Match Reports

The conference North side, like Quorn, fielded several fringe players and had to come from behind to level the tie after the visitors took the lead through an excellent finish by George Lutaaya. Lloyd Kerry grabbed the equaliser but Quorn clung on as the home side got stronger in personal as well as play, Andy Simpson in goal made several fine stops to keep the scores level before Hinckley took the tie by scoring their 5th penalty after Quorn missed their fourth. This was a spirited performance by the Quorn X1 and several players impressed.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, L.Attenborough, C.Hollist(Moran 45), J.Smedley, R.Nurse, A.Marriott, J.Fairclouth, S.Wood, L.Turner(Dudfield 55), T.Whitman(Lutaaya 45) D.Marshall
Subs C.Baker, D.Clouth, L.Dudfield, G.Lataaya, D.Moran.

Not a lot to be said really, Carlton were marginally the better side - an 8 goal margin in fact !!!

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, C.Hollist, J.Fairclough, L.Carr, C.Gray, L.Hamilton A.Robinson, K.Nurse, T.Whitman, R.Norris.
Subs L.Dudfield, A.Marriott, S.Wood.

Quorn made their first ever visit to New Mills, still searching for that elusive first away win and with the news that influential defender Kris Mathews will be out for the rest of the season, following his shoulder operation, this looked like another difficult encounter. Manager Lawrie Dudfield turned defender for the day and Tristram Whitman partnered Kris Nurse up front.

Whitman was unlucky not to open the scoring in the opening few minutes when his wind assisted chip was touched on to the bar by home keeper James Coates. Quorn were marginally the better side first half and disappointingly missed two great chances before the interval. Another great chance went a begging soon after the restart and Quorn were made to pay when the first real threat on Matt Nurse’s goal saw the home side show how to finish when Carlos Meakin drilled his effort inside the far post.

Quorn replied 15 minutes later when a superbly flighted free kick by Rob Norris was deftly headed home by Whitman. This stung the home side into action and debutant Benjamin Deegan put his side back in front within a minute with Quorn guilty of sloppy defending. This seemed to take the wind out of Quorn and they conceded another goal when substitute Ashley Stott netted from close range.

Quorn were then handed a lifeline when a poor back pass was seized upon by Nurse, who rounded the keeper and slotted into the empty net, one minute later it was all square when Nurse blasted home from an acute angle off the underside of the bar. Quorn sensed an unlikely victory and went for it but with the game flowing from end to end it was a case of who would get the winner.

James Coates made a fine save to deny Nurse his hat trick and Whitman was also foiled by the keeper. With six minutes remaining, disaster struck for Quorn, by pushing men forward they left themselves exposed to the counter and were caught outnumbered and conceded a penalty which was despatched by Meakin. Quorn fought hard to regain parity and went close again but with time running out they got caught on the break and Stott fired past Nurse to complete the scoring in the 94th minute.

Conceding 5 goals doesn’t really tell the story and the finishing of the two sides was the difference, with Quorn once again left to rue the missed chances that should have seen them take a commanding lead before the home side scored in the 52nd minute. The players gave their all and deserved something out of this game but its goals that count and the home side scored more!

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, C.Hollist, L.Carr, L.Dudfield, C.Gray, A.Robinson, R.Norris, K.Nurse, T.Whitman, D.Marshall.
Subs L.Hamilton.

Quorn kept faith with the same starting eleven that scored 5 without reply last week and for the first 50 minutes they carried on where they left off, completely dominating the first half and should have been 2 or 3 goals up at the break, with Matt Nurse a spectator for the most part.

After the break Quorn carried on where they left off and another early chance went a begging before disaster struck, giving away a needless free kick in a dangerous area and were made to pay when the cross fell to the floor, amid the congestion at the far post and Simon Sturdy toe-poked the loose ball home to give his side an unlikely lead. With Quorn in disbelief, the home side seized the initiative and Quorn lost their shape and became disorganised.

With the home side having found a new confidence from somewhere, Gavin Allott began to find the room he needed and was a thorn in Quorn’s side and when he was substituted with twenty minutes remaining, the visitors began to get back in the game, but pushing forward left holes at the back and they conceded a couple of corners in quick succession, the 2nd of which proved costly when, in a carbon copy of the first goal, Vill Powell this time, forced the ball over the line.

Quorn then rallied but it was always an uphill task and despite going close on a couple of occasions, the home side saw out time with relative ease. Last week the chances were taken in the first half and it was really disappointing to concede two soft goals after missing 2 or 3 gilt edge chances in the first period.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, C.Hollist, L.Carr, K.Mathews, A.Robinson, L.Hamilton, R.Norris, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, D.Marshall.
Subs C.Gray, A.Marriott, T.Whitman.

Quorn looked to begin the New Year with a victory against near neighbours and fellow strugglers Shepshed and welcomed back Matt Nurse, after missing the last four games through injury but Chris Gray was side-lined with a one match ban for totting up 5 cautions. Louis Hamilton came in for his first start with Ash Robinson partnering Rob Norris in the centre of midfield.

It was Hamilton who was prominent in the early stages, causing problems with his pace and forcing the visitors to defend in numbers, but they weathered the early storm and gradually edged Quorn back but it was the home side that took the lead when a cross from the left found Kris Nurse, his first time effort was parried by Sam Andrew but Lewis Carr was on hand to sweep the ball home past the stranded keeper with 24 minutes gone.

The visitors tried to respond but Carr and Kris Mathews looked in control at the back and 5 minutes later Quorn got their 2nd, Nurse volleying past Andrew into the roof of the net after Lawrie Dudfield got the flick on to Chris Hollist’s fine cross. Nurse then headed a third, 10 minutes before the break and went close to his hat trick on more than one occasion.

Shepshed looked to be a bit more determined but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Substitute Ricky Law was given a straight red for an over the top challenge. Hamilton continued to be a thorn in the visitor’s side and helped himself to the fourth just after the hour with a fine finish and player/manager Dudfield compounded the agony for Shepshed with a left foot shot from the edge of the area into the corner of the net with just less than 20 minutes left.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, C.Hollist, L.Carr, K.Mathews, A.Robinson, L.Hamilton, R.Norris, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, D.Marshall.
Subs L.Attenborough, A.Marriott, T.Whitman.

Quorn were looking to continue their recent upturn in form against a Loughborough side that included Shawn Richards, making his debut, after making the switch to Dynamo only a week ago. Quorn included New Signing Tris Whitman on the bench, with Ant Marriott also returning after missing the goal less draw at Sheffield.

The game started lively enough for the first five minutes but both defences were in commanding form with neither side able to penetrate and neither goalkeeper called into any serious action in a lacklustre first half. After the break Quorn looked to have the edge but without much to show in the way of chances and the Home side had the first real opening but Reece Lester on his wrong foot shot straight at Ricky Drury who gathered cleanly.

At the other end a shot from distance was fumbled by Laurie Pearson in the home goal but as Rob Norris looked to tap home, a magnificent tackle by Danny Jenno prevented the opener. A spell of pressure by Quorn saw a penalty appeal turned down when Kris Nurse appeared to be bundled to the floor following a corner but the Referee saw it otherwise.

With time ebbing away, substitute Scott Mooney turned superbly in the box and was caught, this time the Referee did point to the spot and Jamie Clarke tucked away the penalty in the corner to put Loughborough ahead with just over 5 minutes remaining, a cruel blow for Quorn, who were looking the side most likely to break the deadlock. The home side remained firm at the back and held on to the three points.

Quorn Team
R.Drury, J.Shaw, C.Hollist, L.Carr, K.Mathews, C.Gray, A.Robinson, R.Norris, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, D.Marshall.
Subs L.Hamilton, A.Marriott, T.Whitman.

Quorn visited the Worlds Oldest Club, Sheffield, hoping to continue last weeks form and on a difficult surface took the game to their high flying hosts. Dan Marshall and Chris Hollist were combining well on the left flank and causing the home side problems, several crosses during the first period rained across the face of the Sheffield goal, with Quorn unlucky not to be in front.

Quorn continued to press after the break but were forced to make a change when Ash Robinson limped off injured. The home side then began to threaten a Quorn back line who again showed tremendous resolve. Quorn seemed to lose their shape a little bit and the last twenty minutes saw the home side threaten on numerous occasions but the visitors held out for a share of the spoils.

Quorn Team
R.Drury, J.Shaw, C.Hollist, K.Mathews, L.Carr, C.Gray, A.Robinson, R.Norris, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, D.Marshall.
Subs L.Hamilton

With Quorn in the midst of a barren spell and the visitors fresh from a 5-1 victory in their last game, it looked odds on that Quorn’s miserable run would continue but the Home side, showing a resilience that has been lacking for most of the season, not only kept a clean sheet but took all three points thanks to a superb headed goal by debutant Lewis Carr, just two minutes from the end.

Quorn began a little nervous but Carr and the returning Kris Mathews in the heart of the defence, soon began to forge a barrier to the visitors attacks. With Matt Nurse still out injured, Ricky Drury continued to deputise, also making his Home debut at left back was Chris Hollist, allowing Dan Marshall to push forward in midfield. The much changed line-up saw Rob Norris link up with Chris Gray in the centre of midfield, with Shawn Richards returning on the right hand side in place of the suspended Ash Robinson.

Quorn looked the better side for long periods and chances fell at regular intervals but as is Quorn’s lack of confidence at the moment, they all went a begging until Carr showed how it’s done with a great header on the run to complete a move that he initially started. The relief was there for all to see and whilst 1 Swallow doesn’t make a Summer, there were marked signs of improvement all round the field. Quorn need to show the resolve and determination, which was evident in this game, in the forthcoming difficult run of fixtures.

Quorn Team
R.Drury, J.Shaw, C.Hollist, K.Mathews, L.Carr, C.Gray, S.Richards, R.Norris, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, D.Marshall.
Subs N/U

Following last Saturday's disappointing performance against Brigg, it didn't bode well for the "return" fixture, just three days later, however for over half an hour things looked much better with Quorn going close on several occasions before taking a well-deserved lead through Chris Gray. Then things started to go wrong, the home side scoring twice in as many minutes with Quorn’s back line once again looking suspect.

Things went from bad to worse after the break when the Home side fired in three more in the space of six minutes, the first of which was unfortunate when Adam Burton lost his footing at the vital moment and inadvertently headed past a stranded Ricky Drury, who was hastily drafted in with Matt Nurse injured. Brigg’s fourth goal was a soft penalty and the fifth was down to poor marking again by Quorn. Anthony Marriott pulled a goal back with 20 minutes left and despite having the better of the remaining period, the visitors didn’t really stretch the home side too much.

Quorn Team
R.Drury, J.Shaw, C.Hollist, A.Marriott, A.Burton, C.Gray, R.Norris, A.Millson, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, A.Robinson.
Subs A.Hooton.

A poor performance by the home side saw them trail by 2 goals to nil at half time, Quorn did improve after the break but not before conceding a third goal, Kris Nurse grabbed a consolation goal but it was a case of too little, too late.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, B.Knight, D.Marshall, K.Mathews, A.Burton, C.Gray, A.Robinson, A.Marriott, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, S.Richards.
Subs J.Seaton.

Quorn made 3 changes from the previous game, with Joe Shaw and Kris Mathews unavailable, Kalern Thomas and Adam Burton returned in defence. Manager Lawrie Dudfield, finally shaking off injury, returned to partner Kris Nurse up front with Rob Norris playing a free role.

Quorn had the better of the first half and were first to go close, when Dudfield got on the end of a fine move but dragged his left foot shot wide of the far post. The home side responded with Leon Ashman heading wide when well placed but Quorn finished the half on top and it took a fine save by home keeper Dave Parton at full stretch to deny Norris his first goal for the visitors.

Quorn should have gone ahead early in the 2nd period when a fine three man move saw Adam Millson slip a fine ball through to Dudfield but his first touch was heavy and Parton reacted well to gather the loose ball. In a rare attack Anthony Malbon went down easily in the box and received a yellow card for his trouble. Norris again went close after showing great skill to set up a left foot effort that drifted wide. A surging run by Thomas set up Dudfield to cross but the home side defended well.

Quorn continued to dominate the game but paid the penalty for not taking their chances, when Top scorer Malbon tapped home from close range, after hesitancy by Quorn brought about the chance with less than ten minutes remaining. The final whistle went to leave Quorn stunned as to how they never won the game with Matt Nurse a spectator, for the vast majority of the game.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, K.Thomas, D.Marshall, A.Marriott, A.Burton, C.Gray, A.Robinson, A.Millson, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, R.Norris.
Subs S.Richards, A.Osie-Siribour.

Quorn just about deserved a point from this dour encounter with both sides cancelling each other out with sound defensive displays. Goals in the last minute of each half, Ashley Jackson giving Romulus the lead and Kris Nurse levelling for Quorn were the highlights, with very little else to enthuse about.

Quorn did liven up in the last 15 minutes and may well have snatched victory, Anthony Marriott striking the base of the post and Kris Nurse inches away from getting his head onto a cross from Shawn Richards. That apart neither Keeper looked in danger of conceding further goals.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, A.Marriott, K.Mathews, C.Gray, A.Robinson, A.Millson, K.Nurse, R.Norris, B.Munn.
Subs L.Dudfield, S.Richards, A.Osie-Siribour.

Quorn made four changes for the visit of high flying Hucknall Town, New signing Rob Norris went straight into the side and with Adam Burton serving a 1 match ban, Anthony Marriott partnered Kris Mathews in the heart of the defence, with Dan Marshall coming back in at left back. Bradley Munn returned after injury, on the left of midfield.

Quorn started the brighter of the two sides and could have taken an early lead when Marriott’s long free kick picked out Kris Nurse, the leading scorer controlled well and shot past James Lindley the visiting keeper but unfortunately, just past the far post. This proved to be theme for the afternoon with the Quorn striker being involved in many efforts on goal without getting the reward for his endeavours. An Ash Robinson throw that was poorly dealt with by the visitors, gave him another shooting opportunity, his shot was struck with venom but a fine defensive block kept the effort out.

Nurse again was involved, this time linking up with Chris Gray to give Norris a shooting chance but his effort was always rising and cleared the bar watched by Lindley. A defensive mix up at the back gave Nurse his next opportunity but with time, he lifted his shot over the bar much to the relief of Lindley. With 37 minutes gone, Quorn were awarded a penalty, Nurse inevitably involved as he latched onto a through ball and was brought down by Lindley, the referee deemed it only a yellow card and the duel continued, The keeper made his mind up to gamble and dived low to his left to palm away the Quorn number 9’s effort and we were left still goal-less.

After the break things continued in much the same vein and Nurse again found space to get in a shot on the run that went over. The visitors failed to trouble the Quorn defence until the 73rd minute when an error in midfield nearly cost dear but Matt Nurse raced out to block on the edge of the box and Quorn continued to take the game to the visitors. A snapshot volley by Munn was well deflected for a corner, which he took himself, the ball only partially cleared to Adam Millson, he cleverly threaded the ball to Mathews, who slightly off balance cleared the bar with his left foot strike.

Play continued to be all at the visitors end and a series of corners and free kicks rained into the Hucknall box but to no avail as the well marshalled visiting back line held out to claim a point. Kris Nurse will no doubt beat himself up over his missed chances but has no need to, as apart from finding the back of the net, he had another fine game and on another day would have had at least a hat trick which would have been no more than his all round play deserved. Performance wise this was a fine team effort with Rob Norris having slotting in well and if we can produce this level on a regular basis, we should soon be able to climb out of the mess we are in at the moment – surely the luck must change soon!

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, A.Marriott, K.Mathews, C.Gray, A.Robinson, A.Millson, K.Nurse, R.Norris, B.Munn.
Subs A.Osie-Siribour.

Quorn were looking to build on the midweek performance but all hopes were dashed after just 5 minutes of play when the home side scored 2 goals in a minute, both were absolute shockers from a defensive point of view as James McCarthy raced clear of a static back line to fire past a helpless Matt Nurse. Despite nearly going down to a third goal, Nurse this time did well as he faced a third one on one in ten minutes, Quorn pulled one back on 12 minutes when, after good work by Adam Millson, Andrew Osei-Siribour squared for Kris Nurse to side foot home.

The home side increased their lead when a headed clearance found Matt Haddrell, who from fully 35 yards struck a superb volley that caught Nurse stranded and unable to get near the ball, while the first two goals were disappointing, there was nothing anyone could do to prevent the third. Quorn continued to play poorly and only Matt Nurse prevented the score line having a more embarrassing look at half time.

Two minutes after the break any hopes of a comeback were dashed when the referee awarded a penalty after what appeared to be nothing more than dangerous kicking, either way a soft penalty it was and Haddrell converted to give his side a three goal cushion. Kris Nurse did rifle home a superb 2nd, for his 15th of the season but Quorn never looked like reducing the deficit further and the home side comfortably saw out time.

Losing Bradley Munn during the warm up, causing a reshuffle didn’t help, but this was a very poor team performance, not just defensively but the midfield in particular, looked a mess with players playing all over the place and not having the discipline to play the roles they were selected for.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, K.Thomas, J.Shaw, K.Mathews, A.Burton, C.Gray, A.Robinson, A.Millson, K.Nurse, A.Osie-Siribour, S.Richards.
Subs A.Marriott, D.Marshall, T.Weaver.

Quorn failed to overcome a strong Leicester City X1 in the Final of the Westerby Cup Winners Cup at Farley Way last night. Despite taking the lead 4 minutes before the break through Kris Nurse, Quorn were unable to hold the advantage long as City took just 3 minutes to restore parity with a well taken goal by Caolan Lavery.

Manager Lawrie Dudfield rested Chris Gray and Ash Robinson, with Joe Shaw and Shawn Richards returning to the side, Marriott switching to a midfield role. Despite the vistors being the more slicker, as you would expect, it was the home side who made the breakthrough with Richards the architect, outpacing his marker before crossing to Nurse who finished well. As if a bell had sounded, Leicester stepped up a gear and Quorn were caught out before Lavery also finished well.

The 2nd half saw chances at both ends and both keepers had to be at their best. As time was running out the 2nd "bell" sounded and the vistors had three chances in the last few minutes to settle the tie but outstanding defending by Shaw (twice) and Kris Mathews, aided by some alert keeping by Matt Nurse, ensured the tie went to penalties.

Quorn made a poor start by missing their first two spot kicks, with City converting theirs. Adam Millson and Marriott then netted with Nurse saving the visitors 3rd and 4th kicks to leave it all square. Quorn then missed their 5th leaving Joe Dodoo to fire past Nurse to retain the Trophy won by the vistors last year.

All in all this was a good solid all round performance by Quorn, Leicester did create chances and Nurse did pull off 1 or 2 fine saves but Adam Smith, the Foxes keeper, also too saved his side on more than one occasion. Quorn had the ball in the net on two other occasions, one in each half but both were chalked off for offside. A very entertaing game on a miserable night ended with victory for the Leicester team but Quorn can be more than proud of their part in the game.

For Leicester's match report-follow link here:-

http://www.lcfc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10274~2510555,00.html

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, K.Mathews, A.Burton, A.Marriott,, S.Richards, A.Millson, K.Nurse, A.Osie-Siribour, B.Munn.
Subs A.Hooton, R.Nurse, K.Thomas.

A MONUMENTAL error of judgement cost Quorn dear, when as early as the 5th minute the Referee awarded a free kick just outside the box after a magnificent tackle by Adam Burton won the ball as clean as can be. He then produced a Red Card for the young defender, as astounded team mates begged him to consult with the Assistant, who failed to bring to the Referee’s attention that he had made an error, what compounded it for me was that the initial move should have been stopped as when the ball was played forward, the Stamford forward was offside, the assistant poorly positioned to notice.

With Quorn still stunned by the decision, the home side took full advantage and Bruno Holden applied the finishing touch to Nathan Watson’s cross. Quorn responded in positive manner and Ash Robinson’s well struck shot was blocked for a corner, Adam Millson’s flag kick reached Chris Gray who beat keeper Mario Ziccardi but his header from 12 yards struck the bar and was hacked away at the 2nd attempt off or near the line. With a defender short, Quorn were living dangerous and after 17 minutes, new signing Nicholas Ghislanzoni put Stamford further ahead, again following great work by the impressive Watson.

This forced a re-shuffle in the Quorn back line and Joe Shaw came on the stem the tide. By this time, not surprisingly the home side had their tails up and it looked game, set and match when David Staff converted at the near post with just less than ten minutes before the break. Quorn again tweaked the formation and for the first time in the game the ten men began to threaten the Stamford goal. Just before the whistle to end the half, Millson’s superbly drilled free kick was headed home by Gray.

The 2nd half saw Quorn stage a fight back and Bradley Munn drove a 25 yard free kick round the wall to put his side back in it. With Quorn committed to searching for the equaliser, chances inevitably came at both ends but surprisingly it was the ten men of Quorn that had the better of the exchanges and Ziccardi, on more than one occasion was called into action. However the Stamford defence superbly marshalled by skipper Miles Chamberlain restricted the number of real clear cut chances.

This win sees Stamford climb into 2nd place in the table with a game in hand over the leaders and Quorn were left to rue what might have been had we had a level playing field for more than the first 5 minutes!! It really is hard to swallow when you are reduced to ten men with what can only be described as a guess by the official, because had he have seen the tackle, then he could not have made the decision.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, A.Marriott, D.Marshall, K.Mathews, A.Burton, C.Gray, A.Robinson, A.Millson, K.Nurse, A.Osie-Siribour, B.Munn.
Subs J.Shaw, K.Thomas.

Quorn Manager Lawrie Dudfield returned to partner Kris Nurse up front and Andrew Osei-Siribour switched to the right hand side in place of the unavailable Ash Robinson , Bradley Munn started in place of Shawn Richards in an otherwise unchanged line-up from the well-earned draw at Lincoln on Saturday. The visitors made a number of changes following their heavy defeat at the hands of Hucknall Town.

It was Belper who came out the stronger early on and only a superb intervention from Joe Shaw prevented the opening goal. Quorn responded and Osei-Siribour did well to beat his man to fire over a great cross that Dudfield was only inches away from turning in at the far post. Belper took the lead with a goal out of the blue on 11 minutes, there looked little danger when talisman Jon Froggatt received the ball outside the box with his back to goal but a neat side step and a thunderous strike left matt Nurse grasping at thin air as the ball sped into the top corner. Back came Quorn and Dudfield combined well with Osei-Siribour to set up Nurse, but his well struck effort was blocked. A neat passing movement saw Osei-Siribour cut in from the right but his final effort posed no problem for keeper Andy Richmond.

A poor decision by the Referee in midfield nearly cost Quorn when a foul went unnoticed and the visitors broke but Nurse made the parry and Quorn survived. With Belper having the better of the opening 30 minutes, the Home side began having a better spell and a delightful through by Adam Millson created the opening for Kris Nurse to notch his twelve goal of the season, slipping the ball past the advancing Richmond, to level the scores in the 36th minute. Quorn began to look the team most likely to take the lead but a routine high ball into the home side’s box was missed by Quorn keeper Nurse and Andy Rushbury had the simple task of netting from close range to restore the advantage 2 minutes before the break.

After the break Belper seemed to be concentrating on holding on to their slender lead and Quorn dominated for long spells. Adam Burton got his head to Millson’s corner to knock back for Dudfield to fire just wide and neat play by Shaw and Dudfield led to Osei-Siribour whipping in a dangerous cross that Richmond could only parry away but the ball was knocked behind for a corner. Munn then beat his man before firing just past the far post. Another excellent free kick by Millson led to the ball being hacked off the line but straight to Chris Gray who thundered in his shot but Richmond, who at first looked to have lost the ball, suddenly stuck out a hand to tip over the bar.

Another Millson corner found the head of Nurse but again the effort was hacked off the line as Quorn searched for that elusive equaliser. Belper’s forays into the Quorn half became less and less but one such attack nearly took the game out of Quorn’s reach as Froggatt broke but his effort was well held by Nurse low down. . Then a slip by a Quorn defender let in the number 9 but his first time shot was wayward. As time began to run out a great cross by Shaw was only partially cleared by Richmond but Nurse couldn’t keep his first time volley down and the visitors clung on for the points.

Despite the strong start by the visitors, it was Quorn who did the majority of the attacking, particularly in the 2nd half but a strong defensive performance by Belper restricted the Quorn front line to very few clear cut chances but the home side on the balance of play deserved at least a point.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, A.Marriott, A.Burton, C.Gray, A.Osie-Siribour, A.Millson, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, B.Munn.
Subs S.Richards.

Quorn made just one change, new loan signing Andrew Osei-Siribour coming in to partner Kris Nurse up front with Manager Lawrie Dudfield dropping down to the bench to rest himself. Bradley Munn another new signing, on loan from Burton Albion, also took a place on the bench alongside the available again Kris Mathews.

Quorn were the better side in the first half and were unlucky not to have gone to the break at least one goal to the good, both Nurse and Osei-Siribour both going close, the home side struggled to make any impact against a resolute Quorn back line with recent signing Adam Burton having an excellent game.

After the break the Home side stepped up a gear but it was Quorn who nearly took the lead when a shot from the edge of the box by Osei-Siribour was brilliantly saved by home keeper Phil McGann. Clear cut chances continued to be at a premium but just near the end Matt Nurse pulled off a superb save to ensure the game finished goal less.

Although there was very little in the way of goal mouth incidents, it was far from being a boring game but both sides struggled to create openings because of the quality of defending at both ends of the pitch. All in all Quorn were grateful for another priceless point away from home that saw them rise another place up the table but a share of the spoils is nothing less than they deserved.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, A.Marriott, A.Burton, C.Gray, A.Robinson, A.Millson, K.Nurse, A.Osie-Siribour, S.Richards.
Subs K.Mathews, B.Munn.

When your bottom of the League, confidence is low both on and off the field but Manager Lawrie Dudfield is working nonstop to bring in new players to freshen things up and thanks to the help of Ilkeston Town, Lawrie was able to bring in late new signing Adam Burton. 18 years old Adam must have wondered what he had let himself in for when a nightmare opening 15 minutes saw Quorn trail by 2 goals. Anthony Marriott and Joe Shaw returned in a re-jigged back four with Burton and Dan Marshall, Ash Robinson and Chris Gray returned to their more familiar roles in the middle of the park.

The visitors took the lead with less than 5 minutes gone, a terrible defensive mix up just outside the box, allowed Sean Cann to steal in and fire past Matt Nurse. Worse was to follow when Shawn Richards was adjudged to have handled the ball deliberately in the box and Ant Lynam converted the spot kick to put his side further in front with just over 12 minutes gone. Quorn responded immediately and a fine move ended with Robinson firing just wide. Minutes later Quorn should have had a penalty when Dudfield broke clear and was brought down from behind but the referee refused to see it and gave a corner.

Dudfield again did well and his deep cross found the unmarked Kris Nurse but he snatched at his effort and missed the target. An error in midfield nearly cost Quorn but Lynam too snatched at his effort from the edge of the box and was well wide. A superbly flighted free kick from Adam Millson looked to have picked out both Dudfield and Nurse but the outstretched boot of Tom Hannigan saved the day at the expense of a corner. Another foul was amazingly missed by the Referee, this time just outside the box, as Quorn became more and more frustrated.

Quorn were caught cold just after the break and the visitors should have made it three but Matt Nurse came to his sides rescue spreading himself well to thwart Lynam’s effort. Quorn then took a grip of the game, Kris Nurse floated a superb cross for Dudfield to reduce the arrears on 57 minutes. Shortly after another Millson free kick was headed narrowly over by Dudfield. Robinson’s well struck free kick from just outside the box went narrowly wide although Rainworth keeper Joe McCormack looked to have it covered. The equaliser was on the cards and a fine move saw Dudfield turn in the box superbly but was fouled and this time the Referee, who had a poor game, made the right decision. Nurse converted with ease and Quorn went in search of the winner with still nearly 20 minutes to go.

Richards then wasted a golden opportunity for Quorn from 12 yards, then Nurse looked to lob McCormack but sliced his effort wide, a superb cross by Shaw nearly found the head of Burton following a corner but Cameron Fearon did very well to concede another corner. Another cross by Shaw nearly caught out McCormack but the keeper back peddled and gathered safely under the bar. A rare attack by the visitors looked to have been cleared up by Marriott before he was clearly fouled but amazingly the Referee chose to ignore it but fortunately for Quorn the loose ball was fired well wide. As time began to ebb away, Quorn looked to have eased off and substitute Chris Timmons fired just wide with a well struck effort from just outside the box as a wakeup call.

There was still time for the Referee to ignore another foul on Dudfield in the box but justice was finally done when a deep cross from Marriott found the head of debutant Burton, the youngster headed home to secure a welcome three points for his side, to cap off an impressive first start. The 2nd half in particular gave cause for optimism that Quorn have at last turned a corner and a settled side is now vital if we are to start to climb the table but I or 2 players still have to improve their performances and cut out silly errors. A steely determination as typically displayed by Chris Gray is what’s needed in all areas of the pitch! Come on boys roll your sleeves up, let’s build on this result. I don’t mean to be too critical as I’m sure it’s a confidence issue more than anything else.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, A.Marriott, A.Burton, C.Gray, A.Robinson, A.Millson, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, S.Richards.
Subs S.Wood.

Quorn with key defenders unavailable, made the short trip to Coalville hoping for three points that would take them off the bottom of the table. Early on the Home side seized the initiative and Quorn looked set for a backs to the wall afternoon but although Danny Quinn had a goal chalked off for offside and former Quorn junior Lewis Dodds tested Matt Nurse from outside the box there was very little to threaten the Quorn keeper.

Inspired by the workrate of Adam Millson, Quorn nearly took the lead when a fine move saw Kris Nurse fire agonisingly past the near post with Sean Bowles wrong footed. Lawrie Dudfield also went close but again Bowles was untroubled. Just had it seemed we would go in at half time on level terms, the home side went ahead with a goal that had a slice of good fortune about it, Quorn looked to have cleared the initial attack but the ball richocheted of a Coalville player and looped over the Quorn defence for Chris Gumery to latch onto and fire past Nurse.

The 2nd period started rather quieter for the visiting rearguard and it was the Home team who were having to defend but with Quorn committed to attack, a breakaway by Callum Woodward produced a 2nd goal that brought protests from the Quorn defence but the offside flag never came. Quorn continued to do the lions share of the attacking but Bowles was determined to keep a clean sheet and fine saves from Kris Nurse and Shawn Richards denied his former Club. A sustained period of pressure failed to penetrate a resolute Coalville defence and the home side held out for the 3 points.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, S.Wood, D.Marshall, A.Robinson, R.Nurse, C.Gray, S.Richards, A.Millson, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, A.Hooton.
Subs J.Shaw.

Quorn went out of the League Cup, falling to local rivals Loughborough Dynamo by 2 goals to 1. Quorn took the lead through Aaron Hooton (34) but goals by Jamie Clarke (39) and Scott Mooney (74) edged Dynamo through to the next round.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, K.Mathews, A.Robinson, A.Millson, S.Frost, S.Wood, K.Nurse, A.Hooton, S.Richards.
Subs L.Dudfield, J.Shaw.

Quorn made four changes to the starting line-up and one positional change for the visit of League leaders Ilkeston, new signings Adam Millson and the returning Chris Gray formed the central midfield, Kalern Thomas returned after being unavailable last Saturday. Manager Lawrie Dudfield started up front alongside Kris Nurse and Anthony Marriott slotted into the back four alongside skipper Kris Mathews. Ricky Nurse and Jay Smedley were on the side-lines through injury.

Quorn began a little nervous, as to be expected after last week’s rout but a fine 3 man move saw Shawn Richards cross for the unmarked Ash Robinson to lash the ball home past the startled Ilkeston keeper with just 7 minutes gone. The visitors responded and Gary Ricketts went close without troubling Matt Nurse. Quorn had a great chance to double the advantage after Kris Nurse neatly fed Dudfield but his effort was too high. The equaliser came after Quorn seemed to be getting on top, Matt Nurse was caught in no man’s land as Ricketts broke free and the big striker finished with aplomb on 29 minutes.

Quorn reacted well and Nurse and Richards both went close before Darryl Thomas replied but again without threatening the Quorn keeper’s goal. The half finished with the visitors looking to have stepped up a gear but unlike in recent games the Quorn back line were in defiant mood. The 2nd half began in much the same vein but again defensively the home side were coping extremely well and restricting the visitors to snapshots from the edge of the box, none of which troubled Matt Nurse.

Quorn were denied on a couple of occasions by superb defending by Ilkeston as Dudfield twice flicked on to set strike partner Nurse seemingly clear. Quorn deservedly restored their lead when a fine move involving Robinson and Gray, saw the latter free Richards down the right hand side, the wide man stretched the visitors before cutting in and laying a perfect ball into the path of Nurse who fired home past visiting keeper Ben Gathercole. Quorn nearly made it three as the confidence began to grow, Robinson’s first time effort flashing just past the upright.

Both sides were guilty of over hitting the ball and play became a little scrappy, Mikel Suarez replaced Dudfield and nearly made an immediate impact with a neat flick on, that looked to set Nurse free, but a superb intervention by Josh Hill saved the day. With barely three minutes left the visitors snatched an unlikely equaliser when a looping cross from the right eluded the flailing arms of Nurse to give substitute Tyrell Waite the easiest of tasks to head over the line. Quorn responded positively and forced a corner on the right, Richards' cross was easily collected by Gathercole as Nurse was penalised for the challenge, a rush of blood by the young keeper saw him first throw the ball in the Quorn strikers face and then unbelievably he followed through with a stupid head butt that left the Referee with no option but to send him off.

Striker Ricketts took over between the sticks and pulled off a superb save in the first minute of stoppage time to deny Nurse, whose terrific shot on the run was heading for the top corner. Moments later the stand in keeper was powerless to prevent Nurse stroking home the winner as Marriott’s diagonal cross found the striker unmarked to notch home his 10th goal of the season and seal Quorn’s first League win. It’s been difficult in recent games to award a MOTM with so many poor team performances but all over the pitch today Quorn were vastly improved and fully deserved the victory, with my nomination going to Chris Gary, who formed a superb partnership with new signing Adam Millson.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, K.Thomas, D.Marshall, A.Marriott, K.Mathews, C.Gray, A.Robinson, A.Millson, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, S.Richards.
Subs S.Frost, M.Suarez.

With the visitors riding high in the EvoStik Southern League Midland division and Quorn still looking for their first League win of the season, the home sides chances of progression in this year’s FA Trophy competition seemed somewhat slim but for the first 30 minutes of this encounter there was little to choose between the two sides. Quorn’s defensive frailties were evident yet again and a simple ball played over the top left Brett Donnelly clear with time to slip the ball past the advancing Matt Nurse with 33 minutes played.

Quorn continued to contribute to their own downfall and by half time were looking second best all over the field. The beginning of the 2nd period showed little signs of improvement and the only surprise was that it took the visitors until the 63rd minute to double their advantage, ironically it came about when Quorn’s best move of the game came to an abrupt end, allowing the visitors the space and room to dissect the Quorn defence and Donnelly duly despatched far too easily.

This was the signal for Biggleswade to step up a gear and although the third goal courtesy of a penalty by Jonathan Woolf was hotly disputed, they were more than good value for their seemingly unassailable 3 nil lead. Kris Mathews the unfortunate sinner in the opinion of the referee, although he appeared to win the ball. The skipper, being incensed by the decision, overstepped the mark and was dismissed for his protests. Further goals by Harry Hunt and substitute Ashley Fuller compounded Quorn’s misery.

The sour point for me, other than our performance, was the unnecessary squealing by the Biggleswade players every time they were tackled, one in particular was writhing round in agony until the yellow card was issued and then made a remarkable recovery! There are no sour grapes here, it was just a shame that the visitors, who were by far the better side, felt the need to resort to such tactics and by the nature of their deserved victory there was no need for it.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Smedley, D.Marshall, R.Nurse, K.Mathews, A.Marriott, A.Robinson, S.Wood, K.Nurse, S.Frost, S.Richards.
Subs S.Buckingham, L.Dudfield, I.Robinson.

Quorn looked to put Saturday’s nightmare behind them with the visit to Romulus, Manager Lawrie Dudfield named himself in the starting 11 that was further boosted by the return of Skipper Kris Mathews after his long layoff and also Dan Marshall who returned from injury too, Sam Wood also made a swift return after being cup-tied for the Kings Lynn game. The home side too were looking to put behind them a disappointing result on Saturday, losing 3-1 at home in the League.

The home side were first to show after a rather quiet opening and a good cross from the left found the head of Marcus Brown but Matt Nurse gathered easily. Quorn responded and Wood’s neat play set up Ash Robinson for a strike that flew just wide. Quorn were awarded a penalty when Dudfield ‘s fine turn in the box saw him upended before he could strike and Kris Nurse confidently stroked home the spot kick past home keeper Chris Jay. Jon Powis then fired in another dangerous cross for the hosts but again it was well defended by the re-vamped Quorn back line.

Some fine link up play involving Dudfield and Shawn Richards led to Wood striking a low shot that keeper Jay gathered comfortably. Robinson’s corner was headed just wide by Jay Smedley as the home side struggled to contain a resurgent Quorn side. Richards and Anthony Marriott were then involved in a good move before Dudfield’s header went straight at the goalkeeper. Johnson then let fly out of the blue with a great effort from distance that bought a flying save out of Nurse. Just before the break a terrible mess up of a free-kick in the Romulus half, saw Quorn have to defend a needless situation and concede a corner. The resulting kick was met by the head of Gavin Day, who glanced his effort just inside the far post to level the scores.

Two errors in midfield in quick succession after the break, nearly cost Quorn dear but Matt Nurse rescued his side, spreading himself at the edge of his box to thwart Marcus Brown in a one on one. A fine move by Quorn saw Richards free Robinson to strike but Jay made the save. Another attack by Quorn broke down and Romulus broke in numbers, Johnson was allowed to advance unchallenged from the half way line before his strike from the edge of the area, took a bobble and went over the dive of Nurse to put the home side ahead, just before the hour mark. Quorn replied immediately when a corner was headed back across goal by Dudfield and Mathews headed home only for the assistant to raise the flag for the ball out of play.

Nurse then broke through for the visitors and was unceremoniously brought down just outside the box, a red card was inevitable but the free kick was scant reward for the breakup of the move. The equaliser was soon forthcoming though, when Robinson’s long throw was headed on by Nurse to Richards who produced a smart finish with just over 20 minutes remaining. At the other end Nurse pulled off a fine save to deny Brown again before Brother Kris had a shot blocked. The resulting corner was cleared and again a swift counter saw Quorn in trouble and a miss-cued clearance saw Johnson profit to slide past Nurse with 16 minutes remaining.

Within a minute Quorn were deservedly level when Dudfield’s header was fumbled by home keeper Jay and Smedley forced the ball home. Liam Turner came on for Quorn but missed the chance to win the game when he fired wide from around the penalty spot. Romulus conceded a number of free-kicks in dangerous positions but more often than not Quorn wasted them and the game petered out to a draw. 3 goals away from home should have been enough to win the game but individual errors were again the undoing of a Quorn side that were the better team for long periods.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, K.Thomas, D.Marshall, J.Smedley, K.Mathews, A.Marriott, A.Robinson, S.Wood, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, S.Richards.
Subs E.Chiavetta, M.Suarez, L.Turner.

Quorn Manager Lawrie Dudfield made just one change to the side that played so well in midweek, having picked up a slight injury in the Grantham game, the Manager made way to give a debut to new signing Mykel Suarez up front alongside Kris Nurse.

The home side began the stronger with a hesitant Quorn side guilty of some sloppy defensive play early on and a cross by Stephen Spriggs was headed wide by Robbie Harris. Quorn replied when Kris Nurse did well to hold the ball up before laying back to Sam Leggitt to strike from 25 yards but Keeper Alex Street made a comfortable save. Quorn continued to flirt with danger and Danny Beaumont cut inside but fired well wide. A swift counter saw Shawn Richards let fly but Stuart Wall made a fine block to concede the corner which was wasted by Quorn.

The home side took the lead on 14 minutes, the initial cross was poor but was equally poorly dealt with by the Quorn rear-guard and Spriggs then crossed to find Jack Defty, who headed across the box for Harris to bundle the ball over the line. Quorn continued to be the architects of their own undoing, giving the ball away far too easily and Matt Nurse was forced into a save low down to his left. Quorn replied when Richards played the ball back to Craig Armstrong, his deep diagonal cross nearly caught out Street but the keeper palmed the ball away at the last second. The home side conceded a free kick just outside the box but Anthony Marriott’s effort struck the wall, there seemed little danger as Leggitt picked up the rebound but his low first time effort deceived Street to put his side back on level terms.

4 minutes later Quorn went ahead, Richards stole the ball before slipping a fine through ball for Nurse to fire home left footed. Quorn looked to have got over their initial sloppy start but what followed next defied belief as Defty the home number nine was two yards in from touch with his back to goal, some 20 yards up the line, he stumbled past THREE defenders who made numerous attempts to make a tackle and what appeared to be an eternity later, crossed to the unmarked Nelson Moreira to side foot past a bemused Matt Nurse. I can’t really describe in full detail just what a shocking goal this was to concede! It had to be seen to be believed !

All Square after 37 minutes, so still plenty of time to put things right ?! Quorn broke clear in the shape of Leggitt who went past the keeper who forced him wide but his pull back to two waiting attackers, was well defended with Street doing really well to get a hand to it before the clearance was completed. With the Quorn defence still suffering from "heat stroke", the home side took advantage to regain the lead 2 minutes before the break, when Defty picked up a ball that should have been cleared, although the quality of the defending was awful, there was no disputing the quality of the finish as the number 9 curled a beauty past the despairing dive of Nurse. The home side then had a goal chalked off with the Assistants flag raised before Moreira’s header flashed past Nurse.

The 2nd half was barely a few minutes old when the home side went further ahead, Spriggs this time converting another easy chance with the visiting defence yet again in disarray. Quorn then made a couple of substitutions and although there was a shift in the balance of play, the visitors were unable to penetrate the Kings Lynn back line, Nurse and Richards combined well before a hand ball went unpunished in the home penalty box and just before the end, Stef Frost had a great chance to reduce the arrears but headed wide when in a great position. The Home side deserved their victory and we wish them well in the next round but a very poor Quorn performance was the catalyst for this defeat.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, K.Thomas, R.Nurse, J.Smedley, C.Armstrong, A.Marriott, A.Robinson, S.Leggitt, K.Nurse, M.Suarez, S.Richards.
Subs L.Dudfield S.Frost, E.Chiavetta.

What a turnaround - with Quorn on the receiving end of a 5 nil rout just 4 weeks ago against the visitors Grantham Town, things looked a bit ominous for Quorn when the two sides met again in the DOODSON Sponsored Evo-Stik League Challenge Cup last night. Quorn’s defence was given a bit of a makeover by new manager Lawrie Dudfield following the disappointing defeat on Saturday; Craig Armstrong made his debut alongside Jay Smedley with Ricky Nurse moving to the left back berth. Young Kalern Thomas completed the defensive line-up, making his first full start at right back.

Quorn were the first out the blocks and Kris Nurse brought a fine save from the alert Rob Murray with a well struck effort from the edge of the area, from the resulting corner he went closer still, clipping a first time effort that grazed the bar. Nurse again caused concern for the visiting back line but his effort failed to trouble Murray. Slowly Grantham edged their way into the game as the half wore on but despite 1 or 2 dangerous looking crosses, Matt Nurse was largely untroubled.

As half time approached it was Quorn having to defend as Grantham upped the tempo, the defence superbly marshalled by the experienced Armstrong held firm and Shawn Richards went close at the other end. After the break the teams traded efforts, Dudfield heading just over for Quorn and Sam Purcicoe tested Nurses ability at the other end. Substitute Tony Law nearly gave Quorn the lead but Murray was equal to the task and likewise at the other end Nurse saved well from Purcicoe again.

Quorn had a bit of a lull, when like in previous games, began giving the ball away far too cheaply, Purcicoe had a third effort superbly turned away by Nurse and the class of Armstrong was evident on more than one occasion as Grantham threatened to take the game over. Play then became a bit more even and the 90 minutes ended with parity. The first period of extra time was fairly even with both keepers making vital saves but the 2nd period belonged to Quorn, three goals in 11 minutes ensuring a safe passage into the next round.

Sam Wood made the vital breakthrough firing low from the edge of the box through a crowd of players with a well struck shot. Two minutes later Nurse got the goal his industry deserved, Shawn Richards setting the chance up with a quick break on the right, before drawing the defender and slipping a fine cross to the Quorn number 9, who made no mistake. Richards was also involved in creating Quorns third goal in a slick passing move that freed Sam Leggitt who laid the ball on a plate for Nurse to slide in his 2nd goal.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, K.Thomas, R.Nurse, J.Smedley, C.Armstrong, A.Marriott, A.Robinson, S.Leggitt, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, S.Richards.
Subs S.Buckingham, T.Law, S.Wood.

New Player Manager Lawrie Dudfield made his debut alongside Kris Nurse up front but problems continue to mount at the other end with the ever growing injury list a cause for concern. The visitors came with their own problems having conceded 11 goals in their last two games and a glut of goals seemed on the cards.

The opening 15 minutes saw very little between the sides but Quorn’s defensive frailties were once again evident as the visitors took the lead through Greg Daniels on 18 minutes, the number 10 easily converted following a simple move as the Quorn defenders gave their counterparts way too much room. The home side responded immediately and Nurse struck his effort well but Ben Chapman pulled off a fine save low down, Dudfield following up, just failed to keep the ball down as he stretched to knock home the loose ball with his left foot. Nurse again moments later worked into a shooting position but his effort went just past the near post.

With Quorn beginning to up the pace, disaster struck when Jack Harrison’s first time effort took a wicked deflection to deceive the wrong footed Matt Nurse. This stung Quorn into action and Nurse pegged one straight back, collecting Dudfield’s neat header before firing past Chapman off the underside of the bar. Sam Wood then had an effort charged down, Stef Frost picked up the rebound and fired just wide as Quorn went in search of the equaliser. Just before the break, Harrison gave Quorn another scare when his delightful chip from distance just cleared the angle of bar and upright with Nurse back peddling.

It took Quorn 4 minutes into the second half to level the game, Dudfield opening his account when heading the initial cross clear of the defender, before firing home past Chapman. The same player then had a chance to put Quorn ahead but his shot on the turn was just too high. Nurse then got clear to latch onto a through ball and despite having his shirt pulled back still got in his shot but Chapman saved with an outstretched boot – the players honesty in staying on his feet probably gave the Referee the soft option of not awarding the obvious spot kick.

The following 15 minutes was littered with awful defending by Quorn , sloppy marking, half-hearted tackles and generally schoolboy defending that was eventually punished when David McPherson picked his spot to fire past a stranded and furious Matt Nurse, with less than 15 minutes remaining. The keeper was then forced into another save low down after Leon Ashman was given time and space to get in his shot. A late rally from Quorn saw Dudfield fire just past the post after good work by Frost.

Another 3 points go a begging, as an attacking force there were signs of improvement but defensively we were poor and I don’t just mean the defence were poor, we attack as a team and defend as a team, if 1 or 2 players are hiding it makes it doubly hard for the others, especially when confidence is alreay low. It’s time to stand up and be counted !!

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, A.Marriott, R.Lester, J.Smedley, R.Nurse, S.Wood, A.Robinson, S.Leggitt, K.Nurse, L.Dudfield, S.Frost.
Subs S.Richards, C.Ross.

Quorn were without the cup-tied Sam Wood but were bolstered by the return of Jay Smedley in the heart of the defence for this FA Cup 1st round Qualifying against early Midland Football Alliance pace setters Loughborough University. On current form this looked a potential banana skin for Quorn but the home side took a two goal lead before half time and should have had more in the opening 35 minutes before surrendering possession alarmingly as the interval approached.

Persistence by Stef Frost set up the first real opening, pulling back for Sam Leggitt who played neatly to Kris Nurse whose low shot was smothered by Brendan Hazlett for the first of numerous vital saves by the visiting keeper. Shawn Richards’ cross was well defended by the Students after good link up play by Nurse and Leggitt. From the resulting corner Quorn took the lead, Ricky Nurse knocked back the deep cross and the visitors failed to clear properly, the ball fell to Smedley who fired through a crowd of bodies to put his side ahead on 15 minutes.

Calum Ross then did well to force Hazlett into a fine parry, Ross then laid the ball into the path of Kris Nurse but his hurried effort sailed over the bar. Loughborough again failed to clear their lines and Ash Robinsons powerful drive wasn’t far wide of the mark. A free kick to Quorn brought about the 2nd goal, Leggitt’s effort from just outside the box beat the keeper all ends up but struck the crossbar, the eagled eyed assistant adjudging the ball to have crossed the line to put Quorn 2 up and seemingly well on the way to the next round. Ricky Nurse should have done better when a great cross by Frost, found him unmarked at the far post but his header cleared the bar.

Quorn then began to lose their way a bit and sloppy play gave visiting number 8 Matt Roberts a golden opportunity but his header from close range went wide. A deep cross from the right did give Roberts another chance to test Matt Nurse, but his header from the edge of the box was easily gathered by the Quorn custodian. Another corner won by Ross was half cleared into the path of Leggitt but his first time effort just cleared the bar.

The 2nd half started with the home side looking to add to their lead, a swift move saw Robinson lay back to Nurse, he struck his effort well but Hazlett rose superbly to get a touch onto the bar and safely away for a corner which came to nothing. A superb effort from 35 yards by Leggitt rattled the woodwork again before a great cross by Frost was inches away from producing a third goal, Hazlett reacting superbly to claw away his own defenders mistimed clearance.

Poor defending on Quorn’s right nearly cost them dearly when Raul Alexis, worked his way down the by-line and in on goal but Matt Nurse spread himself well to block at the expense of a corner. Back came Quorn and good work by Ross set up Nurse again but his left foot effort was wide off the mark. The last 15 minutes produced a nervy time for the hosts as once again they lost their way and sloppy errors contributing to their own uneasiness. A needless free-kick given away just outside the box caught Quorn napping but surrounded by attackers Smedley rose highest to head behind the dangerous cross.

Quorn at times were defending in large numbers, mainly in a straight line and risking undoing all their earlier good work, no shape no pattern and with a minute remaining of time added on the visitors got their due reward for their endeavours, Alexis notching the consolation as Quorn were at sixes and sevens at the back. In a game where the hosts should have gone on to win the game by a canter, we can only blame ourselves for the nervy ending to the game and another few minutes could have seen the University team force an unlikely replay.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, A.Marriott, D.Marshall, J.Smedley, R.Nurse, S.Leggitt, S.Richards, A.Robinson, K.Nurse, C.Ross, S.Frost.
Subs S.Buckingham, R.Lester, D.Moran.

Still searching for that elusive first victory, Quorn had the perfect start when new signing Stef Frost, making his home debut, fired his side ahead after only 4 minutes after good work by Ash Robinson. Showing a confidence that had been lacking of late, Quorn’s good start continued with Robinson having an influence on the right hand side. His cross to Kris Nurse nearly brought a second goal but great defending thwarted the home number 9. The Coalville rearguard were continuing to defend well, with a resurgent Quorn taking the game to the visitors.

On 20 minutes the balance of play all changed when in only their 2nd real attack the visitors equalised through Matt Moore after Anthony Carney initially started the move. Back came Quorn and Dan Marshall’s long diagonal ball found Robinson in space, his advance and lay back to Kris Nurse set up a great chance but Sean Bowles parried low down to deny the striker. At the other end Matt Nurse performed likewise to foil Ryan Robbins’ strike from a free kick just outside the box that was needlessly given away by Quorn. The home side continued to undue their own good work by silly schoolboy errors when in possession, that saw the visitors begin to take a foothold in the game.

Quorn should have retaken the lead when a rare error by Bowles, who fluffed a clearance, fell straight to the feet of Frost some 25 yards or so out, despite calmly controlling the ball the Quorn man disappointingly fired wide of the gaping goal. Sam Wood’s free kick drifted wide and as half time approached, Quorn were again guilty of squandering possession far too easily.

The visitors began the brighter after the break and with the Quorn defence all over the place, an unmarked Carney rose totally unchallenged at the far post to head home Callum Woodward’s cross. It took Quorn less than 3 minutes to level, this time it was the visitors who were caught napping as a long throw by Robinson saw Kris Nurse go free, with the defender on the wrong side, his challenge resulted in the referee having no choice but to award the spot kick which Nurse took himself, to send Bowles the wrong way and level the match.

The sloppy defending that has dogged Quorn all season was evident once again when Woodward was allowed to pick out Moore who easily despatched his 2nd goal to put the visitors back in front. With over 30 minutes remaining there was still plenty of time for more goals, substitute Shawn Richards showed persistence before a great lay off to Nurse set the striker up but Bowles once again produced a fine save to keep his side ahead. Quorn looked to have got a second penalty when following Wood’s mazy dribble, a Coalville defenders hand stopped the ball in the box but with the referee unsighted, Quorn’s appeals fell on deaf ears.

Quorn continued in search of the equaliser and Robinson’s low drive was cleared of the line with Bowles beaten. Coalville defended resolutely to the end and safely gathered the points although Quorn deserved at least a share of the spoils, defensive frailties again their downfall, although this was a much better showing than last Saturday’s dismal performance.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, S.Buckingham, D.Marshall, A.Marriott, R.Nurse, S.Leggitt, A.Robinson, S.Wood, K.Nurse, C.Ross, S.Frost.
Subs T.Law, S.Richards, D.Moran.

Caretaker Manager Denis Moran made three changes following the midweek Fa Cup replay win, with Ian Robinson out with a broken wrist and Calum Ross, although included on the bench, rested following his head injury in the replay and Anthony Marriott the other absentee due to work commitments. Quorn included New Signings Stef Frost and the returning Sam Wood as well as the fit again Jay Smedley to bolster the back line.

In blustery conditions, the Home side seized the early initiative with Will McCall causing problems on the left hand side, it was McCall who had the opening chance of the game but after setting up the sight on goal with neat footwork his effort lacked the power to trouble Matt Nurse. A free kick to the home side was whipped in but Daryll Thomas couldn’t direct his header on target. Quorn responded and should have taken the lead with Kris Nurse’s low cross, missed by two men in the six yard box. Nurse then fired just wide after a neat interchange with Tony Law. A Wood free kick was turned over his own bar by Josh Hill as Quorn looked to have wrestled back the early control by the home side.

Ilkeston responded when a free kick from the left was headed over the bar by Gary Ricketts then at the other end Wood and Ash Robinson combined well but the latter’s strike was always drifting wide. Quorn sloppily lost possession deep in the own half and McCall was allowed to cross to the unmarked Thomas but again his header failed to trouble keeper Nurse. Wood’s deep corner at the other end was headed over by Smedley before the home side took the lead on 28 minutes when again poor defending on Quorn’s left was punished when McCall found the back of the net.

McCall again found time and space to get in his cross but the visitors managed to scramble the ball away, from the resulting corner Gary Ricketts appeared to foul Ricky Nurse to get in his header but brother Matt palmed the ball away at full stretch anyway. Law then did well at the other end to set up strike partner Nurse but his effort was off target. Shawn Richards broke free for Quorn after robbing the defender but keeper Aaron Butcher saw the danger and got to the loose ball first to clear. Former Quorn man Russell Peel was then involved in a smart move by the home side but Ricky Nurse bravely blocked his well struck shot just before the break.

The 2nd half saw the early momentum with Quorn and it was the home sides turn to have trouble clearing their lines. A neat move should have seen the equaliser but home keeper Butcher was fortunate to save with his backside from Nurse’s low shot on the run and the ball dropped kindly for him to collect. That was as good as it got for Quorn and the home side then dominated and should have scored more than the 2nd goal that they eventually scored. Thomas striking the post and McCall skimming the crossbar from 25 yards before Thomas finally put paid to Quorn converting after what appeared to be a foul just inside the Quorn half, the referee well positioned deemed no offence and the game was affectively over with less than ten minutes remaining.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, S.Buckingham, R.Lester, J.Smedley, R.Nurse, S.Wood, S.Frost, A.Robinson, K.Nurse, T.Law, S.Richards.
Subs D.Marshall, C.Ross , K.Thomas.

Quorn won through to the next round of the FA Cup with Budweiser last night, thanks mainly to the quality of the three goals, a brace for a resurgent Kris Nurse and strike partner Tony Law also on the score sheet. Caretaker Manager Denis Moran kept faith with the eleven that started on Saturday and to some extent was rewarded for his patience, 2 or 3 players upped their game but 1 or 2 still looked to be suffering confidence issues.

Quorn started the brighter of the two sides but individual errors meant the best of the openings fell to the home side, Matt Nurse the saviour on more than one occasion. A fine four man move involving Shawn Richards, Tony Law and Calum Ross finally produced a goal in this tie, Kris Nurse finishing in style with a fine finish with 24 minutes gone. Oadby did have the ball in the net through Carl Heggs but the assistant’s flag came to Quorn’s rescue. 3 minutes before the break the home side did bag an equaliser this time Heggs was onside and finished easily after some sloppy defending.

The 2nd period saw Quorn pressure the home defence but once again decent approach play broke down and clear cut chances were at a premium. Keeper Nurse at the other end, although inactive for long periods was still the busier of the two keepers and once again made vital stops. Quorn were forced into two substitutions through injury and Kalern Thomas and Sam Leggitt replaced the unfortunate Ian Robinson and Calum Ross. Jay Smedley then made his long awaited comeback in a tactical switch as extra time loomed.

The first period was only two minutes old when Quorn regained the lead, Tony Law firing past James Flinders in the Oadby goal to finish off a fine move that was similar in movement to the first goal. The home side began to tire and it was no surprise when Kris Nurse curled his effort just inside the far post after Law carved out the opening with 5 minutes remaining. Oadby despite plying their trade at two levels below Quorn, showed that they have the ability to compete against sides who operate at a higher level and we wish them every success as they attempt to bounce straight back after being relegated last year from the MFA.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, S.Buckingham, R.Lester, A.Marriott, R.Nurse, I.Robinson, C.Ross, A.Robinson, K.Nurse, T.Law, S.Richards.
Subs S.Leggitt, J.Smedley, K.Thomas.

Quorn clung on to a place in this year’s Fa Cup, surviving some scary moments but at least showed occasional glimpses of improvement following the early season slump in form that has seen them rooted to the foot of the League table. Joe Shaw joined skipper Kris Mathews on the injury list and Sam Buckingham came back in to the right back spot in the only change to the team that played in the last game.

Quorn survived a couple of early scares before a Reece Lester free kick from just outside the box, was held at the 2nd attempt by visiting keeper James Flinders. Lester then played a fine ball to set Tony Law free but although he initially did well his final effort was way off target. Quorn carelessly lost possession deep in their own half and nearly paid the price as a fierce shot from distance by Carl Heggs went close, although Matt Nurse looked to have it covered. Ash Robinson went even closer at the other end firing a 30 yard free kick just wide of the post with Flinders scrambling to get there.

Matt Piper showed his class as he sidestepped inside before unleashing a pile driver that Nurse did well to parry behind for a corner. Good work by Ash Robinson and Shawn Richards led to the former getting a shooting chance but the Quorn number 8 was well wide with his effort. Kris Nurse then looked to break free but his lack of confidence at the moment was evident as he shot over the top. The visitors then conceded a sloppy corner , that produced a chance for Ian Robinson but he too fired over the bar as he lost his balance. Quorn should then have taken the lead when a swift break involving the front men caught the visitors out but Flinders blocked the initial effort from Tony Law and Nurse failed to convert the rebound as the half drew to a close.

Quorn were caught napping at the start of the second half and a flurry of activity in the home box was ended by Ash Robinson’s clearance after Nurse again produced the initial stop to prevent the opening goal. Robinson was again in action, at the other end this time, freeing Law on the right hand side, his near post cross was met by Richards but his header under pressure was wide of the mark. Jack Lane who was having a fine match at right back for the visitors but then fell to the ground after appearing to twist his ankle, leaving Richards to collect the loose ball but with men waiting for the cross he tried to curl it past Flinders, he succeeded in clearing the keeper but also the far post.

Anthony Marriott broke up a promising break by the visitors and then played a fine ball to free Nurse but his poor effort failed to trouble Flinders and the chance was lost. The game then went flat and chances at either end were at a premium and the final whistle came with both teams seeming to run out of steam or ideas, or both. Quorn’s collective lack of confidence is baffling with so many players struggling to find any real form but things can change so quickly in football and let’s hope that things improve in the replay at Oadby’s newly renamed Greene King Park.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, S.Buckingham, R.Lester, A.Marriott, R.Nurse, I.Robinson, C.Ross, A.Robinson, K.Nurse, T.Law, S.Richards.
Subs A.Honour, S.Leggitt, K.Thomas.

Managerless Quorn sank to rock bottom after losing to a Shepshed side, who like the visitors, find themselves struggling at the wrong end of the table. Shepshed deservedly took the points with a 62nd minute goal from Julian Topliss and should have already been ahead but for a glaring miss just before the break.

Quorn had moments when it looked that they were getting on top but very rarely threatened James Elliot in the home goal, who was making his debut, a first half block from a Kris Nurse effort and a save low down to his left to deny Calum Ross the only occasions he was called upon. Likewise at the other end, Matt Nurse was not seriously tested in a game that highlighted why both teams are struggling at the moment.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, R.Lester, R.Nurse, A.Marriott, I.Robinson, C.Ross, A.Robinson, K.Nurse, T.Law, S.Richards.
Subs S.Buckingham, A.Burton, K.Thomas.

Quorn were forced to make two changes with Joe Shaw out injured and Ricky Nurse serving a 1 match ban, Sam Buckingham came in at full back and Ian Robinson returned after injury to partner Kris Mathews in the heart of the defence against the team he skippered not so long ago. Dan Marshall took a place on the bench for his first appearance of the new league season. With both sides still looking for their first win of the season, Quorn were hopeful with home advantage of building on the attacking performance shown in midweek.

The game started brightly enough for Quorn and Calum Ross showing persistence on the by line crossed to give the unmarked Tony Law the simple task of putting Quorn ahead but inexplicably his cushion header in the six yard box with the goal gaping, cleared the crossbar. This let off galvanised the visitors and following a right wing cross Ben Saunders volleyed over from the edge of the box.

A needless free kick on 21 minutes outside the box led to Phil Watt opening the scoring for Grantham, from then on the visitors grew in confidence and sadly Quorn went in the opposite direction and apart from a Kris Nurse flick on that nearly let in Calum Ross, it was mostly one way traffic. The visitors doubled their advantage with the unfortunate Robinson putting through his own goal 3 minutes before the break in attempting to cut out a low cross from the right. Worse was to follow as a cross from the other side found the head of the unmarked Ben Saunders who powered his header past Matt Nurse.

A change of shape with two substitutions for Quorn at half time did little to stem the tide and although the home side held out till the 73rd minute , with Mathews on the floor injured, Saunders had time and space to slide past Nurse into the far corner. With the Quorn skipper unable to continue in an already depleted back four and with the substitutes already used, it became a damage limitation exercise for the home side. Substitute Rob Norris fired home the fifth but despite their dominance the visitors were unable to add to their tally.

With the after match news of the Manager Dougie Keast resigning after the game, Quorn will look to making the right appointment as early as possible to turn around the fortunes of the side who, as the game wore on, looked more and more demoralised.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, S.Buckingham, R.Lester, S.Leggitt, K.Mathews, I.Robinson, C.Ross, A.Robinson, K.Nurse, T.Law, S.Richards.
Subs L.Hammond, D.Marshall, K.Thomas.

Quorn somehow contrived to snatch a draw from the jaws of victory in this latest EvoStik Division 1 South Fixture, Goals from Shawn Richards after 6 minutes and another from Calum Ross early in the 2nd half saw the home side comfortably in control and for more than an hour the visitors were overran as Quorn dominated from the first whistle. Quorn skipper Kris Mathews returned in place of the injured Ian Robinson and Shawn Richards replaced Sam Buckingham in midfield in an otherwise unchanged line-up.

Quorn took the lead after 6 minutes when Richards finished off a fine move and soon began to attack at will. Kris Nurse went close to doubling the lead and long range efforts from Sam Leggitt were not far away. Ricky Law fired wide before at the other end Matt Nurse comfortably watched Dave Walkers effort go wide of the mark. Quorn went to the break just 1 nil up but could easily have been 2 or 3 goals ahead.

Within 2 minutes of the restart Calum Ross struck the crossbar from close range following a fine four man move, unfortunately for the visiting keeper Steve Hodgson the ball struck him on the back and rolled agonisingly over the line to double Quorn's advantage. Seemingly game over, the home side were in full control and Ross headed over and Kris Nurse forced Hodgson to a fine save as did Richards who fired in a tremendous shot on the run.

In the 73rd minute Quorn were given a warning when Tom Urwin blazed over the bar when well placed. This went unheeded when with 12 minutes to go Walker fired past Nurse, who had up to this point been largely untroubled, to provide a lifeline. Within two minutes the visiting side were level thanks to some sloppy defending, Craig Dove taking full advantage of poor marking.

This bizarre period apart, Quorn looked in complete command and the danger now was finishing the game with nothing as the visitors suddenly found themselves with their tails up. Quorn then regained their rhythm and after a period of sustained pressure looked to have got the winner when Mathews slotted home from close range . Not so, in the 90th minute Andy Kinsey grabbed the equaliser as Quorn again dithered, to spark celebrations in the visiting camp.

Not so much two points dropped, more like gifted away ! To finish all square after an otherwise fine all round performance was nothing short of criminal. A mix of poor finishing (Quorn) excellent finishing (Kidsgrove) and some fine goalkeeping by Steve Hodgson ensured a point apiece. There were some fine performances overall by Quorn with lots of good moves, Ash Robinson in particular had another fine game and Kris Mathews led by example but my MOTM goes to Shawn Richards – just a shame about the result ! But maybe I'm a little harsh - credit to Kidsgrove for the fightback.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, R.Lester, S.Leggitt, K.Mathews, R.Nurse, C.Ross, A.Robinson, K.Nurse, T.Law, S.Richards.
Subs S.Buckingham.

With skipper Kris Mathews out through illness, Sam Buckingham started his first game this season, coming into midfield with Ian Robinson filling in at the back alongside Ricky Nurse in an otherwise unchanged line-up. The home side made two changes from the side that beat Stamford in midweek, Massiah McDonald and Aaron Large replacing Jermain Hollis and Ian Brown.

The home side had the ball in the net in the first couple of minutes but long after the assistant’s flag had been raised. Carlton began to press but it was Quorn who came closest to scoring when a Reece Lester cross fell to the feet of Tony Law, but off balance, he scuffed his effort wide. Individual errors by the visitors did little to stem the attacking prowess of the home side but it took a controversial goal to open the scoring, McDonald was clearly offside when a ball over the top saw the impressive Terry Hawkridge scamper clear, turning his marker inside out before crossing to the now “active” McDonald who glanced the ball home off the inside of the post with 20 minutes gone. Quorn’s protests fell on deaf ears and the home side nearly made it two but Matt Nurse cut out a dangerous cross from Hawkridge.

Quorn responded when Law glanced a header on to Kris Nurse who swivelled and planted a first time effort that just cleared the angle of bar and upright. Lester then advanced from deep to find Sam Leggitt who forced Danny Marshall to a fine save, low down at full stretch. Hawkridge let fly from 25 yards just past the far upright as the half wore on but it was Quorn who made the breakthrough, when following a Lester corner, Ricky Nurse turned the ball back and Law clipped home to level the scores. This brought the home side roaring back and Matt Nurse twice rescued his side with point blank saves.

Nurse was soon called into action as the 2nd half started, tipping a fierce effort over the bar and then producing a flying save as Hawkridge again tricked his marker before firing across the face. McDonald then whipped in a cross that the keeper gathered well before Quorn finally put a move together that saw Buckingham and Law, two on one, but the formers ball was just a shade late and Law had strayed offside. Leggitt’s cross saw Buckingham looked to have been pushed in the back but the Referee was having none of it. The home side broke through McDonald but Joe Shaw did well to get back and concede the corner.

Leggitt produced a fine diagonal ball to look to send Calum Ross clear but Rob Darkin outpaced him and slid back to his keeper. Quorn were stretched by a quick counter but Large fired wildly off target when well placed. Matt Nurse was adjudged to have handled outside the box and after a period of confusion up stepped Rob Gill to fire over the wall superbly, just under the bar, to put his side back in front, just past the hour mark.

Quorn, feeling a bit hard done by, at last began to exert a bit of pressure, Kris Nurse did well before Ash Robinson’s fierce effort went wide. Substitute Shawn Richards combined well with Shaw and Ricky Nurse before brother Kris, struck a 25 yarder that forced Marshall to go full stretch and make a smart save. McDonald then forced Matt Nurse to block his snapshot before at the other end Nurse just failed to reach Tom Weaver’s through ball with Marshall swiftly out to gather.

Despite the controversy surrounding both their goals, Carlton were the better side overall and deserved their victory and with their striking options, should be there or there abouts come next April. The impressive Terry Hawkridge was star man for Carlton with Massiah McDonald a constant threat but the makeshift pairing of Ricky Nurse and my MOTM Ian Robinson were Quorn’s main stay in the heart of the defence.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, R.Lester, S.Buckingham, R.Nurse, I.Robinson, C.Ross, A.Robinson, K.Nurse, S.Leggitt, T.Law.
Subs L.Hammond, S.Richards. T.Weaver.

Quorn made the long midweek trip to Market Drayton and were hoping to build on the opening day late show when rescuing a point against visitors New Mills. Saturday’s 2 goal hero Sam Leggitt, not surprisingly, made the starting 11 as did Calum Ross the provider. The Home side included keeper Andrew Pryce, who had recovered after being injured in their opener at Coalville Town, which coincidentally also finished 2-2.

Quorn were soon into their stride and neat footwork by Leggitt, as he sidestepped a challenge, set up his long range effort that struck the crossbar with Pryce just a spectator. Reece Lester then crossed for Ian Robinson to head over the bar from just inside the box. Lester then put in a dangerous cross that was well defended by the home side, following a fine ball by Ash Robinson. Quorn continued to press and Robinson’s shot from the edge of the box was deflected for a corner before the Referee waived away the visitors appeals after Tony Law looked to have been fouled in the box but appeared to make a meal of it and the official was not convinced.

After completely dominating the opening 18 minutes, the visitors were hit with a sucker punch when following a poorly defended throw-in, Tom Rodgers crossed for Callum Dumphy to bundle the ball past Matt Nurse after the keeper did well to save the initial shot from close range. Quorn continued to pressure the home defence but they were in no mood to concede easily and the frustration grew for the visitors. Just before the half hour mark Andy Hartlebury headed wide for the hosts after a cross from the right. The rest of the half continued to see Quorn press but with little reward.

The second period saw more of the same without any really clear cut chances but again Leggitt showed neat footwork before firing into the side netting with Pryce again beaten. Great work by Joe Shaw gave Ross a chance to cross but his dangerous ball was hacked to safety by Hartlebury. Ross got the better of his marker and crossed for Kris Nurse, this time, to fire narrowly wide. The leveller finally came when a through ball caught the home side napping and Ross latched on it and advanced before firing past Pryce for a richly deserved equaliser with less than 20 minutes to go.

Ian Robinson got injured for Quorn and was replaced by Shawn Richards who soon after burst into the box following a fine Quorn move but his attempt to win a penalty again fell on stony ground with the well placed Referee. The last ten minutes saw the home side finally even the play but neither Goal keeper was called into serious action. Quorn’s dominance for the majority of the game never transpired into any real clear cut chances but overall this was a much improved team performance with Ash Robinson my nomination for MOTM with the home skipper Paul McMullen the pick of the Market Drayton side.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, R.Lester, R.Nurse, K.Mathews, I.Robinson, C.Ross, A.Robinson, K.Nurse, S.Leggitt, T.Law.
Subs S.Buckingham, L.Hammond, S.Richards.

Quorn were fortunate to take a point in this opener to the new season, but could so easily have taken all three as a late rally nearly brought victory. Two late goals by Substitute Sam Leggitt, on his debut, earned a share of the spoils after Quorn were reduced to ten men, when Ricky Nurse got his marching orders after bringing down New Mills striker Douglas-Pringle. Quorn gave full Debuts to Reece Lester in defence, Ian Robinson in midfield and Tony Law up front.

Quorn started poorly and the League newcomers quickly seized the initiative pegging the home side back for long periods. Christopher Young was only inches away from giving New Mills an early lead before Matt Nurse was called into action to make an excellent save, thwarting Daniel Douglas-Pringle. Just as it seemed Quorn had weathered the early storm, sloppy lay in midfield saw Quorn succumb to the counter and the visitors were awarded a penalty after a poor tackle just inside the box. Visiting skipper Carlos Meakin struck home the spot-kick to give his side the lead on 17 minutes.

The visitors continued to have the upper hand as Quorn seemed devoid of any ideas to get back in the game. Just as well the defence looked solid with Ricky Nurse, filling the hole left by the departure of Rob Lyall back to his native Maidstone, forming a sound partnership with Skipper Kris Mathews. Kris Nurse did break for Quorn as the half wore on but delayed getting his shot away and an excellent tackle by Clive Brown ended the danger.

Things went from bad to worse after the interval, with only 5 minutes gone Ricky Nurse was shown a red card after bringing down Douglas-Pringle and although the free-kick was squandered, the visitors soon started turning the screw. Kris Nurse broke for Quorn but another last ditch tackle prevented any chance of an unlikely and undeserved equaliser. Soon after the visitors increased their lead when a rapid break sliced Quorn open and Douglas-Pringle slotted past Nurse.

Quorn responded immediately and Liam Turner brought a fine save from Ben Proctor but suffered what looked like a nasty ankle injury in the process of getting his shot away. A lengthy delay occurred before the resulting corner was taken and the visitors defended easily. In the space of 15 minutes, Calum Ross, Luke Hammond and Sam Leggitt all came on for their debuts and suddenly the re-shuffled side began to click despite the numerical disadvantage.

Leggitt pulled a goal back within a minute of entering play, heading home after Nurse and Ross combined to carve out the chance. The visitors lost their rhythm and it was all one way traffic, Ross had a chance to chip the goalkeeper but unselfishly tried to tee up Nurse, the same player then struck the crossbar before he again combined with Nurse and crossed for Leggitt to steal in to plant his header firmly past Proctor to set up an unlikely win for the home side, with 5 minutes plus added time to be played.

Desperate defending by the visitors kept out Quorn, with Nurse having an effort cleared from in front of goal with Proctor beaten and the keeper then made a fine block to keep out a goal bound shot by Mathews and Leggitt was close to getting his third. Having dominated play for the first hour the visitors were, in the end, grateful for a point, as were the hosts. MOTM for Quorn has to be Sam Leggitt despite only joining the fray on 75 minutes, the introduction of Calum Ross and Luke Hammond ignited a rousing last half hour and mention also to debutant Robinson who slotted into the back four alongside Mathews to form a solid partnership after the departure of Ricky Nurse.

Quorn Team
M.Nurse, J.Shaw, R.Lester, R.Nurse, K.Mathews, I.Robinson, S.Richards, A.Robinson, K.Nurse, L.Turner, T.Law.
Subs L.Hammond, S.Leggitt, C.Ross.