too much and the danger passed . Carlton were on the back foot as the game wore on but the home defence were in no mood to concede and stood firm . Carlton broke from deep just before the end, as Quorn pushed forward, and did have the ball in the net but the whistle had gone for offside
My MOTM goes to Grant Brindley the Carlton number 5
Quorn FC 1-1 Kidsgrove Atheletic (15/08/09)
Quorn Manager Dougie Keast unveiled his new look side giving debuts to new signings Kris Matthews, Liam Fitzpatrick and Danny Wright and also including 2 players from last years reserve side, Ash White and Michael Papparozzi, who have both impressed during pre-season. Quorn settled down first and the early pressure was at the visitors end without visiting keeper Stephen Intihar being called into serious action.
The visitors first real attack caught out Quorn but Aiden Matranga wasted the opportunity by firing into the side netting. A disputed free kick gave Dave Walker a headed opportunity for Kidsgrove but a great reaction save by Craig Jones diving to his left kept the score sheet blank. A great move by Quorn, starting with Jones’s quick throw out, saw Papparozzi combine with Fitzpatrick to send in a cross that Liam Turner met with his head but Intihar was perfectly stationed to make a comfortable catch. Turner and Fitzpatrick then linked well before the former’s shot was kept out at the 2nd attempt by Intihar . Both sides continued to attack cautiously, with half chances at either end, but generally both defences were on top.
Phil Miller came on for the injured Turner and immediately broke the deadlock following a spell of pressure that had the visiting rearguard at six’s and seven’s , shot’s by Wright and Fitzpatrick being blocked before the ball fell kindly to Miller who tapped home on 42 mins. The 2nd half began with no changes for either side but the visitors restored parity with a hotly disputed goal on 49 minutes, when clearly offside, Walker was allowed to become active again and although Jones made a tremendous stop, the ball rebounded fortuitously to the visiting number 9, who slotted home, much to the annoyance of the home side. A fine cross by Dave Tickle gave Matt Haddrell the chance to put Kidsgrove ahead but Jones produced a fine tip-over to thwart the striker.
Jones was showing fine handling under pressure and wasting no time setting up Quorn attacks with quick precise throw outs, 1 of which freed Fitzpatrick down the right and the youngsters cross gave Papparozzi a chance but he wanted too much time and the visitors got back to snuff out the danger. Quorn were caught on the break but White did very well to hold up Walker before Anthony Marriott got back to complete the clearance.
Fitzpatrick was brought down unceremoniously just outside the visitors box and Marriotts free kick brought out a fine save by Intihar , diving low to his right to keep out the goalbound effort . Kidsgove did have the ball in the net just before the end but the effort was ruled out for offside and both sides had to settle for a point apiece which was probably a fair result.
Cameron Keast, Ash White and Marriott all had fine games but my MOTM goes to Kris Matthews in the heart of the Quorn defence.
