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Presentation Night (8/5/2010)
Ash Robinson scooped the Player's Player award and Sam Wood was awarded the Managers Player. For the Reserves Sam Buckingham picked up both trophies, whilst Tom Weaver was awarded the Young Player of the Year. The Clubman award was deservedly awarded to Reserve Team Manager, Dave Powell, who along with Paul Thwaites guided the young Reserve side to the Midland Combination Reserve Division Title along with retaining their County Cup Winners title, albeit in a different competition, The Saturday Plate success following the previous years fantastic achievement, when becoming the first Reserve Side ever to lift the Leicestershire Senior Cup.
Shepshed 1 Quorn 2 (24/4/2010)
In the final game of what has been a poor season for Quorn, finishing 2 places above the relegation place whatever the outcome of today's game, Manager Dougie Keast made 2 change from the previous game for the visit to local rivals Shepshed. Liam Turner and Jon Pickess replaced Matt Langham and Kyle Smith up front, whilst Ash Robinson made an unexpected return to the squad with his inclusion on the bench.
Shepshed had the first attack worthy of note and Roland Agbor possibly had a bit more time than he took when firing his effort well wide. Quorn responded through Wood who did find the target but his effort lacked the pace to trouble Nick Jupp in the home goal. Agbor again found space inside the box but his shot on the turn was again too high. Quorn should have taken the lead when Tom Byrne beat his marker and crossed to the near post, both Turner and the defender failed to make contact and Russell Peel, somewhat surprised the ball reached him, could only turn it onto the post and the chance was lost, this almost proved very costly as the home side very quickly turned defence into attack and Agbor looked to be clear but Joe Shaw probably did just enough to tackle as the striker shot and Matt Nurse fielded safely.
Shaw was involved at the other end playing the ball inside to Jon Pickess who laid a pass into the path of stand-in skipper Chris White, who controlled before cleverly curling the ball past the defender and the unsighted Jupp just inside the near post to give Quorn the lead after 20 minutes. Shepshed rallied and Gokhan Ulker broke clear but Nurse saw the danger early and made the block with Asa Ingall completing the clearance, the keeper was injured in the process and play was halted for him to receive treatment. Paul Smith played one of his trademark long diagonal passes to Byrne who crossed first time but Pickess headed over the bar. Peel was fouled just outside the box and Smith struck the foot of the post with Jupp beaten but the home defence reacted first and cleared the loose ball. As half time approached Steve Purton and Smith left the ball to each other and the Shepshed player said thank you very much and delivered a dangerous cross which was half cleared by Ingall but the ball came back in and Elliott Atkins rose highest at the far post to head the equaliser past Nurse.
Quorn started the 2nd half looking a bit ragged after the stoppage time equaliser and could have gone behind when Ulker latched on to a ball over the top but his effort was poor and Nurse gathered easily. A cross from the left was headed narrowly over by Pickess with Jupp stranded and a slick move by the home side in response saw Agbor again have time to shoot but his effort went tamely past the near post. Just before the hour mark Quorn regained the lead, Robinson - on for Turner, split the home defence and Byrne ran on unopposed and drew Jupp to the near post before pulling the ball back to the unmarked Peel to score easily.
A snapshot by substitute Kieran Fitzharris was not far away from leveling the scores and another promising attack from the home side ended with Agbor caught offside and Nurse was called into action making a clean catch from Chad Sheppard's free kick. A tremendous free-kick from Smith from his own half, as he spotted Jupp off his line looked to be going in but the keeper back peddled and at full stretch managed to palm the ball onto the bar, the danger wasn't over as Byrne reached the ball first but with Pickess unmarked the cross was poor. With both sides tiring because of the heat play became a little scrappy but Quorn broke with 3 on 2 but with Byrne in acres of room in the box, Purton's delivery was very poor and the home side cleared.
As Local derby's go this was a somewhat tame affair, both sides had their moments but overall Quorn were worth the three points, it was difficult to pick a MOTM , neither of the exellent goalkeepers on show were forced to show their prowess, Sheppard worked hard for the home side and Agbor, despite his lack of composure when shooting, was always making good runs and for Quorn, Shaw had a solid game, Smith was his usual dominant self in defence as well as going forward and Robinson and Ingall also deserve a mention.
Quorn 0 Stamford 1 (20/4/2010)
Stamford returned to Quorn 7 days after being narrowly beaten by Belper Town in last weeks Presidents Cup Final and showed several changes from that game. Quorn also made changes following Saturdays defeat at the hands of Champions Mickleover Sports. Chris White and Kyle Smith replaced Adam Burley and Jon Pickess, with Liam Turner and Anthony Marriott, unavailable last Saturday returning with places on the subs bench. Ash Robinson was still out injured.
Quorn began the brighter and visiting keeper Chris Wright had to be alert picking the ball of Matt Langham's toes in the first minute following a cross from Tom Byrne. Langham then shot wildly over as Byrne chested down Russell Peel's cross into the strikers path. A superb long ball by Paul Smith accurately picked out Byrne but his first touch let him down and the ball ran through to Wright. A great diagonal run by Byrne, starting from just inside the visitors half, saw the Quorn front man reach the visitors box but with what became a feature or lack of it, for the whole game, saw a tame effort that Wright gathered easily. Kyle Smith then stole the ball before playing a 1-2 with Peel then a lay off to Sam Wood but again his effort was off target. A good move by Quorn saw Kyle Smith cross but Wright again denied the home side saving at the feet of Peel. A Stamford attack was easily cut out by Asa Ingall but he recklessly gave the ball away and with men over the visitors should have done better.
The visitors then took advantage of more sloppy defending, this time on the right, when Lee Beeson fed the overlapping Ross Watson but his effort was off target. Shaw's ball found Langham who chested into the path of White but his shot was blocked and Kyle Smith collected the rebound but had to settle for a corner. The action continued at both ends and a dangerous free-kick for the visitors was headed away by Steve Purton before the same player at the other end combined well with Peel, before delivering a fine cross that was headed away by the commanding Paul Malone. Langham and Wood combined to set up Kyle Smith who brought a superb save low down from Wright to prevent a long overdue opener for Quorn. Langham wasted another shooting opportunity before a good run and cross by Byrne gave Peel the best chance of the game but again the finish was poor and Wright was grateful for the easy pick up. Kyle Smith then pulled a hamstring and was replaced by Jon Pickess. Byrne had a left foot shot that Wright comfortably gathered before play switched to the other end and Matt Nurse made a good catch from a free kick. The half ended with another free kick to the visitors that skipper Miles Chamberlain headed wide.
Quorn began the 2nd half again in the ascendancy but without able to penetrate the visiting defence superbly marshalled by the towering Malone. Peel rifled a shot that wasn't far away before Shaw and Byrne combined to free Langham but his cross was headed behind. Wood's free-kick was inches away from the outstretched boot of Byrne and the same player then set up Langham but his chip went narrowly over the bar. A Purton corner fell in the path of Byrne but his effort was wildly over. Dan Matson then looked to have won the ball unfairly as Paul Smith went down but Nurse saved at the feet of striker has he stumbled. Peel's cross picked out two players but they got in each others way and the ball was cleared upfield. Langham nearly burst clear but a superb intervention by Malone saved the day. Lee Beeson fired an early low effort on the run and Nurse reacted well to make the save low down and Ingall completed the clearance as the visitors had a spell of pressure. Lee Ellison did have the ball in the net but the whistle had already gone for offside.
Shaw and Langham set up Wood but his first time effort fizzed wide of the far post. Lee Beeson then broke clear and forced a fine one handed save low down by Nurse. A free-kick to the vistors saw Malone rise highest to nod his side ahead with 9 minutes remaining as Quorn were left to rue the missed chances that went a-begging. Peel crossed for Byrne to head down to White but his first time effort was wild. Liam Hook, on for the injured Dan Cotton then kicked out at a Quorn player off the ball and was red carded in the only incident in an other wise clean contest. There was still time for Wood to let fly from 30 yards but his effort was deflected over as Quorn looked to snatch a late equaliser. Beeson then had a great chance to seal it with Quorn piling men forward but he lacked composure and his shot was straight at Nurse. In the dying moments Pickess had his effort cleared off the line and the visitors held on to bag the points.
A disappointing outcome, following the amount of attacks that Quorn were able to mount and wayward shooting and lack of composure when well placed and also stout defending by Stamford saw Quorn unable to punish the visitors, who had the MOTM with a commanding performance by Paul Malone.
Quorn 0 Mickleover Sports 3 (17/4/2010)
Quorn were without Anthony Marriott, Liam Turner, Ash Robinson, Cam Keast and Chris White for the visit of Champions elect Mickleover Sports, Joe Shaw, Matt Langham, Russell Peel and Adam Burley came in to the starting 11 with Jon Pickess partnering Langham up front.
Mickelover began rather nervously and Quorn had the better of the opening exchanges with Pickess and Langham linking up well, the latter being fouled just outside the box but strangely didn't get the free kick before a fine sweeping move involving Langham and Tom Byrne saw Russell Peel cross to the near post and visiting keeper flapped at the ball and Pickess was struck on the hand by the ball which went in the net, the referee deemed handball and disallowed the goal. Quorn continued to press and Byrne and Sam Wood both went close. Instead of having a two nil lead Quorn found themselves trailing when Asa Ingall's attempted clearance struck a Mickleover player sending Kieran O'Connell clear down the left, allowed to advance, he drew Matt Nurse before coolly slotting home from 10 yards.
Quorn responded and Byrne did well to keep the ball in play before delivering a fine cross that David Clarke just managed to beat away as Pickess closed in. A fine run by Paul Smith, began in his own half saw him adavance to the edge of the visitors box before slipping the ball to Pickess who hesitated before shooting and the defender blocked for a fruitless corner. As Quorn continued to press for the equaliser they were hit by a sucker punch and slack marking saw O'Connell presented with a simple tap-in from close range 5 minutes before the break.
After half time the confidence of a two goal cushion saw the visitors more relaxed and begin to play the kind of football that has brought them to the brink of the Championship but it was Quorn who went close to reducing the arrears when Langham linked with Byrne before chipping his effort over the bar. A corner by Danny Martin saw a rare error from Nurse who missed the cross but Karl Ashton couldn't direct his header goalwards and Quorn survived. A cross from Shaw fell kindly to Pickess but his hooked effort drifted wide and Langham laid the ball off to Shaw who crossed for Burley, who in turn set up Sam Wood but his effort again went wide. Mickleover responded but Ashton's shot from outside the box lacked the power or direction to trouble Nurse, who gathered cleanly. A Peel corner found its way to Smith but his low drive was hacked off the line and Wood's free kick was headed wide by Smith as Quorn searched for the breakthrough but the visiting back line continued to have the upper hand and generally Clarke was protected well. Peel struck a first time effort very well but the direction lacked the same prowess.
With time ebbing away the fight seemed to go out of the Quorn side and Eric Graves combined well with Ashton to set up O'Connell for his treble but his low shot lacked the power and Nurse got down to make a clean catch. The young attacker then finished the game off and wrapped up the title, with Quorn appealing for offside, he timed his run to perfection and slotted past the advancing Nurse to set up wild scenes of jubilation among the visiting contingency with just 6 minutes left of play. Quorn did have two more attempts at goal, a Smith header brought a fine tip-over from Clarke before Wood's effort struck the side netting.
Our congratulations go to Mickleover Sports - but without their usual fluidity, a 3 nil victory was a somewhat flattering scoreline but their work rate ensured their promotion to the Premier division at the first attempt and the impressive Karl Ashton was just shaded by the finishing of O'Connell for MOTM. For Quorn, Langham and Burley were my pick.
Glapwell 0 Quorn 0 (10/4/2010)
Quorn made the trip to third placed Glapwell, hoping to continue their recent good form and Manager Doug Keast was able to field the same team that appeared in the last game, following Ash Robinson passing a late fitness test.
The home side started the stronger and an early free-kick by Adam Kimberley struck the top of the crossbar although Matt Nurse appeared to have it covered. A strong challenge on Cam Keast saw the midfield player have to leave the field and Russell Peel came on with less than 10 minutes gone. Peely was soon in the action and combined well with Tom Byrne who crossed superbly to the unmarked Liam Turner but his header was directed too far down and the ball bounced over the bar with keeper Andy Richmond beaten. A corner to Quorn resulted in Steve Purton getting in a shot but Richmond got down low to his left to make a comfortable save. A long ball towards Quorns box was allowed to bounce and Jamie Clarke stretched to volley but couldn't direct the ball past Nurse who gathered cleanly.
The home side were conceding a lot of free kick inside their own half but defensively dealt well with the balls that came into the area, however a Sam Wood free-kick did find the head of Asa Ingall but he couldn't direct it on target. A superb defensive header by Ingall was taken first time by Byrne that wrong footed two defenders but he slightly hurried his shot and Richmond made the save. The half came to a close with promising attacks at both ends but generally both defences were in commanding form with Quorn probably shading the half.
A clearance by Anthony Marriott was blocked by Neil Grayson but Nurse was quickly out to gather the loose ball at the feet of the no 9. The home side looked to step up the pace down the slope and Conor Higginson wasted an opportunity by blazing over when a ball to the unmarked Grayson would have been the better option. At the other end a Paul Smith free-kick tested Richmond who palmed away at the last moment as Byrne and Jon Pickess closed in. Higginson replied for the home side by beating his man but overran the ball and Nurse reacted well to gather. Clarke crossed superbly but with no takers and moments later it looked like Quorn had taken the lead when Smith picked out Purton who fired in a cross first time that Pickess, on at half time in place of Turner, also met first time to steer past Richmond but the linesman raised his flag for offside much to the annoyance of Quorn's protesting forwards.
Quorn spurred on by chalked off effort upped their game and Wood set up Purton and his shot was nearly poked home on the turn by Ingall. Wood himself tried from long range but Richmond saw it all the way and made the save. Kyle Smith replaced the injured Byrne and the home side introduced first Ian Brown for Grayson and then Chris Wood came on for Higginson and began to pressure the visiting defence, a corner from the left was met by the head of Chris Timons but he couldn't keep it down. A sloppy ball in midfield gave Glapwell a unexpected attack and Brown bore into the box and pulled the ball back to Damien Magee but his first time effort sailed over. Glapwell forced the pace in the last 15 minutes and a mixture of good defensive blocks and last ditch saves by Nurse kept the scoreline blank as Brown twice, Clarke and Varley all went close.
A 0-0 bore this certainly wasn't and with Quorn shading the first period and the home side coming on strong in the latter stages a draw was a fair result with Matt Varley and Chris Timon's impressive form for the home side matched by the increasing partnership of Paul Smith and MOTM Asa Ingall for Quorn.
Quorn 2 Loughborough Dynamo 1 (5/4/2010)
Quorn entertained local rivals Loughborough Dynamo with Anthony Marriott returning at full back, Chris White also returned with Joe Shaw and Russell Peel both making way. The visitors included Kris Nurse, back from injury, on the bench to set up the first time he has faced brother Matt in a competitive game. The visitors also included former Quorn favorites Karl Noble and Alex Johnson and also Phil Miller, who had to be content with a place on the bench.
After spending the majority of the season conceding early goals, Quorn have reversed the habit of late and again took an early lead when Tom Byrne latched on to a through ball and with the visitors defence caught square the striker fired low past the exposed Laurie Pearson. Three minutes later Sam Wood cleverly beat his man on the right before crossing to the near post where Liam Turner was on hand to knock the ball past Pearson to put Quorn 2 up with only 11 minutes on the clock. The visitors responded through Danny Jenno, who put in a dangerous looking cross that brought Nurse into action, who made a smart catch to halt the attack. Reece Lester got in a shot that was only half hit and Nurse low down made a comfortable catch.
Quorn should have gone further ahead when a Ash Robinson throw was headed on by Asa Ingall to Byrne who headed back across the face of the goal to the unmarked Turner but he lacked his earlier composure and shot wide. Quorn failed to clear their lines and Luke Edwards fired into the side netting from an acute angle as the game opened up. Byrne broke and set up Wood but his effort with his wrong foot lacked the power to trouble Pearson. Paul Smith broke up an attack and played a superb crossfield ball to Wood who crossed to Byrne but his first time effort sailed over the bar. A poor back pass played Nurse in trouble but the keeper coolly retrieved the situation and cleared. Lester was having a bit of room on the left and shrugged off two tackles before Smith made a timely intervention at the expense of a corner, the flag kick was headed past Nurse by Adam Hohn but Steve Purton made an excellent goal line clearance to deny the visitors.
Byrne knocked the ball past the defender to go clear but was brought down, Wood's free kick picked out Keast but he too lacked composure and shot past when well placed. White's header fell into the path of Robinson but his tame effort went straight to Pearson. Another superb long ball by Smith picked out the run of Robinson who put over a cross that was hurriedly put behind for a fruitless corner. The visitors ended an action packed half with Johnson latching on to a through ball and knocked the ball past the onrushing Nurse but two defenders got back and saw the ball safely past the far post.
The 2nd half opened with Kris Nurse on for the visitors but it was the home side first to show with two fine long crossfield balls by Marriott that should have brought more out of the unmarked recipients but the promising openings were both wasted and at the other end Carl Adams got clear but Smith saw the danger and made a superb tackle to end the danger. Purton's free kick was headed over by Keast and Edwards responded by firing over across that Ingall did well to put behind. Purton cut in from the left but his right foot effort cleared both post and bar. Turner looked to have been fouled after he was picked out by a fine ball from White but nothing was given. Kris Nurse's deep cross-cum-shot was fielded at the 2nd attempt by brother Matt.
Neil Morgan caught Byrne with a mistimed challenge that possibly merited a yellow card, the Referee saw it otherwise and showed a straight red to the distraught Loughborough player and in the context of the nature of the game it seemed a harsh decision. As Quorn seemed content on seeing out time Karl Noble, out of the blue smashed an unstoppable shot from 30 yards into the top corner past the despairing dive of his former team mate Nurse in the 92nd minute. With the Referee conjuring up added time of 5 extra minutes- which actually turned out to be 10 ! - the visitors looked to fashion an unlikely point and Nurse had to be at his best low down to push away Callum Ross's late strike.
A very entertaining and clean game saw Quorn deservedly take the points but the visitors finished close to leveling the game and the hosts could have been made to rue the missed chances. For Loughborough Karl Noble was the pick with Reece Lester not far behind , a good all round team performance by Quorn was topped off by a immense performance by MOTM Paul Smith.
Willenhall Town 0 Quorn 3 (3/4/2010)
Quorn made the trip to bottom club Willenhall, still looking for their first away win of the season and also looking to avenge the 2-0 deficit at the hands of their opponents in early season. Joe Shaw replaced the unavailable Anthony Marriott and Chris White gave way to a return for stand in skipper Cam Keast in midfield. The rain sodden pitch was passed fit by the Referee with both teams happy to play the match.
Quorn were soon on the attack and took the lead in the 2nd minute Ash Robinson's quick throw was knocked square by Shaw, into the path of Steve Purton , His shot on the run was deflected past the home keeper by Liam Turner. Soon after Purton had a chance to double the lead but shot over after good link up play between Sam Wood, Shaw and Russell Peel set up the chance. Purton and Peel combined again to set up the former with another strike on goal, this time his right foot effort sailed high and wide. A Paul Smith free-kick was spilled by the keeper and Peel fired the rebound home, only to be given offside in the crowded box. Quorn continued to dominate with Purton and Peel again setting up a chance for Tom Byrne but his headed was just off target. Turner and Byrne created a great opening but Peel missed a sitter but made amends moments later when he again combined with Purton before delivering a superb cross that was put into his own net by a Willenhall defender under immense pressure with Turner and Byrne either side of him ready to pounce. This was no more than Quorn deserved in a one sided first period.
The 2nd half continued in much the same vein as two early chances went �a beggin�, first Byrne did well with a good run deep into the box before pulling the ball back into the path of Robinson who shot wide and Turner then fed Byrne who also blazed his effort over the bar. Matt Nurse was finally called onto action as the home side showed a bit of improvement and the keeper took no chances parrying the ball away from the danger zone. Back came Quorn and just on the hour made the game safe when Substitute Kyle Smith � on for Turner- blasted home, when Robinson's cross was headed back into his path by Peel, the youngster only being on the field for 3 minutes. A long range effort that was way off target failed to trouble Nurse but the Hosts did mange an effort that was just a whisker past the keepers right hand post as Quorn took their foot off the gas.
A strong run by Kyle Smith looked to undue the home defence but his lay back fell foul of lying water and the chance was lost. The home side broke in numbers to bear down on Nurse's goal but Purton read the danger and made a superb intervention to clear the danger. A misplaced ball from a good position played Quorn in trouble but Paul Smith reacted well under pressure to clear the danger.
Quorn's three nil victory could and should have been more emphatic but for sloppy final balls but could just as easy have been made worse by lapses in concentration and allowing the home side a way back into a game that Quorn dominated from start to finish. Willenhall's plight has been well documented but the management and players deserve credit for their work rate and enthusiasm even when 3 goals down. Difficult to pick a MOTM because the tricky surface prevented outstanding performances, the back four all had solid games without being severely tested and the midfield men did their jobs as did the strikers but Kyle Smith deserves a mention as he continues to make progress and impressed as much as anyone.
Quorn 1 Chasetown 1 (27/3/2010)
Quorn were without Adam Burley and Liam Turner and Matt Langham but Jon Pickess passed a late fitness test to partner Tom Byrne up front and Russell Peel also returned to the starting line-up.
The visitors started the stronger Grant Ryan set up an early chance for Ramone Stephens but the no 11 fired into the side netting and Ryan also had a shooting opportunity but his first time effort flew over the bar. A good run by Peel set up Byrne but his cross shot was just over. A hurried back pass was mis-controlled by Ryan Price but Byrne failed to react quick enough and Price recovered to make the block. A free kick to Quorn in a good position looked dangerous but Paul Smith's curler went straight into the hands of Price who held comfortably. Another Smith free-kick found the head of Asa Ingall but he couldn't keep hie header down and it flew over the bar. A fine pick up by Sam Wood , who stole the ball from a dallying defender set up the best chance of the game but his pull back was mis-controlled by Ash Robinson and his hurried shot was off target.
Quorn began to take over from the initial dominance of the visitors and a fine run by Peel looked to merit a penalty but the ball ran on to Pickess but the no 9's strike was deflected for a corner. The resulting kick was cleared and the visitors caught out Quorn when Smith and Steve Purton both went for the same ball and Stephens profited and as he tried to round Matt Nurse , He went to ground and the Referee awarded a penalty which Ryan duly dispatched , 5 mins before the break. Quorn responded immediately and Anthony Marriott's cross was narrowly headed over by Ingall. Robinson should have leveled the scores when clean through but Price blocked the effort at the expense of a corner, Peel's flag kick fell to Ingall but off balance his half hit shot was gathered by Price.
Straight after the break Byrne broke but lost his footing and Price cleaned up and at the other end Ryan beat his marker but his whipped in cross had a tad too much pace and Quorn cleared the danger. Purton picked out Byrne with a long ball and his cross found Pickess but his header was deflected wide. A dangerous looking cross by Marriott was hacked away as Quorn looked for the equaliser. After 73 minutes it duly came when Kyle Smith, on for Pickess, went up for a ball with two defenders and the Chasetown men collided for the ball to run kindly for Byrne who drilled past Price.
The visitors had a penalty appeal turned down when Gary Hay caught Paul Smith in possession and the striker went down but the Referee waived play on and the same player then had a chance to put his side back in the lead but Nurse made a comfortable catch. Substitute Daniel Smith had a shooting opportunity as both sides threw caution to the wind in search of the winner but his shot was wide of the mark. Back came Quorn and Kyle Smith fired in a cross that was hacked away. The visitors nearly broke the deadlock when Substitute Mark Branch's deep cross was headed back by Ryan but the ball bounced back off the top of the crossbar and Quorn cleared their lines.
Both sides had periods of supremacy in an entertaining match, without really testing either keeper and a draw was probably a fair result with Quorn ruing the first half missed chances which could have seen them ahead at the break. Nobody really stood out for MOTM , this was an improved performance by Quorn with a good all round work ethic. The visitors looked solid at the back and Grant Ryan for me was the pick of their forwards, always looking to get in dangerous positions.
Quorn 2 Spalding United 2 (20/3/2010)
Asa Ingall and Chris White returned to the starting line-up alongside Adam Burley who passed a late fitness test , Cameron Keast returned on the bench alongside Russell Peel who was rested , Joe Shaw also not quite fully fit was also in reserve. Jon Pickess was ruled out so Tom Byrne operated up front alongside Liam Turner.
The first 15 minutes was totally dominated by the home side, two early chances went a begging before Ash Robinson struck his shot from the edge of the box past the despairing dive of Michael Emery into the far corner to open the scoring with just three minutes gone as the visitors looked very nervous. Quorn momentarily switched off , as they do frequently and Mark Webb seemed surprised to be in the clear and his effort was comfortably gathered by Matt Nurse. Desperate defending by Spalding ensued as Byrne the chief tormentor caused them all sorts of problems with his close control and direct approach raining in several crosses that were hacked away unceremoniously by the visiting back-line.
The game turned on its head in the space of three minutes , first a Spalding attack fizzled out with the ball played back to Nurse with ample time to clear but inexplicably was caught in two or even 3 minds and his miss kick presented the simplest of chances to Luke Forbes , who was able to walk the ball into an empty net to fashion a totally unexpected equaliser. Worse was to follow as the visitors attacked down the left hand side and somehow Forbes was able to get in a cross that reached Webb at the far post who rose unchallenged to nod past Nurse to put his side ahead. Quorn responded and Sam Wood's corner was met by Turner but his effort from close range failed to trouble Emery. Byrne again was reeking havoc but tended to overdue things when in good positions. Anthony Marriott picked out Steve Purton with a long crossfield ball but his hasty shot was straight at Emery who held well. Byrne this time did provide the cross after his trickery got him clear on the left but his excellent cross was missed by the head of Robinson.
The 2nd half continued in the same vein with the visitors content to lap up the Quorn pressure but a decent counter attack following a loose ball by Quorn gave David DeOlivera a great chance but Nurse atoned for his earlier error and pulled off a tremendous stop. Peel replaced Burley and was soon in the thick of the action and his cross was just nicked away by Spalding substitute Richard Scott, off the toes of Turner. Langham replaced Turner and did superbly well to control and cross to Robinson whose effort was just past the post.
It was now totally one way traffic and a great move involving Purton and Byrne set up Langham and his left foot strike brought out a tremendous save from Emery and moments later the keeper made an even better save tipping over Peel's point blank header from Byrne's cross. Robinson's strike on the run from thirty yards was just wide of the mark as Quorn continually pressed for the equaliser with shots and crosses raining in the visiting box, Emery again rescuing his side although ably abetted by some resolute if sometimes deperate defending. As time looked to be running out, a superb free kick by Wood picked out the head of Peel and this time Emery was powerless to prevent the ball crossing the line.
When you think of the amount of pressure Quorn exerted and the lack of activity at the other end it was amazing that it took a last ditch goal to salvage a point , but full credit to the way Spalding got men behind the ball and not surprisingly my MOTM goes to visiting keeper Michael Emery although his co defenders deserve a mention for this rearguard action.
Quorn 3 Carlton Town 3 (16/3/2010)
Quorn were forced to make changes with Asa Ingall, Chris White and Adam Burley all injured and Cam Keast still on the sidelines, in came Steve Purton, Joe Shaw and Sam Wood. Jon Pickess also returned, replacing Matt Langham, who dropped down to the bench.
Quorn began quite brightly but the reshuffled back line were all at sea when, in the visitors first attack Tristram Whitman found Rob Norris in acres of space and the former Grantham man smashed an unstoppable volley past Matt Nurse from 22 yards with only 5 minutes gone. Quorn replied when Tom Byrne crossed for Pickess who struck the crossbar. An Ash Robinson throw caused the visitors defence concern but eventually the danger was cleared.
Quorn went further behind when against the run of play, a set piece saw former Quorn player Justin Jenkins again totally unmarked and he duly headed firmly past Nurse. Quorn responded immediately and if the visitors first goal was spectacular, it was matched by Woods terrific strike from a free kick of some thirty yards that fizzed past Alessandro Barcherini. Whitman looked to have increased the visitors lead but was adjudged offside. Wood picked out Shaw with a superb ball but his cross was turned away as Quorn searched for the equaliser.
Quorn picked up the pace and another dangerous free-kick from Wood was missed by attack and defence alike and the ball sailed past a stunned Barcherini to level the scores 5 minutes after the break .Quorn continued to press forward and again were caught out as the unmarked Jenkins rose to send a powerful header past a furious Nurse, who again was left exposed by poor defending.
Robinson forced Barcerini to save at full stretch with a drive from outside the box and Wood's corner was hastily cleared off the line as Quorn steeped up a gear in search of another equaliser. Quorn looked to running out of ideas and some dreadful passing looked to drain the confidence and ambition. With time ebbing away, Langham was introduced and following a smart move the striker lashed home in style to level things up. Quorn should have nicked it at the death when Langham and Byrne combined to set up Purton but he shot straight at Barcherini with the goal at his mercy.
In some ways Quorn's performance was an improvement from last Saturday but alarming errors in defence could be attributed to all three Carlton goals as the ball watching continues and opposition strikers will punish you when they are allowed the kind of room we saw this evening. Several home players had decent games without really excelling but my MOTM goes to Tristram Whitman who was at the hub of most good things in the visitors attacking play.
Quorn 1 Brigg Town 2 (13/3/2010)
Quorn made just one change from the previous game with Matt Langham coming in for the unavailable Jon Pickess , Sam Wood returned but had to be content with a place on the bench alongside Steve Purton, still lacking match fitness. Quorn were presented with the Unibond Fair Play award for February before the game and injured duo, Cam Keast and Skipper Kris Matthews received the award from the Unibond League representative.
Quorn were soon into their stride and a series of long throws by Ash Robinson put the visitors under pressure, Langham flicked on and Andrew Pettinger was forced into action saving bravely low down before another long throw by Robinson saw Liam Turner have a chance of a shot but under pressure missed his kick. Despite the early Quorn pressure it was the visitors who nearly took the lead when a quick break had the home side stretched but Matt Nurse was quickly out and made the block. Quorn replied but Langham's shot from outside the box was off target. Neal Spafford was allowed to advance from deep to the edge of the box but his left foot shot was comfortably saved low down by Nurse.
Tom Byrne had strike from distance but again failed to trouble the visiting Keeper. At the other end Nurse was kept busy, gathering cleanly when Michael Jacklin got his head to a free-kick. A good turn by Langham looked promising but the striker had to settle for a corner, Russell Peel took the kick and his in swinger nearly caught out Pettinger but he reacted well to tip over the bar.. Quorn's bar was rattled from distance but generally chances were few and far between and we reached half-time goal less.
After the break play continued to flow from end to end without really hitting any level of excitement, a superb read by Adam Burley saw him steal the ball and put in a decent cross that Turner and Byrne failed to convert with the latter firing wide before at the other end poor defending by Quorn gave a great chance to Andrew Holt but he too failed to find the target. Byrne's cross reached Robinson via Turner but his effort was blocked . Holt crossed to put Quorn in trouble but Nurse again reacted superbly to save at the feet of Jason Maxwell. Another long throw ''Delap-esk'' by Robinson saw a touch on by Asa Ingall but Turner couldn't get a touch on it and the chance was gone.
Holt beat Nurse to a through ball but knocked it just wide before a disputed free-kick gave Robert Clarke a shooting opportunity and his superb strike bent round the wall and just inside Nurse's right hand post to put the visitors ahead , Quorn at last woke up and looked to have equalised when Anthony Marriott forced the ball over the line but neither referee or assistant were in a position to see it and with 2 minutes remaining the visitors made it two when a simple looking cross was missed completely by two Quorn defenders , much to the delight of Clarke who had the simple task to knock past a stranded Nurse. As time ran out Wood's corner found the head of Robinson who made no mistake but it was a mere consolation and despite the goal that never was Quorn didn't really deserve anything out of the game . Marriott and Nurse were the pick of the home players and Holt and Clarke shared the honors for the visitors.
Mickleover Sports 2 Quorn 1 (9/3/2010)
Quorn made the daunting trip to high flying Mickleover Sports still looking for their first away win of the season and included new signing Adam Burley. With Sam Wood unavailable, Burley came in at left back and Russell Peel moved into midfield. Asa Ingall slotted into the back four in place of the injured Cam Keast with fit again Ash Robinson also included. The home side, looking to gain a 15th straight victory were at full strength.
A bright start by Quorn was interrupted when a superb ball by Danny Martin put in Keiran O'Connell but Matt Nurse read the danger and made a brave stop. A free kick by Quorn gave Tom Byrne a shooting opportunity but his effort was deflected for a corner. The female assistant referee was caught napping as Karl Ashton was offside but was allowed to go on and drill his shot past Nurse to open the scoring on 20 minutes. This signaled a period of pressure from the home side as they sliced open the Quorn defence on numerous occasions, Eric Graves worked his way into the box and his shot took a slight deflection and Nurse had to be at his best to beat it away.
Alex Steadman all to easily beat two Quorn defenders but his attempt to curl the ball past Nurse drifted wide. A superb turn and cross by Steadman picked out O'Connell but his header struck the crossbar. Quorn finally responded when Paul Smith found Liam Turner who turned and fired past the post before the same player combined with Byrne before a promising move was crowded out as the half ended with the visitors lucky to be only 1 down.
Quorn were first to show after the break and Peel's shot on the run was held cleanly by David Clarke in the home goal . Back came the home side and Ashton shot just past the post before another swift attack brought out a tremendous double save by Nurse to keep his side in it. From then on the game changed as Quorn produced a wave of attacks that saw some desperate defending at times from the home side. Byrne's effort was deflected just over the bar and Peel's run into the box saw Clarke catch his trailing leg to send him sprawling but the Quorn player had knocked the ball out of play, Goalkick or Penalty ? The referee chose the soft option and awarded a corner !
Frenzied activity in the home box saw the ball come off a defenders hand but again the referee frustrated Quorn but with 5 minutes to go Quorn finally got the goal they deserved when more goalmouth activity saw the ball fall to Turner who lashed the ball home through a crowd of players to level the scores. It looked odds on a draw but in the final minute of normal time a promising move saw Byrne in space with options either side and up front but he dallied and was caught in possession and left his side exposed and Ashton took full advantage receiving the ball in space he picked his spot to give Nurse no chance. A bitter blow right at the death as Quorn's 2nd half performance merited a share of the spoils. Peel, Marriott and Nurse were star men for Quorn, with Steadman and Martin having fine games for the home side but my MOTM goes to 2 goal Karl Ashton.
Grantham Town 1 Quorn 1 (6/3/2010)
Quorn made the relatively short trip to Grantham with Jon Pickess back in the starting line-up, replacing the injured Joe Shaw. Steve Purton and Ash Robinson also returned but had to be content with places on the bench. Grantham were without the influential Matt Millns as they sought to maintain their recent good form.
Quorn were first to show when a long throw by Anthony Marriott reached Liam Turner but his first time effort was blocked for a fruitless corner. Tom Byrne linked up well with Sam Wood who delivered the cross that was also deflected for a corner that was as productive as the first. The home side responded with a slick counter that saw a half chance fa;; to Gio Carchedi but the no 11 failed to keep his effort down. Quorn nearly took the lead when following a foul on Byrne, Paul Smith struck a superb free kick that cannoned back off the far post with Rob Murray well beaten.
The blustery conditions were making it difficult for both sides to put anything meaningful together and chances at either end were at a premium . Gary Sucharewycz struck over the crossbar for the home side and Pickless likewise replied for Quorn. A long ball by Murray was headed on by Lee Potts and Cam Keast was caught on the wrong side of Ben Saunders who strode on unopposed to fire past Matt Nurse to give the home side the lead 10 minutes before half-time. Quorn replied when a well struck free-kick by Wood was gathered cleanly at the foot of the post by Murray.
The momentum gained by the home side following the goal, continued after the break, when first Alistair Asher brought out the best from Nurse and then Ian Robinson and Sam Percicoe both had efforts that were not far away before Ben Saunders went closer still but failed to trouble Nurse. With Robinson on in place of the concussed Chris White, Quorn reshuffled and immediately began to redress the balance of play, Turner and Pickess combined to set up a shooting chance for Byrne but his effort was deflected for a corner, Robinson's cross was met at the far post by Pickess who nodded past Murray to give Quorn the equalizer midway through the half.
The home side responded and Smith did well to get his head to a cross by Ben Saunders with Carchedi ready to pounce but it was Quorn who had the better of the last twenty minutes with Turner, Byrne and Pickess all having efforts blocked or off target but the home side superbly marshalled by Wayne Hallcro held out. Nurse probably had his quietest match so far but Murray at the other end was not overworked as promising moves at both ends failed to turn into clear cut chances and a share of the spoils was probably a fair result. Anthony Marriott had his best game for a long time and earned my nomination for MOTM.
Sheffield 2 Quorn 0 (2/3/2010)
Sheffield FC sought to gain revenge against a Quorn side that included former Club players Paul Smith and Asa Ingall. Jon Pickess was still injured and unable to play against his former club and Ash Robinson was also sidelined with injury and Joe Shaw replaced him in the only change from the previous game. The hosts included new signing Ryan Ford amongst the substitutes .
Quorn started quite brightly but the first chance of the game fell to Jordan Eagers, who hit a terrific shot on the run from 25 yards that rattled the Quorn crossbar. Quorn could have taken the lead when Anthony Marriott's throw cleared Ingall and his marker and fell invitingly to Liam Turner who controlled well but his shot found the outstretched boot of home keeper Leigh Walker. Russell Peel crossed to the far post to the unmarked Chris White but the Quorn midfielder shot wide from a good position. Sheffield replied when a deep cross from the right found the head of Ashley Longstaff but he couldn't direct his header on target. Good work by Peel again saw Tom Byrne go clear but his first touch was poor and Walker came out and gathered safely.
A dangerous looking Sam Wood free-kick was deflected wide at the last moment by Ben Leonard as Quorn continued to look the more likely to break the deadlock. Club responded and Brian Cusworth wasn't far away with a header following a quick break. Smith nearly made the breakthrough against his former club, bursting through from deep and playing a neat 1-2 with Shaw that looked to have split the home defence but his goalbound shot was deflected just wide. Great pressure by Quorn saw them have 3 shots blocked in quick succession before a rare break at the other end ended with a superb intervention by Wood as danger threatened. A Marriott free-kick was flicked on by Ingall and Turner got his shot in but fired wide. Byrne missed a great chance as Quorn finished the half unlucky not to be in front.
Ford came on for Sheffield and immediately made an impact, but it was a foul that went unnoticed on Peel that set up the first chance but Matt Nurse was equal to it saving well with his feet. A great turn by Longstaff allowed him a shot on goal but Nurse wasn't troubled as the effort sailed over. A Shocking challenge on Nurse left the keeper in a heap on the floor but to everyone's astonishment the Referee awarded a corner to the home side. After lengthy treatment Nurse continued but was clearly still dazed and the home side took advantage chipping the ball into the danger zone, Quorn managed to scramble the ball away for another corner but the resulting flag kick again caused problems and Eagers fired the loose ball past a still dazed Nurse amid Quorn's continued protests.
Quorn recovered a bit of composure as the game opened up and Byrne missed a great chance to level the scores, firing wide from a great position. Cusworth put the home side two up as Quorn were caught on the break and looked to overrun the visitors as Quorn pushed men forward. Ingall struck a shot on the volley that was blocked and substitute Matt Langham forced Walker into a smart save with a shot on the turn. Sheffield saw out time and secured the three points but the first goal was a big turning point in the game and but for the sleeping officials we may have seen a different outcome.
Cusworth and Longstaff always had to be watched and Ford made a massive difference when he came on in midfield for the home side, Quorn seem to be playing with renewed confidence with several players having good games but my MOTM was Paul Smith, defending resolutely and always looking to join in going forward.
Quorn 3 Goole 1 (27/2/2010)
With the news that skipper Kris Mathews was sidelined for the rest of the season and Steve Purton still not fully recovered, manager Dougie Keast was dealt a further blow with Jon Pickess also ruled out through injury. The defence continued as in recent games and Liam Turner came in for Pickess.
Quorn began in a more determined mood than of late and early attacks saw the visitors on the back foot and concede two corners in quick succession that came to nothing. A fine long ball by Paul Smith picked out Tom Byrne but Karl Rose was alert to the danger to give away another corner which again was comfortably dealt with by the visitors. Quorn deservedly went ahead when Russell Peel played a fine ball down the line to Byrne who beat his marker and got to the by-line before laying a fine ball into the path of Turner who swept home first time with his left foot past visiting keeper Craig Parry just after the 20 minute mark.
Goole responded through Ash Worsfold but the visiting number 11's strike from distance lacked the power to trouble Matt Nurse who gathered comfortably. Ten minutes before the break Anthony Marriott picked out Turner, who this time became provider when his cross found Byrne who did the rest to put the home side 2 up. Playing their best football for some time Quorn continued to dominate and a fine run by Peel and 1-2 with Byrne set him up for a strike but his effort was blocked for a corner Sam Wood's flag kick was knocked back to him by Chris White and the Quorn midfielder picked out Byrne at the far post, who took one touch before firing past Parry to put his side 3 up just before the break. The same player again went close showing trickery in the box before he was eventually crowded out.
The 2nd half began with Quorn again in the ascendancy, Byrne twice going close to his hat-trick before at the other end Nurse was finally brought into action, making a superb stop after a rebound fell kindly into the path of Worsfold. Goole began to get in the game and a missed off-side decision gave Gavin Allott a chance but his attempted chip was easily gathered by Nurse. Byrne's pace was still causing problems at the other end and was fouled just outside the box, Peel struck a superb shot from the free kick but Parry rose to tip-over the bar. Wood's corner found Peel who had 2 bites at the cherry but his 2nd strike was off target following the rebound.
Goole were having more of the play 2nd half, than they did in the first and with just over twenty minutes remaining they reduced the arrears but two Quorn players colliding set up the chance for Allott to fire past Nurse from close range. Another superb run by Byrne caused panic for the visiting defence but Terry Garwick was on hand to concede another corner. The visitors began to have their best spell of the match as Quorn lost their way a bit and Lee Stratford's volley was acrobatically tipped over by Nurse.
Despite Goole finishing the stronger of the two sides Quorn were able to comfortably see out time without further trouble to Nurse. A much improved performance by Quorn particularly in the first half saw them deservedly take three welcome points, now we look for a bit of consistency in the coming weeks. Paul Smith and Russell Peel both had fine games but my MOTM goes to Tom Byrne.
Cammell Laird 1-0 Quorn(20/2/2010)
Quorn made the long trip to Merseyside still without skipper Kris Mathews and defender Steve Purton but were hoping to build upon the midweek victory over Grantham. In a lackluster first half neither side were able to produce any significant attacking prowess to trouble either goalkeeper and half time arrived with very little to enthuse about.
The 2nd period began in the same manner and the game didn't come to life until the last twenty minutes, Asa Ingall went close for Quorn, his header striking the crossbar following a corner. The home side took the lead when the usual slack marking in the Quorn box saw Sean Tuck have time and space to fire past Matt Nurse for the opener but his unfortunate celebration when already on a yellow saw the Referee have no alternative but to dismiss him from the field of play 10 minutes from the end.
Quorn at last woke up and Tom Byrne used his pace to attack down the left and 3 or 4 late chances went a begging and the home side survived to claim all three points. A thoroughly disappointing game is best quickly forgotten and with a blank midweek to follow, Quorn need use the free week to look at the present formation and if difficult decisions have to be made then so be it. I have seen some poor perfomances this season but this must rank as the most disappointing from a spectators point of view with very little to enthuse about for either side, playing their fourth game in eight days could explain the home sides lack of penetration but i'm afraid I can't offer any excuse for Quorn's lack of sparkle.
Quorn 2-1 Grantham Town(16/2/2010)
Quorn made one change to the side that narrowly lost at Kidsgrove, Russell Peel came on in that game for the injured Steve Purton and continued at left back, with Purton not recovered from the injury that forced him off at half time in the trip to the potteries.
Quorn started a bit like they did on Saturday, looking a bit disorganized and Matt Nurse was soon called into action making two fine stops in quick succession as the visitors looked to make an early breakthrough. Slack marking on Quorn's right nearly proved costly but a superb intervention by Peel prevented the opener. After the opening 5 minutes the home side began to put some moves together and one such move saw Ash Robinson strike a sweet volley from just outside the box that flew narrowly over the crossbar.
Quorn opened the scoring with a goal that was worth anybody's entrance money, given a free kick just inside their own half, Paul Smith took it and noticed the Grantham keeper off his line and struck a magnificent shot that cleared the back peddling Richard Stainsby but struck the crossbar , Jon Pickess was first to react and controlled before drilling home past a startled Stainsby for his first goal for the club since his move last week from Brigg Town. It was great to see him opening his account but the initial strike deserved to go straight in. On the half hour mark Quorn doubled their lead and it was Pickess involved again as he won the ball before freeing Tom Byrne who from a nearly impossible angle struck along the by-line and in at the far post again past a bemused Stainsby. Smith had to leave the field with hamstring trouble and Liam Turner came on and Asa Ingall dropped into the back four.
Grantham recovered a bit of composure and Gio Carchedi struck an effort over the bar and Nick Langford also went close but Nurse watched the effort go by his near post as the visitors finished the half strongly. After the break, play was even stevens until a needless free kick given away by Quorn was headed on by substitute Matt Millns and only partially cleared before being knocked back in to the unmarked Ben Saunders who had time and space to head past Nurse from close range with half an hour remaining. The visitors were spurred on by the goal but it was Chris White who went close for Quorn forcing a good save from Stainsby low down to his left. A great break from deep on the left by Sam Wood saw him free Pickess to bear in on goal but Stainsby made a fine stop at the near post.
Anthony Marriott was having a fine match on the right and played a 1-2 with Pickess but his effort on the run was straight at Stainsby who held comfortably. Quorn should have scored when Robinson set up Byrne but the finish was weak and straight at Stainsby. Wood struck an effort that was bound for the top corner but Stainsby acrobatically tipped over the bar and Gary Suchareuycz did well to knock a dangerous ball to safety as Byrne closed in looking for Quorn's third as the home side finished the stronger.
The visitors had their fair share of possession but rarely threatened Quorn keeper Nurse, who apart from the first five minutes had a easy night for a change. As the new signings bed in Quorn look to be a more compact side than in recent weeks but the shape is not quite there and we need to be a little stronger down the flanks. Pickess worked his socks off all night and other players look to have regained a bit of confidence after such a barren run but my MOTM goes to Asa Ingall who dropped into the back four and organised a solid defensive performance.
Kidsgrove 2-1 Quorn (13/2/2010)
Quorn's visit to Kidsgove saw a first half display that can only be described at best as inept, until they woke up 10 minutes before the break. By that time the hosts were 2 goals up , the first one courtesy of a sleeping linesman when Dave Walker took advantage to drill past Matt Nurse. Offside appeals also greeted the 2nd goal that was fired home by Geoff McGaw but these were in hope that the official would even up his earlier error.
Kidsgrove continued to pressure the visitors but without over stretching Nurse although his alertness when danger threatened prevented the hosts from taking advantage of the general disarray in the Quorn ranks. In a rare Quorn attack Jon Pickess fired in a great effort on the run that struck the crossbar. Tom Byrne's shot lacked the venom to trouble home keeper Steve Intihar who saved comfortably low down and after good work by Sam Wood , Asa Ingall fired just wide as Quorn at last showed some fightback. Paul Smith combined brilliantly with Byrne before releasing the striker into the box and before he could shoot he was brought down to give Quorn a stonewall penalty, Anthony Marriott stepped up but Intihar comfortably held his feeble spot kick.
The first half belonged to Kidsgrove but it was a different story after the break and early pressure saw Pickess force a corner , Wood's flag kick was headed away from the six yard box but Ash Robinson struck a magnificent volley that beat Intihar all ends up unfortunately for Quorn it struck the base of the post. Sam Hall replied for the home side with a dangerous effort but Nurse had it covered all the way and watched it drift wide. Quorn continued to press but it was the home side who went close to putting the game beyond Quorn when a defensive error was punished with a great strike by Walker but Nurse rose superbly to tip round the post.
This was to be the last action for the Quorn keeper, midway through the half as Quorn completely dominated the rest of the game, Byrne and Robinson cleverly combined to set up Ingall but his well struck effort was always rising too high. With time running out Quorn got the goal they richly deserved and it was substitute Matt Langham who got it , firing home a well struck half volley following a spot of head tennis. Quorn were unlucky in the remaining minutes as first Byrne fired just wide after Wood;s initial effort was blocked and Byrne and Robinson combined well to set up a half chance for Langham but superb defending by Tom Schwarz saved the day using his body to deny the Quorn man.
Quorn dominated the 2nd half and deserved at least a point and should be encouraged by their performance after a slow start which saw their opponents too easily take a two goal advantage, the penalty miss was a crucial factor and had it gone in Quorn could have gone on to win. The home forwards always impress and Quorn's performance in the last hour owed much to a combined effort, it was good to see Byrne and Robinson showing better form than of late but my MOTM goes to recent signing Chris White who showed leadership qualities, encouraging all over the pitch and also contributing with timely tackles.
Quorn 1-3 Belper Town (9/2/2010)
Quorn gave a debut to new signing Jon Pickess and Cameron Keast returned to partner Paul Smith in the centre of defence and Chris White also made his full debut. Quorn began quite brightly and Tom Byrne and Pickess combined but excellent defending by Michael Harcourt snuffed out the danger. The home side were guilty of ball watching as Ollie Ryan broke free for the visitors but Matt Nurse was alert to smother the ball. A corner to the visitors again saw Quorn defenders guilty of ball watching and Ryan pounced on the loose ball to see Quorn concede their customary early goal with just 10 minutes gone.
A good move by Quorn saw Ash Robinson cross to the unmarked Byrne but his complete mis-kick ended the danger . Jordan Hall for the visitors fired well over when given time to shoot before at the other end a good move saw Byrne this time get his shot off but a Belper body deflected the effort wide. Pickess won the ball and his header saw Byrne go free and lob visiting keeper Adam Ogden but the assistants flag put paid to the home sides celebrations. The equaliser wasn't long in coming though, Sam Wood finding Byrne in space on the right and his deep cross was struck home on the run by Steve Purton firing past Ogden from 15 yards on the half hour mark.
A spot of head tennis in the Quorn box ended when Nurse made a clean catch and with play flowing from end to end both sides threatening without really troubling either keeper. Russell Peel went close with a 25 yarder but his well struck effort just cleared the angle of the upright. Quorn nearly took the lead when Wood's superb free-kick was scrambled away by Ogden from the onrushing Byrne. Jon Froggatt replied for the visitors first breaking free down the left but his cross was too deep and the ball drifted out for a throw, just before the break though it took a brilliant save by Nurse to prevent the Belper no9 restoring the lead as a pretty even 1st half drew to a close.
A poor decision gave Belper an early free-kick in a dangerous position but Nurse reacted well to make a good catch. At the other end end another dipping free-kick from Wood caused Ogden concern but the visiting keeper hacked clear at the last minute, Belper then began a period of pressure and Nurse again came to the rescue but he was powerless to prevent the visitors regaining the lead when leading scorer Lee Stevenson pounced on the loose ball after Purton's slip gave the number 8 the chance. Quorn were undone again moments after the re-start but Nurse watched closely as the ball drifted off target. A Smith free-kick for Quorn was acrobatically tipped over one handed by Ogden as Quorn sought to get back in the game as the visitors began to dominate.
Pickess headed over from another Quorn set-piece before Wood's dipping free-kick was headed over his own crossbar by Harcourt much to the relief of Ogden. Quorn should have equalised when a almost carbon copy of the visitors first goal saw the ball fall to Byrne but the Quorn striker fired over the bar from close range. This proved costly for Quorn as the visitors broke down the left and poor defending allowed the cross to reach Ryan who gleefully fired past Nurse to make the points safe for the visitors. Peel missed a great chance to reduce the arrears just before the end when he fired over the bar from close range when completely unmarked at the far post.
Belper deserved the win, stepping up the pace after a pretty even first half despite Nurse being the busier of the two keepers but this was much better from Quorn and hopefully the results will improve soon. Matt Telling was star man for the visitors and several improved performances in the Quorn ranks was topped by the five star performance by keeper Matt Nurse.
Lincoln United 4-0 Quorn (6/2/2010)
Quorn's injury woes continued, long term casualties Julian Joachim and skipper Kris Mathews both ruled out and with two players failing and another two passing, late fitness tests, this was always going to be a tough match. Quorn made 4 new signings this week in a bid to add a bit of quality to the depleted ranks and Matt Nurse, Paul Smith and Asa Ingall were included in the line-up for the first time and Chris White started on the bench .
With no fewer than 6 changes from the last game it was no surprise that Quorn took a while to get organised and the hosts took full adavantage, Sean Cann unlucky not to open the scoring in the very first attack when his effort struck the base of the post, it didn't take long for the home side to go in front though, with Ben Garrick opening his account, beating Nurse to a long ball and prodding the ball home from 25 yards as the visitors were in disawray. Nurse was the busier of the two keepers showing his worth on more than one occasion as Quorn struggled against a confident looking Lincoln side.
Quorn began to show a bit of promise with the prompting of Ingall in midfield but it was half an hour before Mario Ziccardi was troubled, Ash Robinson's deep right wing cross striking the crossbar before being safely cleared upfield. Just as it looked like Quorn were getting into the game a slick move from deep exposed the visitors right hand defence and Garrick fired past Nurse to double his and his sides tally. Quorn survived another scare as the home side took hold of the game and half time brought relief to the visitors.
Quorn were caught napping again after the break and Garrick fired past a bemused Nurse to complete his hat-trick and seemingly put the game out of sight for Quorn as they continued to struggle against a side full of confidence who sensed a comprehensive victory. On the hour White came on for Quorn and a better balance saw Quorn have their best spell of the game , Paul Smith headed home what looked a perfectly good goal from a set piece but the Referee gave a foul against Matt Langham, whose vigorous protests were unlike him.
For the first time in the game the home side looked vulnerable at the back, another set piece saw Sam Wood have a shot blocked before Robinson had his header cleared off the line from the rebound, with Ziccardi beaten. A defensive error following a quick break gave Sam Wilkinson a cheeky back heel that crept in at the far post to seal the victory for the home side with less than ten minutes remaining and Quorn's miserable day was completed.
Quorn are having a tough time at the moment and confidence is low, their was one or two glimpses of promise for when the new signings all bed in and the team settles down but all the MOTM contenders came from the home side, Garrick an obvious contender with his goals and the lively Kallum Smith also having a fine match, the evergreen Brendan Mcdaid gave his usual all action display but for me Steve Melton was the inspiration in the best performance I have seen from a Lincoln side since their demise from the Premier division .
Stamford 3-1 Quorn (2/2/2010)
Quorn's miserable run continued, already decimated with injury's to key players and others either carrying knocks themselves or clearly off form, prospects didn't look too promising against an ever improving Stamford side. Michael Papparozzi came back into the side after injury and young Kyle Smith also made the starting line-up for the first time.
Quorn started the brighter of the two sides and deservedly went in front on 7 minutes, albeit with a somewhat fortuitous goal when Sam Wood released Papparozzi for a strike on goal just outside the box , he struck it well enough but the ball took a wicked deflection off Liam Turner and the diving home keeper Chris Wright could only watch as the ball went in towards the opposite corner. The home side responded when David Cobb cut inside but his shot was well off target, in a similar fashion Dan Cotton cutting inside from the other flank also failed to find the target. Smith was causing trouble on the right and forced a couple of corners which the home defence dealt with easily. Attacks at both ends promised but didn't deliver, Phil Stebbing did have the ball in the net but the Stamford striker was adjudged to be offside and appeared to be unluckyin a tight decision. Cotton had a strike deflected goalwards but although seeing it late Steve Norris caught the ball at the foot of the post for a fine stop. Smith pulled a hamstring and was replaced with anothert of Quorn's younsters, Tom Weaver, in a straight swop.
Tom Byrne burst in the box for Quorn on a couple of occasions but was crowded out before he could get his shot off. A dangerous looking ball into the box was punched clear by Wright as Quorn attacked as the game was developing into an end to end encounter with the final ball at both ends being the missing ingredient. With just less than 10 minutes left in the first half Stamford equalised with anearly a carbon copy of the Quorn goal with Adam Weston's strike deflected of a defender this time to send Norris the wrong way and sail towards the opposite corner. This saw an increase in the home confidence and 3 minutes later they were in front, Paul Malone scrambling his header over the line from close range as the Quorn defence dithered following Stebbings effort that struck the post. At the other end Papparozzi was upended just outside the box and Wood's curler was clawed to safety at full stretch by Wright. Wood combined with Turner but the latters strike was comfotably held by Wright andv similarly Byrne's strike after good work by Papparozzi was equally comfortable for the well positioned keeper as Quorn finished the half on top.
Quorn again started the stonger after the break without really troubling the Stamford defence but the home side were quick to break in numbers and following another Quorn attack breaking down Phil Stebbing shrugged off a couple of challenges and fired a superb solo strike past Norris into the far corner as the visitors were caught flat footed. Byrne and Wood combined and Woods effort deflected into the path of Byrne but in chesting the ball forward gave Wright the chance to palm away for a corner which came to nothing. Stebbing burst into the Quorn box and Marriott looked to have made a clean tackle and although the Stamford striker stayed on his feet admirably, the Referee awarded the spot kick despite no appeals. Stebbings spot kick lacked real conviction but never the less Norris still produced an excellent save to knock the ball onto the post and safely gather the rebound.
Quorn stepped up a gear and should have pulled a goal back when Wright misjudged a corner and Ash White with the goal at his mercy could only divert the ball onto the post , Quorn finished the stronger but were unable to penetrate a stubborn home defence. Under the cicumstances it wasn't a bad performance in a reasonably entertaining game desite the heavy conditions but at the moment Quorn are sadly lacking in certain departments and need the influx of 1 or 2 players to strengthen the side . Stamfords Phil Stebbing gets my vote for MOTM with his penalty miss the only blot on his performance.
Quorn 1-4 Witton Albion (30/1/2010)
Quorn entertained another of the promotion candidates, hopeful of building on the midweek victory over Sheffield but were forced into changes with Ryan North failing a late fitness test and Steve Burton only fit enough for a place on the bench. Skipper Kris Mathews passed a late test and Anthony Marriott came in for his first game in just over a month.
The visitors were soon in their stride and helped by a series of needless free-kicks given away by Quorn, quickly took command of the game. It took only 6 minutes for Witton to go in front when another free-kick saw Ronnie Morgan put his side ahead with a simple goal. Quorn's miserable start continued and Morgan should have put his side two up but inexplicably shot wide with room and time to spare. Quorn conceded a corner which they struggled to defend and only a last ditch block saved the day. After good work by Morgan , Steve Foster was guilty of wasting a guilt edge chance and the home side were lucky to be still in the game such was the dominance of the visitors. Things went from bad to worse for Quorn when Russell Peel was fouled and had to leave the field with a nasty facial injury that rendered him motionless for quite a while.
Matthew Langham came on in his place and the visitors took advantage while Quorn were still in disawray and Foster made up for his earlier miss by easily beating home keeper Steve Norris from close range . Norris gifted Witton a third 5 minutes before the break when he missed a cross and Carl Ruffer had a simple task to head home unopposed . In virtually their first meaningful attack of the game, Quorn pulled a goal back when the speedy Tom Byrne split the visiting defence wide open and crossed for Marriott to sidefoot past Aaron Grundy who was as shocked as the rest of the spectators !
After such a dismal first half Quorn had to improve but Matthews was unable to take the field after the break and Purton replaced him in another re-shuffle with Ash White moving to center half . Byrne went close picking up a loose ball before firing just wide. Back came the visitors and Norris atoned for his earlier header to deny Ruffer from point blank range with a superb save following a corner that Quorn failed to defend properly. Byrne and Ash Robinson gave Quorn rise to a bit of optimism with efforts that were not far off but it was the visitors who went close on several occasions as Quorn returned on to the back foot.
Terrible defended led to Carl Lamb popping in a fourth goal for the visitors although to be fair the striker finished superbly blasted home past Norris. Quorn should have reduced the arrears when Marriott weaved his way in the box and his lay off to Liam Turner set up a shooting chance but the Quorn no 10 failed to finish. The visitors seemed content with a 4-1 away victory and were well worth it with very little threat from a poor home performance. Ronnie Morgan for me was the pick of the visitors and gets my vote for MOTM .
Quorn 1-0 Sheffield (26/1/2010)
Quorn were forced to make one change to the side that narrowly lost at Belper on Saturday, Ash White coming in for Steve Purton, who failed a late fitness test. Anthony Marriott and Julian Joachim were still unavailable. The visitors also made one change from the side that put three goals past Goole without reply on Saturday.
Quorn should have taken the lead in the very first minute when Tom Byrne cleverly beat his man and whipped over a great cross, with the goal at his mercy Liam Turner headed tamely wide. Byrne again was involved and his cross was partially cleared into the path of Sam Wood who shot first time but a blocked deflection saw the ball safely gathered by visiting keeper Leigh Walker. Sheffield replied with a swift counter attack that penetrated the home defence but Joe Shaw read the situation perfectly and cleared the danger. Steve Wooley had a snapshot but Steve Norris saw the ball all the way and made a comfortable catch low down to his left. A spell of pressure from the visitors was relieved when Ash Robinson freed Byrne down the left and his cross was met by Ryan North but his first time effort was just off target.
A superb cross by Byrne again, picked out the unmarked Robinson but the midfield man headed over from six yards. A flowing move started from deep involving Russell Peel , Robinson, Turner and Byrne was well cleared by visiting skipper Tom Jones at the expense of a corner which came to nothing. At the other end a superb catch by Norris under pressure put paid to a promising attack by the visitors. Just before the break Quorn got the goal they deserved when a great move split the Sheffied defence, Byrne's cross picked out North in space but Walker did brilliantly to parry his effort and followed up by blocking Woods strike from the rebound but could do nothing as Byrne fired home the rebound to give his side the lead at the break.
Sheffield started the 2nd half in more determined mood and the home defence superbly marshalled by skipper Kris Matthews were severely tested. Jordan Eagers had the best chance to level but his effort drifted wide , Wooley dangerous cross produced a superb take by Norris to ease the pressure. Shaw and Keast were working well together and snuffed out another dangerous attack before another deep cross was headed over the bar. Quorn steadily got back into the game and a Robinson corner was miss-handled by Walker, Byrne had to turn to pick up the loose ball and his shot was gathered by the keeper to atone for his error. Brian Cusworth broke free for the visitors but Norris rose superbly to tip over the strikers effort on the run.
Norris again made a good catch under pressure from a corner and then safely watched a header by Longstaff go wide of the mark. Eagers shot well wide from distance before at the other end Walker was called upon to make a fine save. Shaw picked up a loose ball and played to Robinson down the line, there looked no danger until he cut inside and beat another man before shooting, Walker parried but the ball sped to Byrne unmarked at the far post who struck well but the ball came off the underside of the crossbar and away to safety as Quorn finished the game in the ascendancy.
Quorn were made to defend for long periods but stuck to their task very well and limited the visitors to mainly half chances and certainly had the clearer chances to increase their lead. The entire back four all had fine games and looked solid throughout, aided and abetted by young keeper Norris, who handled confidently when called upon in a good all round team performance but my MOTM goes to Tom Byrne who not only notched the vital goal but was a constant danger to the visitors with his pace and trickery.
Belper Town 2-1 Quorn (23/1/2010)
Quorn returned to League action at promotion chasing Belper Town bolstered by the return of Joe Shaw, Steve Purton and Cameron Keast to the defence that performed so poorly in the Westerby Cup defeat in midweek. Anthony Marriott was again sidelined through suspension and Julian Joachim still out injured, Manager Doug Keast was forced to re-jig his team . Quorn were also without the departed Tom Ingram who has left to further his career with a stint in Australia but should be back for next season.
Belper fielding 3 new signings started on the offensive but the game was interrupted early on with a nasty injury to Andy Rushbury, who fell awkwardly following a strong tackle and broke his lower arm in the fall and was taken to hospital where I understand He underwent successful surgery to insert two steel plates and we all wish him a speedy recovery. When the game restarted Quorn should have taken the lead, Ash Robinson and Sam Wood combined and the latter slipped a fine ball to Tom Byrne who fired just wide of the post with the goal at his mercy. This let off spurred the home side into action and Ollie Ryan burst clear but his first touch was heavy and Steve Norris making his League debut for Quorn gathered safely before the home no 9 followed through with a lunge on the young keeper that earned a booking. It looked nasty at first but Norris recovered after treatment.
Belper continued to menace and Shaw made a superb tackle to thwart substitute Simon Mirfin and from the resulting corner the ball flashed across the face of the Quorn goal but with no takers. Byrne's pace up front was causing problems and Wood again cleverly freed him but his effort was comfortably gathered at the near post by the alert Adam Ogden. With half time approaching Belper took a deserved lead when following a corner, a scramble ensued at the edge of the six yard box which Quorn failed to clear and Lee Stevenson was first to react to fire home from close range.
After the break Norris fielded bravely at the feet of Jon Frogatt as the no 10 threatened to extend his sides lead. Quorn were unfortunate as Byrne broke free, going slightly away from goal he chipped superbly past Ogden only to strike the woodwork and the home side breathed a sigh of relief. Moments later it was Quorn who were grateful when Norris pulled off a superb save to deny an equally superb strike from Froggatt. Steve Purton fed Russell Peel who went on a mazy run before firing wide as Quorn enjoyed their best spell of the match. Byrne finally got the goal he deserved when he cleverly beat two players on the by-line and although Ogden and/or the post stopped the first effort he followed up to sqeeze the ball home to level the scores.
Quorn looked to have done enough with their 2nd half display to deserve a share of the spoils and Robinson went close firing over from distance but it was the home side who regained the lead when a Quorn defensive error saw Mirfin scamper clear on the right before putting over a superb cross for Stevenson to head home past Norris 2 minutes from the end , to secure victory for his side.
Quorn's 2nd half display was a vast improvement and were unlucky not to have got anything out of the game, the back four looked solid throughout, Wood and Robinson worked hard in the middle and Byrne was a constant threat up front but my man of the match goes to Joe Shaw.
Loughborough Dynamo 3-3 Quorn (26/12/09)
Quorn made the visit to their near neighbours for this Boxing day clash still without Skipper Kris Mathews but Julian Joachim returned along with Russell Peel who started on the bench. Cam Keast failed a late test and Adam Brown came in at late notice. The hosts were still without keeper Matt Nurse and brother Kris also missed the game.
Quorn were the brighter of the two teams early on with Liam Turner getting in a shot that failed to trouble stand in keeper Tom Holyoak. Quorn conceded a free-kick and failed to clear the cross and Ricky Nurse pounced to scoop the ball past Andy Simpson to give his side the lead on 6 mins against his former club. Quorn continued to give away free kicks in their own half but without real danger ensuing but the home side had the better of the first half hour with Quorn way below their best and struggling to put anything together in attack.
Out of the blue a Quorn attack saw the home side concede a free-kick just outside the box close to the by-line, Sam Woods delivery was met by Liam Turner who glanced his header past Holyoak to level the scores but the home side immediately restored their advantage when a cross from the right eluded the struggling Joe Shaw and was headed back across the face of the goal for Carl Adams to bundle the ball over the line. Quorn's bench felt aggreived because the Referee failed to spot the assistants flag prior to the restart as Quorn wanted to replace the injured Shaw. Worse was to follow when following another needless free-kick conceded, Simpson completely misjudged the flight of Alex Johnsons kick and the ball sailed into the net to seemingly put the game beyond the visitors as ha;lf time approached.
At half time Quorn brought on Russell Peel and this improved the shape of the side following their lacklustre first half performance but the home side seemed to be well in control until the last 15 minutes when the game suddenly opened up with chances created and spurned at both ends until a break by Quorn saw the home defence in disarray and Turner controlled well before blasting home from 15 yards past Holyoak to set up a nervy last 10 minutes for the home defence as Quorn at last started to exert pressure. With Quorn pushing men forward , a break by the home team saw substitute Reece Lester miss a golden opportunity to put the game beyond their visitors shooting tamely at Simpson when free on goal.
Joachim failed to convert a good chance from Turners cross and as the home side were forced to defend , Joachim's shot from distance beat Holyoak but struck the crossbar. With time running out Tom Byrne picked up the ball on the left and fired in a shot that went through a crowd of players and past Holyoak to give Quorn the equaliser. Both sides had chances to win the game in time added on but both sides had to settle for a point with the home side being the more disapointed at the loss of two points.
Not the greatest of games to watch apart from the last 15 minutes and consistant performers over the full ninety plus minutes were hard to find Luke Edwards led the line well for the home side but my MOTM goes to home number 4 Karl Noble who had a fine game both in attack and defence throughout.
Goole 2-0 Quorn (15/12/09)
When you have a 160+ mile round trip on a freezing cold night in December, there is nothing like a fantastic game of football to watch and this was nothing like a fantastic game of football to watch ! Apart from the 2 goals conceded, both of which were poor goals to concede, there was very little to report about. There were 3 poor teams out there, yes 3, a very poor performance by Quorn, the home side marginally better and the least said about the other � team � the better !!
With Skipper Kris Mathews, Tom Byrne, Julian Joachim and Russell Peel all missing and Joe Shaw leaving the field early because of injury, it was always going to be a tough night. This was no excuse for the way the team played in the first 45 minutes which was the poorest display I have seen in the last few years . The home side took the lead through Brett Lovell, 6 minutes before the break.
Quorn did start the 2nd half brighter, three players involved in a swift attack that ended with a blistering shot by Ash Robinson that was only just over the bar. Quorn conceded a 2nd goal 8 minutes in, not a carbon copy of the first but with the same sloppy defending never the less, Gavin Allott the scorer.
Things then went from bad to worse , with a Goole player kicking out at Anthony Marriott and the Quorn player pushing the player in retaliation, its all right to kick someone but don't raise your hands to push in return. Marriott sent off � Goole player no action taken ! With Quorn stretched at the back Cameron Keast made a rash challenge and should have been booked - not so, straight red, Quorn down to nine with still over 30 minutes to play. A Goole player got his marching orders for kicking out at Ash Robinson, with the Quorn player booked for something � not sure what !
The game deteriorated into a farce with players from both sides receiving yellow cards and Manager Doug Keast sent to the stands for complaining too vigorously. ! Things can only get better !!! On the plus side the game is behind us now.
Leek Town 2-2 Quorn (12/12/09)
Quorn travelled to Leek without Julian Joachim, who was ill and suffered a further blow when skipper Kris Mathews failed a late fitness test, Matt Langham continued up front alongside Tom Byrne and Anthony Marriott returned following suspension in a re-jigged back line alongside Ash Robinson and Cam Keast. Tom Ingram came in for his first start following a lengthy lay off with injury and illness.
Langham had an early opportunity after being released by Byrne but his effort lacked the pace or direction to trouble home keeper Steve Hodgson. Quorn gave away a free kick just inside their half and the ball driven deep into the box was not dealt with and defender Mark Ruddock drove the loose ball just inside the post past the diving Andy Simpson, to give the home side the lead with only three minutes gone. Quorn responded but Byrne's effort again failed to trouble Hodgson who gathered cleanly. Sam Wood cleverly won the ball and his superb though ball found Langham who controlled well before drilling his shot past Hodgson on the angle for the equaliser on 8 minutes.
Wood shot narrowly past with a first time effort after spotting Hodgson off his line before at the other end good work by Wayne Corden, whose cross was met by the head of Leon Ashman nearly restored the home sides lead but Simpson rose superbly to tip-over. Langham did well deep in his own half to break up another home attack before the same player latched on to a long ball by Marriott but fired wide. A push on Marriott was missed by the officials but Simpson came to Quorn's rescue again, denying Ashman with a superb stop. Simpson then failed to hold a near post cross and the loose ball was chipped to the far post for the unmarked Ruddock to head home to restore his side's lead just over ten minutes before the break. Langham's knock down was fired just past by Wood and just before half- time, Langham's superb cross saw Byrne bring out the best from Hodgson who rose to tip over the bar.
It took Quorn 2 minutes after the break to square things up when Wood's superb run and cross picked out Ingram who sidestepped his marker before curling a superb shot past the despairing dive of Hodgson into the top corner of the net. The home side responded and a dangerous cross by Steve Brannan was dealt with confidently by Simpson under pressure but moments later another cross, this time from Corden fell to Brannan who fired well over when well placed. A quick free-kick found Langham who beat his man but chose to shoot from a tight angle with men free inside and fired into the side netting. A great run by Byrne saw him play the ball into the path of Langham who tried to steer it past the advancing Hodgson but the keeper pulled off a superb stop to thwart the visitors.
Quorn had a great chance to take the lead for the first time in the match, when Wood's tricky run saw him cross to the unmarked Byrne who should have scored but Hodgson somehow managed to produce the save. Wood despite being fouled managed to stay on his feet to take him past three men but again Hodgson pulled off a superb stop to rescue his side as Quorn began to dominate for the first time in the game. Wood again freed Ingram and his right foot shot beat Hodgson but the upright came to the home sides rescue this time. Byrne was halted in full flow by a superb tackle by Matt Johnson and from the resulting corner Robinson headed over with Substitute Liam Turner better placed to head the ball just behind him. The home side looked to have run out of ideas but should have scored when Simpson miss-kicked a dangerous back pass but he recovered superbly to deny substitute Dean Crowe, bravely diving at the strikers feet to palm the ball away from the unguarded net. Steve Purton's cross was cut out by Hodgson as Turner closed in and as time ran out Byrne missed a glorious chance to seal the victory after a good move ended with Purtons cross needed only the slightest touch to beat Hodgson who bravely threw himself into the firing line.
Quorn's second half performance, after riding their luck in the first half, should have seen them take Leek's unbeaten home record and but for Hodgson may well have done, the home keeper being the star man for the home side, Sam Wood had a fine game against his former club but my MOTM goes to Matt Langham who led the line superbly until he was surprisingly withdrawn with over twenty minutes remaining.
Quorn 1-1 Mkt. Drayton Town (5/12/09)
Quorn were without the suspended Anthony Marriott and with Russel Peel out for a month with a shoulder injury and Craig Jones still absent, Manager Dougie Keast went for a 4-3-3 formation with Matt Langham joining Tom Byrne and Julian Joachim up front and Cam Keast in the heart of defence freeing Ash Robinson to move into midfield. Quorn were soon out the blocks and Langham had a great chance to open the scoring but his right foot effort was blocked and he knocked the rebound wide with his left. Quorn were caught on the break and Nicky Porter's cross was hacked away but it struck Martyn Davies but luckily for Quorn it rebounded wide.
A needless free-kick was given away by Quorn ten yards from the half way line, Porter's free kick was missed by everyone including Quorn keeper Andrew Simpson and the long range effort nestled in the back of the net for a shock opener with only six minutes gone. Back came Quorn and a quite shocking decision by the Referee to deny the home side a penalty when a visiting defender did his Thierry Henry impression only for the Referee to turn a blind eye - or two ! To compound the anger of the home side he then awarded handball against Keast when he was victim of an obvious push in the back, luckily for Quorn it was well outside the box.
Quorn continued to be on top and Joachim twice got clear and missed opportunities to level, but credit must be given to the alert Andrew Pryce who narrowed the angle well to block the first then again giving Joachim little to aim at as the ball went just past the far post. Robinson's throw caused panic for the visitors who partially cleared and when the ball came back in Langham headed down for Robinson to fire wide. Langham turned well and got in a shot that was deflected wide as Quorn's frustration grew. A rare attack by the visitors saw Simpson beat away a Tom Rogers strike from a tight angle. Robinson's throw was touched on by Joe Shaw and Joachim unmarked at the far post agonisingly headed wide with the goal at his mercy. The visitors continued to live dangerously and a goal bound effort from a near post flick on was scrambled of the line straight into the grateful arms of Pryce just before the break.
The 2nd half started as the first left off and following a half cleared corner Kris Matthews put over a superb cross to the unmarked Langham but again six yards out he inexplicably headed over. A superb run by Byrne took him into the box but his progress was halted by a good tackle, the ball reached Sam Wood who chipped goal wards only for his effort to strike the crossbar. Langham again had a golden opportunity to level for Quorn but Pryce spread himself well to block the effort. Joachim was next to go clear and Pryce again came to his sides rescue to block straight to Langham who again fired badle wide. In a isolated attack by the visitors that began with a missed offside by the assistant, Stuart Ellis crossed to Davies but he too headed poorly wide of the target when well placed. Quorn made a double substitution with Tom Ingram and Michael Papparozzi replacing Langham and Ryan North and it immediately paid dividends when a curling free kick by Steve Purton was met by skipper Matthews, whose powerful header rocketed past Pryce for a deserved if somewhat belated equaliser.
Quorn continued to take the game to their opponents but without success and as the game drew to a close the visitors had a couple of great opportunities to steal the points after Matthews had to leave the field with a thigh strain and left Quorn a bit exposed as James Askey headed over a Porter corner and a free kick was headed down by substitute Paul Bowyer into the path of Davies, who again was guilty of the miss. On great chances, a 8-3 scoreline wouldn't have been an inaccurate result, but as it was both sides had to settle for a point apiece.
No strikers on show staked a claim for MOTM although Tom Byrne worked tirelessly, Nicky Porter impressed for the visitors with Kris Mathews, Steve Purton and Joe Shaw having solid displays for Quorn but visiting keeper Andrew Pryce gets my vote.
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 on 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 Mathews 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 Mathews 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 Mathews 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. Mathews 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 Mathews 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 Mathews 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 Mathews 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 Mathews 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 Mathews , 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 Mathews 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 Mathews, 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 Mathews 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 Mathews 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 Mathews 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 Mathews 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 Mathews 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 Mathews, 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 Mathews, 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 Mathews in the heart of the Quorn defence.
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