Match Reports

Quorn started poorly and shipped in 5 goals in the first half, the 2nd period saw a little improvement but not enough to alter the scoreline.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, K.Munton, M.Blake, C.Hughes, D.Moran, N.Goold, K.Price, L.Turner, P.Bahrey.
Subs C.Baker, J.Gwekwerere.

Quorn finished their League campaign with a disapointing defeat. With a depleted side and 2 or 3 gamely playing through the pain barrier, it was no surprise but even so Quorn had their chances to make the scoreline closer but failed to beat home keeper James Stirling who, when called into action, proved equal to the task.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, K.Munton, M.Blake, C.Hughes, D.Moran, N.Goold, C.Baker, J.Gwekwerere, P.Bahrey.
Subs M.Turner.

Quorn won through to the Final of the Loughborough Charity Cup with a 3 nil victory but were held by a Hathern side until the 70th minute, when Liam Turner put Quorn ahead, Substitutes, Chris Baker and Kadeem Price completed the scoring.

Quorn Team
M.Turner, J.Orton, E.Chiavetta, K.Munton, M.Blake, W.Ball, K.Thomas, D.Moran, A.Honour, L.Turner, N.Goold.
Subs C.Baker, J.King, K.Price.

Quorn produced a much better performance than of late and deserved more than the solitary point, although the home side pressed in the latter stages, Quorn looked the better side throughout but Liam Turners opener, after good work by Connor Hughes and Denis Moran, was cancelled out by a long range effort by Home defender Keith Williams.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, W.Ball, K.Munton, M.Blake, C.Hughes, D.Moran, A.Mariott, A.Honour, L.Turner, P.Bahrey.
Subs J.Gwekwerere, M.Turner.

Quorn had a miserable first half and deservedly trailed by 2 goals at the break but woke up in the 2nd period to make a fight of it, a well worked move saw Kalern Thomas reduce the arrears but with Quorn pressing for the equaliser, the home side took advantage and sealed the win in injury time.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, K.Munton, M.Blake, C.Hughes, W.Ball, D.Moran, P.Bahrey, L.Turner, N.Goold.
Subs A.Honour, M.Turner.

Quorn salvaged a point after a poor first half saw the visitors well worth their two goal advantage at the break. The 2nd half saw a spirited fight back by Quorn and Kadeem Price cleverly clipped home from Liam Turners head-on and 4 minutes later, after Turner was brought down outside the box, Anthony Marriott's free kick went in off the bar to level the match. Price and Turner both struck the wood work but the visitors held out for a point.

Quorn Team
M.Turner, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, K.Munton, M.Blake, W.Ball, D.Moran, A.Marriott, K.Price, L.Turner, N.Goold.
Subs C.Hughes.

A dismal performance from start to finish by the Home side saw the Cambridgeshire outfit fully deserve their victory. I think 3 or 4 of the Quorn players need to look at their contribution to the game !! Debutant goalkeeper Michael Turner kept the scoreline to a respectable level with a string of fine saves.

Quorn Team
M.Turner, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, K.Munton, M.Blake, C.Hughes, N.Goold, A.Marriott, A.Honour, L.Turner, P.Bahrey.
Subs W.Ball, J.Toone.

An excellent First half performance saw Quorn well in command with goals by Liam Turner and Anthony Marriott, putting them in a commanding position at half time, even with the loss of Keeper Andrew Simpson who injured his ankle in the warm up and was replaced midway through the half, Karl Munton took over between the sticks.

As is a worrying trend Quorn conceded a sloppy goal just after the break but rallied to continue to dominate but paid the penalty for not converting their chances when 5 minutes before the end the visitors profited from slack marking to snatch the equaliser.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, K.Munton, M.Blake, A.Marriott, C.Hughes, D.Moran, A.Honour, L.Turner, P.Bahrey.
Subs W.Ball, J.French, N.Goold, K.Price.

Quorn made the visit to inform Wellingborough looking for a marked improvement to the previous game. Showing several changes to the starting line-up, Quorn were the better side first half but once again the approach play petered out in the final third and the teams remained level at the break.

The 2nd half saw a different story and although home stopper Michael Freeman was the only keeper seriously tested, it was the hosts who reversed the play but clear cut chances were at a premium with Matt Blake and Karl Munton again forming a solid wall at the heart of the Quorn defence.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, K.Munton, M.Blake, A.Marriott, W.Ball, P.Bahrey, L.Turner, A.Honour, N.Goold.
Subs D.Moran, K.Price.

Quorn lost 1 nil in a dreadful game.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, A.Marriott, N.Goold, K.Munton, M.Blake, C.Hughes, D.Moran, W.Ball, K.Price, L.Turner, P.Bahrey.
Subs A.Honour, K.Thomas.

Quorn dominated the first half and should have had the points wrapped up by half-time, a host of missed chances and some smart saves by visiting keeper Dale Hamilton restricted the hosts to a two goal advantage at the break, Liam Turner notched his 15th of the season after a fine ball by Kadeem Price and a solo effort by Wade Ball, who beat two men before slotting home from 15 yards, got the goals.

The 2nd half continued with Quorn in the ascendancy and Matt Blake's fine ball to Turner resulted in the striker being hauled down in the box, skipper Anthony Marriott had his spot kick beaten away at full stretch by Hamilton and that was the last of the decent action as Quorn lost their way. Despite still dominating possession, far too often players took the wrong option in the final third and the vistors could have made it more uncomfortable with a couple of breakaway attacks that were wasted by woeful finishing.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, N.Goold, A.Marriott, K.Munton, M.Blake, C.Hughes, W.Ball, K.Price, L.Turner, D.Moran.
Subs P.Bahrey, C.Baker, L.Hammond.

Quorn made just one change to the starting line-up, with Denis Moran returning in place of Kalern Thomas, who had to come off at half time on Saturday.

The opening 10 minutes saw the visitors on top with Quorn unable to mount any serious attacks, although Andrew Simpson wasn’t unduly threatened. With Spalding pushing men forward at every opportunity they were caught on the break when a fine move saw Liam Turner find space and crossed for Lewis Jackson to control and fire low past Michael Duggan from the edge of the box to put Quorn ahead. Moments later another slick move saw Kadeem Price fire in a great strike that Duggan was relieved to see just pass the far post.

Quorn seemed content on allowing the visitors the Lion’s share of possession and were forced to defend for long periods but Simpson was well protected, only occasionally called into action to deal with crosses. The equaliser came 5 minutes before the break, ironically with Quorn having soaked up the pressure and having their best spell of the game, poor defensive marking in the box saw Dan Cotton have time to fire past Simpson at the far post.

After the break the game opened up and Quorn were caught on the break but Simpson did well to gather the cross low down. Jackson picked out Price with a superb ball but the young striker’s first touch let him down and Duggan was out to collect. Another fine ball by Jackson, this time to find Nick Goold, who skipped past his marker but with the goal at his mercy decided to square the ball and another great chance was gone. Quorn were looking much more purposeful and good work by Turner set up Jackson but again no strike was forthcoming from a great position.

With both sides committed to attack, the end to end play continued and a right wing cross just eluded the head of Gary King with Quorn stretched. Goold then did well to set up Wade Ball for a strike on goal but his effort lacked the power to trouble Duggan. Anthony Marriott’s free kick was knocked back across the goal by Jackson to the unmarked Price who had time to bring it down but headed the ball softly into the grateful arms of Duggan.

Spalding relieved the pressure and forced a corner that Simpson punched clear but a first time strike from just outside the box forced the keeper to get down well to make a fine stop. Back came Quorn and Marriott found space on the right to deliver a great ball to the far post that struck the woodwork with Duggan beaten. Marriott was again involved in a good move that stretched the visitors but he chose the wrong option and the chance was gone.

Spalding won a free kick outside the box and King’s well struck effort glanced off the top of the bar but Simpson looked to have had it covered. At the other end Price looked to have produced an opening but again the finish lacked the quality of the approach play. Play switched back to the other end and a right wing cross fizzed across the face eluding everyone but when the ball reached Cotton in space but he dragged his effort wide when well placed.

A great cross by Goold was well defended by Jacklin but from the resulting corner, naivety cost Quorn dearly when a poor delivery saw the visitors break from the edge of their box on their right hand side, with Quorn stretched. When the cross came in, King was left in acres of space at the far post to have time to drill past Simpson to put his side ahead against the run of play, with six minutes of normal time remaining.

Quorn fought to the end and another Marriott free kick caused concern at the back but was well defended, the visitors were content to stick with what they had and ran down the clock to claim the points but Quorn can be pleased overall, with their 2nd half performance in particular contributing to an enjoyable game.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, N.Goold, E.Chiavetta, M.Blake, K.Munton, A.Marriott, D.Moran, W.Ball, K.Price, L.Turner, L.Jackson.
Subs J.French, C.Hollist, A.Honour.

Quorn made the journey to Irchester looking for their first away win of 2013, Matt Blake returned to the starting X1 after being unavailable last week, replacing the injured Denis Moran who dropped down to the bench as a precaution, Chris Hollist and Connor Hughes also made the bench after injury and recent signing Joe French completed the substitute quota.

Quorn began the brighter of the two sides and a fine run by Lewis Jackson nearly produced the first goal, playing a neat 1-2 with Liam Turner before firing past home keeper Paul Kimpton, only for the ball to hit the post and rebound to safety. Nick Goold threatened on more than 1 occasion down the left before he combined well with Jackson who picked out Turner in space his effort fell kindly for Kadeem Price who tapped home to put Quorn ahead on 17 minutes.

Quorn should have gone further ahead when Wade Ball crossed for Price, who chested down for Turner to shoot but his effort was blocked for a corner. Soon after, Price reaped the reward for his industry when he latched on to a poor clearance by Kimpton and slotted home into an empty net to make it 2 with 20 minutes gone. Quorn should have made it 3 when a good move saw Turner feed Ball, who broke clear but as Kimpton advanced, he rolled his effort wide of the post. Minutes later, confusion in the Irchester back line saw Turner gather the ball and cross to the unmarked Price who completed his hat-trick with just 27 minutes gone.

Apart from a thirty yard Goold volley that dipped just over the bar, there was very little to enthuse over as Quorn coasted towards the break. The 2nd half saw an improvement from the home side but Andrew Simpson was still a virtual spectator and Quorn nearly added a fourth when Price turned provider, His cross found Ball in space but his goal bound strike was blocked for a corner. The Home side then had their best spell of the game, albeit briefly but went close to pulling one back when a goalmouth scramble ended when Marriott cleared under pressure.

With French, Hollist and Moran on, Quorn began to create a bit more and 15 minutes from time made the game safe with the goal of the game, Goold and Jackson combined well on the left and the former picked out Ball, He collected the pass and from outside the box blasted his effort into the top corner. Three minutes later Turner and French combined to free Goold and his cross presented Turner with the easy task to nod over the line from close range.

Quorn went close to a 6th when Goold’s corner was headed on by Ball but the onrushing French saw his goal bound effort blocked by a defender who knew little about it. Quorn finished the game as they started, well on top and again good work by Turner and French saw the latter collect the return pass before firing just past the far post with Kimpton beaten.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, K.Munton, M.Blake, W.Ball, L.Jackson, A.Marriott, L.Turner, K.Price, N.Goold.
Subs J.French, C.Hollist, D.Moran.

Quorn took all 3 points courtesy of a Kadeem Price first half goal but in a poor game the home side should have been out of sight with a string of missed chances leaving the game in the balance right up to the final whistle.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, A.Marriott, K.Munton, W.Ball, L.Jackson, D.Moran, K.Price, L.Turner, N.Goold.
Subs J.French, A.Honour.

Following last weeks victory over Wellingborough, Quorn were hoping to have a full strength squad to choose from for the visit of one of the promotion favourites but injuries to Chris Hollist and Connor Hughes, meant a further re-shuffle, Kadeem Price and Wade Ball returned to the starting line-up and skipper Anthony Marriott reverted back to the midfield.

Quorn took the early initiative and Denis Moran played in Price but his strike on goal failed to trouble visiting keeper Nick Bennion. Another sweeping move had the visitors in trouble and Moran struck the post with Bennion beaten, Liam Turner couldn’t quite get enough on the rebound and the relieved keeper, gathered safely. Quorn’s great start was rewarded though when Marriott’s free kick was met by Ball, who guided his header past Bennion with just 5 minutes gone. Quorn should have made it two just minutes later but Turner’s header was saved by Bennion following a superb cross by Ball.

The visitors responded and nearly equalised when a deflection fell kindly to Karl Gibbs but Andrew Simpson was alert to tip over the bar. Quorn increased their lead after 28 minutes when Price and Turner combined well and the latter finished superbly leaving the visiting defence looking shell shocked. The same pair combined again but this time Turner’s return ball was just deflected harmlessly back to the keeper. St Ives slowly came more into the game and Gibbs again tested Simpson who saved comfortably, low down to his left. Turner then did well to force a defensive error but Bennion was alert to the threat and bravely smothered the ball as Turner and Price looked set to profit.

I don’t know what was said in the dressing room at half time but the visitors came out in a more determined and positive mood straight away and it took just 4 minutes for them to reduce the arrears, the impressive Dan Lawless providing the finish. Quorn were looking a shadow of the side that played in the first half and just 4 minutes later the visitors equalised but it was a dreadful error by the assistant referee that gifted them the goal when Gibbs was clearly offside when the ball was put through. The same official was again out of position when Lawless broke but Simpson saved the strikers effort.

Quorn regained some of the impetus from the first half and a fine move involving Marriott and Price set up Moran to strike but his effort lacked power and Bennion parried the effort wide of the post, Marriott’s corner was headed just wide by Matt Blake. Another corner to Quorn saw Marriott rifle in a cross shot that Bennion clawed away as Quorn began to regain the initiative. Nick Goold tried to play in Price with a through ball that eventually turned into a 50/50 ball between Bennion and Lewis Jackson, both players required treatment with Bennion coming off the worst and having to be replaced.

Lawless went close when his own endeavour created the shooting opportunity but his angled drive went past the far post. Kalern Thomas skipped past two challenges before letting fly with a shot on the run that was deflected over the bar and at the other end Stuart Cobb headed over the bar when well placed. At the finish a draw was probably a fair result with the visitors coming back strongly in the 2nd half but if Quorn’s finishing had matched their approach play, the game could well have been out of sight by half time.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Munton, E.Chiavetta, M.Blake, W.Ball, A.Marriott, N.Goold, L.Jackson, L.Turner, K.Price, D.Moran.
Subs A.Honour, C.Hughes, K.Thomas.

Quorn entertained Wellingborough on the back of 3 straight defeats, whilst the visitors could look to their recent good form of 3 straight victories without conceding a goal. Chris Hollist made his first full start since re-joining the Club and he produced the first telling ball into the box that should have given Quorn the lead but Wade Ball failed to connect. The rest of the half, to be brutally honest, was rather dour with neither side offering much in the way of threatening attacks.

The 2nd period began in much the same vein, with a total lack of urgency from both sides, Quorn were looking the most likely of the two sides to break the deadlock and good work by Nick Goold saw the wide man pass to Liam Turner but before he could shoot he was hauled down and to everyone’s astonishment the Referee waived play on. Turner then crossed from the right but substitute Kadeem Price just couldn’t find the finish as Quorn stepped up the play.

With time running out, it looked odds on to finish goalless but Anthony Marriott picked out Turner with a fine free kick, the number 9 struck a superb volley that brought a tremendous one handed save by Jamie Brassington but Denis Moran was on hand to force the ball over the line, to give Quorn a much needed victory. On the balance of play Quorn just about deserved the win but in truth neither goalkeeper was unduly troubled all afternoon, until the final minute, when the quality of Brassington's save didn't deserve to be punished.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, A.Marriott, C.Hollist, K.Munton, M.Blake, C.Hughes, D.Moran, W.Ball, L.Turner, L.Jackson, N.Goold.
Subs E.Chiavetta, K.Price, K.Thomas.

Quorn made 3 changes following the midweek League Cup exit, Kalern Thomas and Connor Hughes returned to the starting line-up, alongside new signing Lewis Jackson. Another new signing ,Chris Hollist started on the bench as did Tyrone Kirk, returning after his midweek illness.

A couple of early Quorn attacks petered out and the Home side went close to taking the lead with a shot from just inside the box but Andrew Simpson got down well to make a comfortable save. Quorn again conceded an early goal, with 8 minutes gone a free-kick on the right fell to Tommy Treacher and he slotted home through a crowd of players to give Holbeach the lead. Quorn battled to redress this early setback and Emidio Chiavetta forced home keeper Emery Michael into a smart save, low down to his left. Quorn were finding their feet with the changes and deservedly equalised when a fine cross by debutant Jackson was rifled home on the volley by Liam Turner.

Quorn started the 2nd half optimistic of causing an upset but the League Leaders took advantage of a sloppy defensive clearance and the impressive Andy Tidswell, finished clinically. The same player added a third 6 minutes later and again it came after Quorn had conceded possession far too easily. Quorn were still in the game and a slick move saw substitute Hollist fire a superb effort past Michael from just outside the box but Quorn were frustrated by the Assistants flag, which appeared to be a poor decision.

Jackson then fired over as Quorn pressed following another slick move before Anthony Marriott took one touch too many when a corner fell invitingly to the unmarked skipper. Holbeach completed the victory when a tired looking pass went astray and although the ball went out for a throw, Quorn were caught napping when it was taken quickly and Craig Parker easily converted the cross to cement the points. In truth the result was more disappointing than the performance and once again good work was undone by Quorn contributing to their own downfall, that said, the home side were clinical in taking the chances and look to be well on the way to the title, with a healthy 14 point lead at the top.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, A.Marriott, E.Chiavetta, K.Munton, M.Blake, D.Moran, K.Thomas, C.Hughes, L.Turner, L.Jackson, N.Goold.
Subs C.Hollist, T.Kirk, K.Price.

Quorn bowed out of the League Cup, two early defensive errors saw them trail 2 nil with only 12 minutes gone. Liam Turner pulled one back before the break after a swiftly taken free-kick by Anthony Marriott presented the chance. A third goal just past the hour sealed the win for the visitors.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, D.Leak, E.Chiavetta, K.Munton, M.Blake, W.Ball, D.Moran, A.Marriott, L.Turner, A.Honour, N.Goold.
Subs C.Baker, C.Hughes, K.Price.

With the first half fairly even on another difficult surface, Quorn started the 2nd period on top but after 10 minutes of pressure the home team broke forward and took the lead. Worse was to follow with 2 further goals added by the home side, credit to home striker Liam Tunstall, who produced 3 good finishes but Quorn have only themselves to blame conceding 3 soft goals in a 6 minute period. The final third of the game saw Quorn try to redress the balance but the Home side were rarely troubled at the back.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, M.Blake, K.Munton, C.Hughes, A.Marriott, W.Ball, L.Turner, K.Price, T.Kirk.
Subs N.Goold, A.Honour, D.Moran.

Both sides struggled to find any rhythm on a deteriorating surface as the game wore on, Shepshed went close to taking the lead but Andrew Simpson made a fine save from Liam Fitzpatrick's low drive. Quorn respoded and visiting keeper Neil West made two fine saves, keeping out efforts from Tyrone Kirk and then Liam Turner.

With the rain increasing during the 2nd period Quorn looked the most likely to break the deadlock, Kadeen Price forcing West to produce another fine save from the strikers header from close range. A strong run by Anthony Marriott ended when he was brought down as he looked to have got clear. A last ditch tackle from Rob McCormick prevented substitute Alex Honour from a clear run on goal and the same player then missed a great chance to seal it for Quorn when he skipeed past the last man but hesitated and the chance was gone. At the other end Fitzpatrick fired wide when he found himself in a good position.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, M.Blake, K.Munton, C.Hughes, A.Marriott, W.Ball, L.Turner, K.Price, T.Kirk.
Subs A.Honour, D.Moran.

Tyrone Kirk returned to the starting line-up for the first time since the beginning of December and New Signing Matt Blake made his debut but Emidio Chiavetta missed the game through injury, Todd Whitby came in at left back in a defensive re-shuffle. Even allowing for the changes, Quorn defended poorly for the first 25 minutes and found themselves with a mountain to climb after conceding 3 early goals. Quorn improved before the break and Wade Ball pulled 1 back after good work by Kirk.

The 2nd half saw a marked improvement and Liam Turner pulled another goal back as Quorn looked more organised. The home side looked a bit rattled but broke swiftly following a corner to Quorn and a defensive blunder on the half way line saw the Boston striker break clear and slot past Andrew Simpson to put the game beyond the visitors. Despite striking the woodwork twice, Quorn were unable to get back on level terms, although Turner did reduce the arrears, with his 2nd goal, just before the end.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, T.Whitby, D.Leak, M.Blake, W.Ball, D.Moran, A.Marriott, L.Turner, K.Price, T.Kirk.
Subs N.Goold, C.Hughes, K.Munton.

Quorn suffered a blow just before the kick-off when Tyrone Kirk turned an ankle during the warm up, things soon got worse when Dan Cotton put the home side ahead on two minutes, Quorn battled back and Kadeem Price bagged the equaliser on 35 minutes with a smart finish after Denis Moran provided the pass.

Just before the hour mark Spalding went ahead again but a fine move by Quorn saw Moran chip another excellent leveller 15 minutes later. Quorn suffered futher blows when Anthony Marriott and debutant defender David Leak, both suffered injuries and had to be replaced. With 89 minute gone Spalding got the winner following a disputed free-kick, just as it looked as though Quorn had done enough to earn a point.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, K.Munton, D.Leak, W.Ball, D.Moran, A.Marriott, L.Turner, K.Price, N.Goold.
Subs C.Hughes, T.Whitby.

Quorn's young side made life difficult for a Loughborough team that had won their last 2 League games, although its fair to say the home side had the lion's share of possession this was far from a one sided affair. Quorn took a first half lead through Kadeem Price and it wasn't until the 83rd minute that Dynamo grabbed the equaliser through former player Matt Langham.

Both sides had chances to take the lead in extra time but Dominic Brennan's deflected shot settled the Tie in the 110th minute.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, T.Whitby, K.Munton, E.Chiavetta, C.Hughes, D.Moran, W.Ball, K.Price, L.Turner, N.Goold.
Subs A.Honour.

Quorn were without 5 key players but dominated the game up until a defensive slip allowed Luke Hipwell the chance to break the deadlock, although his first two efforts were blocked the number 9 forced the ball home to give his side an unlikely 3 points.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, A.Marriott, N.Watson, L.Turner, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, D.Gent.
Subs C.Hughes, K.Price, L.Sutton.

Quorn fielded an unchanged side from last week’s hard fought victory, the visitors included former Boston striker Tony Edwards, who had a brief spell at Quorn last season. Quorn started the brighter of the two sides and were robbed of an early lead when Luke Edwards crossed a superb ball for Kris Nurse fire past Sleaford keeper Andy Hewitt, only for the assistant to raise a belated flag. Soon after a great run by Joe Shaw set up Nurse to cross, the defender made a poor attempt to clear but Tyrone Kirk couldn’t keep his effort down.

Quorn attacked at will with Kirk twice going close before a corner by the same player ended with a chance for Nathan Watson but Hewitt saved with his legs. Quorn were nearly caught out by a swift counter by the visitors but Dan Marshall got back to make a great recovery tackle. Dean Gent was next to go close, shooting tamely at the keeper after being played in by Watson. Edwards then fired just wide before the number ten burst into the box, keeper Hewitt caught the striker but he stayed on his feet but was forced wide and the keeper recovered to gather the cross.

After 20 minutes of constant pressure, Quorn finally took the lead, Watson’s free kick was headed back by Edwards for Kirk to score with ease. Gent then put Edwards in but Hewitt spread himself well to deny the striker and again from the follow up the keeper thwarted Nurse, the ball ran loose to Kirk who found Nurse again but the number 9 fired wide. Edwards did well with a run from deep but ruined it by tamely shooting at Hewitt.

Watson and Shaw then combined well but Nurse fired over the bar. Edwards once again burst through and was caught by the keepers challenge, again staying on his feet but forced wide and the move fizzled out. Edwards finally got his reward after 33 minutes when he and Watson pressurised a defender and Edwards finished superbly to put Quorn 2 up. Nurse then went clean through but again the off side flagged ended the move.

3 goals in the first 12 minutes of the 2nd half made the game safe for Quorn, in the 48th minute Kirk brilliantly beat his man before slipping the ball to Nurse who smartly turned the ball into the roof of the net. Watson weaved his way into the box before going to ground but managed to knock the ball to Nurse who fired first time, to again give Hewitt no chance. Then a superb right foot shot by Edwards made it five after Watson was fouled.

Quorn should have had a stonewall penalty when Kalern Thomas had his shirt pulled when Watson’s fine ball played him into the box but neither Referee nor Assistant saw the incident. Hewitt made a spectacular diving save from Kirk’s 25 yarder and Nurse fired over after good work again by Kirk. With the game well and truly won Quorn switched off all over the park and conceded a soft Penalty which was converted by Liam Tunstall in the 83rd minute and two minutes later Tony Edwards slotted home from close range, to take the gloss off an otherwise good performance.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, J.Pheasant, D.Whiley, C.Gray, N.Watson, D.Gent, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, T.Kirk.
Subs A.Marriott, K.Thomas, L.Turner.

Quorn welcomed back Luke Edwards, Dean Gent and Joe Pheasant, who all missed the previous game. With the atrocious weather around it was a pleasant surprise that the game got the go ahead thanks to the hard work of the Huntingdon side’s Ground staff, who were working on the pitch right up to kick off and again at half time. Not surprisingly both sides found it difficult to find any sort of rhythm and the first 30 minutes saw very little in goalmouth action. Quorn keeper Ross Whalin was injured in gathering a cross and although he bravely carried on after lengthy treatment,it was obvious he couldn’t continue and Andrew Simpson took over between the sticks.

This seemed to inspire the home side and Simpson was thankful that Niks Savelnieks just failed to latch on to a through ball and the keeper gathered comfortably. The first goal was closer still just minutes later, at the other end. Nathan Watson’s great run and cross was just a fraction behind the unmarked Edwards who could only get the faintest of deflections to send it goal wards but keeper Dave Beeny, who looked wrong footed, had enough time to gather the ball.

Jamie Graham for the home side. went close but fired wide of Simpson’s goal and Beeny then denied Edwards again, this time with his legs. Play was fairly even now following a period of home pressure but Quorn then conceded an unnecessary free kick just outside their own box and were duly punished, when Declan Rogers struck a superb effort past the despairing dive of Simpson just before the break.

The home side buoyed by their late first half opener, began the 2nd period on top and another needless free kick given away in a dangerous position saw Ben Seymour-Shove go close to doubling his sides lead.

Quorn looked to be up against it but the character and determination of the side began to show through and with 65 minutes gone the equaliser came, Joe Shaw and Tyrone Kirk combined well down the left hand side and Kirk's cross came off a defender for Kris Nurse to lash the ball home past Beeny.

Spurred on by this leveller Quorn began to press but the home side went close to going back in front when a defender lost his footing for Savalnieks to find himself with only Simpson to beat but a superb intervention by skipper Dean Whiley saved the day.

Kalern Thomas was causing all sorts of problems down the right hand side with his pace and more than once was upended for free kicks that put the home side under pressure, one such indiscretion led to Kirk’s finely delivered free kick that Liam Turner rose highest to head past a stranded Beeny, to put Quorn ahead with 5 minutes of normal time remaining. The visitors saw out the remaining time in relative comfort to take three hard earned points.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, J.Pheasant, D.Whiley, C.Gray, N.Watson, D.Gent, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, T.Kirk.
Subs A.Simpson, K.Thomas, L.Turner.

Quorn were without Luke Edwards, Dean Gent and Joe Pheasant for the visit to Stewart & Lloyds Corby but were hopeful of continuing their recent run of form, having beaten the hosts less than three weeks ago by a comfortable margin. On a difficult surface Quorn struggled to get anything going early on but a fine cross by Nathan Watson gave them their first sight of goal but Kris Nurse’s first time effort was comfortably gathered by David Allen in the home goal.

With 14 minutes gone Quorn conceded a needless free-kick some thirty yards out but failed to defend a routine kick and Liam Boath fired the loose ball past Ross Whalin as the visiting defence dithered. The quality of play was poor by both sides, mainly due to the uneven surface but Quorn did enough to bag an equaliser just past the half hour mark, when good work by Dan Marshall led to Tyrone Kirk crossing a fine ball to the unmarked Liam Turner who bundled the ball home.

The 2nd period saw Quorn dominate for long periods but with too many players choosing the wrong option at times, real chances were few and far between. Kris Nurse headed over the bar after Chis Gray had headed on Watsons free kick and Watson himself planted a free kick over the bar after Turner was hauled down on the edge of the box. The same player then produced a mazy run leaving defenders in his wake but his shot was blocked in the box when a square ball to the unmarked Nurse, looked the better option. The home side then went close with a shot past Whalin’s left hand post but the keeper looked to have had it covered.

Quorn stepped up the pressure towards the end but apart from Nurse heading wide a Kirk cross, Allen’s goal wasn’t really threatened and the game petered out for a draw. This was Quorn’s poorest performance for some time and will look to Tuesday’s game at Cogenhoe to get back to form.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, C.Gray, N.Watson, A.Marriott, K.Nurse, L.Turner, T.Kirk.
Subs D.Moran, K.Price, K.Thomas.

For the second successive game, Quorn were expecting a difficult time, having been made to fight all the way in the first encounter at the visitor’s home ground a few weeks ago. With Anthony Marriott unavailable, Chris Gray returned following his suspension and partnered Dean Gent in central midfield, in an otherwise unchanged side.

Quorn were soon in their stride and a fine ball by Gent gave Kris Nurse an early chance but his effort lacked the power to trouble Long Buckby keeper Ash Malhotra. A Nathan Watson free-kick gave Joe Pheasant an opportunity to put Quorn ahead but his near post header was just wide. Quorn were not quite firing on all cylinders but the visitors forays into the Quorn half were few and far between. Craig Jackson having their first effort midway through the half but his long range shot was well wide.

A disappointing first half ended goalless but Quorn should have been in front when another set piece delivered by Watson saw Nurse have his header blocked but Tyrone Kirk should have done better with the loose ball but somehow fired across the face when well placed.

The 2nd half began with more chances wasted, Watson sent Kirk clean through but with the goal at his mercy he put his effort wide of the far post. Liam Turner then put his first time effort wide, after another fine ball by Watson set up the chance. Finally the breakthrough came when Gent picked out Nurse with a great ball and the leading scorer fired home to put Quorn ahead on 65 minutes.

A fine move involving Kirk and Turner saw Watson deliver another dangerous cross that Nurse did well to get to but missed his kick and the ball was cleared. Turner then missed a great chance to double the lead, when another superb delivery by Watson presented the opportunity. Quorn finally made the game safe with a gifted 2nd goal, Turner did well to head on a Quorn clearance and Watson pressurised the covering defender into an error that the number 7 gleefully gathered and despatched past Malhotra to seal the victory in the 90th minute.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, J.Pheasant, D.Whiley, C.Gray, N.Watson, D.Gent, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, T.Kirk.
Subs K.Thomas, L.Turner.

Quorn were expecting a tough game against an inform Peterborough Northern Star team, who had won their last four games including a 1 nil victory away at Deeping Rangers. The visitor’s tactics were soon in evidence when first Tyrone Kirk was scythed down and then Nathan Watson was lucky to escape serious injury from another challenge that on another day would have seen the visitors down to ten men, the referee chose not brandish any card and the tone was set.

Quorn kept their discipline and continued to play football and were rewarded when Watson beat 3 men in a dazzling run before crossing for Luke Edwards to knock home from close range in the 14th minute. Less than ten minutes later and Quorn doubled their lead, this time Edwards the provider, his great run and cross saw Kris Nurse have his shot blocked but the rebound fell to Watson who drilled past Nicky Conroy from just inside the box.

Good work again by Edwards set up Dean Gent who fired a screamer just over the bar but the well placed Conroy looked to have had the effort covered in any case. Kirk then fired over a superb cross that Edwards should have done better with, as Quorn threatened to run riot but failed to add to their score before the break.

The 2nd period began like the first and Dan Marshall was brought down with another poor challenge and likewise Edwards was taken out, finally the Referee restored a bit of order by issuing a couple of cards and the visitors settled down and began to play. Edwards stole in to lob the keeper first time but his effort drifted wide of the mark. With 10 minutes gone a sloppy defensive error gave the visitors a foothold back in the game when Andy Furnell found himself with time and space to fire past Ross Whalin for a well taken goal.

It took Quorn just 3 minutes to restore their 2 goal advantage, Edwards who was having a fine game beat his marker before delivering a peach of a cross for strike partner Nurse to head past a stranded Conroy. The home side then took control with some excellent play, a fine move involving Watson and Joe Shaw resulted in Edwards bringing a fine flying save from Conroy at full stretch. Quorn made it four when Shaw burst into the box before firing past the unsighted Conroy, after a neat interchange between Gent and Nurse had created the opening for the full back to claim his first goal since forever nearly.

Watson then superbly set up Nurse but the leading scorer couldn’t provide the finish that the cross deserved. Kirk was then scythed down unceremoniously as Quorn were in total control. Shaw then turned provider when he picked out the fine run of Anthony Marriott, with a superb cross that the midfielder controlled before smashing past the exposed keeper to put Quorn 5-1 ahead with 15 minutes remaining. With 12 minutes left the visitors were gifted their 2nd goal when a Whalin error from a corner saw Mark Cox stab home from close range.

Kirk again was the victim of a terrible deliberate challenge that the Referee again showed leniency to, by only dishing out a yellow. Kirk recovered after treatment to exact his revenge in the best possible way by playing a delightful little ball to Edwards, who played his part by collecting the ball in his stride and smashing an unstoppable effort from over 25 yards, just inside the far post to make it six with 5 minutes left. 6 should have been 7 when another great bit of work by Edwards gave Liam Turner the chance but the striker failed to make contact and the chance was lost.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, J.Pheasant, D.Whiley, A.Marriott, N.Watson, D.Gent, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, T.Kirk.
Subs C.Gray, K.Thomas, L.Turner.

Quorn travelled to the home of the unbeaten League leaders St Ives Town, looking to close the gap at the top which had grown to ten points. Still without the suspended Chris Gray and Nathan Parker and Martin Bowles with long term injuries, a lot rested on the central midfield, with Dean Gent and Anthony Marriott sharing the duties with Nathan Watson and Tyrone Kirk on either flank. Wayne Diuk was also unavailable so new signing Joe Pheasant made his debut in the heart of the defence.

The opening twenty minutes were fairly even but the hosts took the lead following a disputed free kick, leading scorer Karl Gibbs heading a superb opener to put Quorn up against it. The visitors created an opening when Gent and Kirk combined for the latter to deliver a fine cross that Kris Nurse inadvertently took off the head of Luke Edwards. The home side again threatened but Gibbs headed well wide from a swift cross from the left.

Back came Quorn and Pheasant headed narrowly wide from Kirk’s in-swinging corner and Watson’s fine cross saw Edwards go close but he lost his footing at the vital moment with the goal at his mercy. Kirk then tested Niall Conroy from distance but the home keeper was equal to the task. The hosts closed the half on the attack but great defending from Pheasant thwarted the danger.

Quorn began the 2nd half with a determined look about them and Watson in particular was prominent, a fine run and lay back was well defended by the home side but the number 7 caused panic with a cross that fizzed across the six yard box with no one able to get the vital touch. A great break by Marriott ended with a cynical foul on Edwards and then the same player shot weakly at Conroy after good work by Watson. Nurse then latched onto a fine ball by Kirk but Conroy produced a fine save to prevent the equaliser. Quorn were not having it all their own way and Ross Whalin produced a fine save to beat away a well struck effort from Jon Stead.

Quorn got the breakthrough they deserved midway through the half when a fine run by Watson saw him thump the ball past a static Conroy for a fine individual goal, two minutes later and a rampant Quorn went ahead with none other than Whalin the provider, the keepers long free kick picked out the run of Nurse who stole in to head past Conroy. Quorn were well on top and Edwards again went close, firing just over after great work by Nurse had given him the opening.

Quorn closed out the game in style, substitute Kadeem Price should have increased the lead when a Nurse flick on from another Whalin free kick, put him clear but the youngster shot straight at Conroy. Liam Turner then made the game safe for Quorn two minutes from the end when he latched onto a through ball before firing past a startled Conroy. The first half was probably shaded by the home side but Quorn dominated the 2nd period and fully deserved their victory and were applauded off the field in a very sporting manner by the home supporters.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, J.Pheasant, D.Whiley, A.Marriott, N.Watson, D.Gent, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, T.Kirk.
Subs K.Price, L.Turner.

Quorn were looking to continue with their recent run of results, Luke Edwards replaced Dean Gent in an otherwise unchanged line-up for the visit of Stewart & Lloyds Corby. The visitors were caught cold in the 2nd minute when Tyrone Kirk slipped a ball inside to Nathan Watson who turn neatly before advancing and firing a right foot shot from 25 yards that flew past David Allen into the bottom left hand corner to put Quorn ahead.

Watson was fouled soon after and Kirk’s free kick found the head of Dean Whiley but the defenders effort was just wide. Watson again combined with Kirk who drilled across the face but it was well defended and put behind for a corner that was cleared by the visitors. Kirk then skipped past 2 defenders but shot disappointingly wide of the near post. Kirk’s free kick then found Edwards in space but his cross was hacked away as Kris Nurse threatened. Watson then played a good ball to Nurse, who turned well but was brought down just outside the box, Kirk’s free kick was well held by the diving Allen.

Disaster then struck Quorn when Nathan Parker suffered a sickening injury and play was held up for 10 minutes while he received treatment, after a delay he was stretchered off and Gent came on. Play resumed and Quorn increased their lead 0n 39 minutes when Edwards’ deep cross was volleyed past Allen by Nurse, giving the keeper no chance. Three minutes before the break Quorn conceded a sloppy goal to put the visitors back in it, although the actual finish by Jamie O’Neill was emphatic, Quorn had squandered possession to set up the chance.

Nine minutes after the break Quorn restored their 2 goal cushion when Watson was adjudged to have been fouled inside the box and Kirk made no mistake from the spot kick. Edwards did well before setting up Watson but his 25 yarder flew the wrong side of the upright. Quorn made a couple of substitutions and a fine move involving Kirk, Kadeem Price and Joe Shaw, gave Liam Turner a chance, his ball across the face was turned in at the far post by Nurse to make it 4-1 with just less than 10 minutes remaining.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, A.Marriott, N.Watson, N.Parker, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, T.Kirk.
Subs D.Gent, K.Price, L.Turner.

Quorn travelled to Stamford hoping to avenge their League defeat at the hands of lowly Blackstones just 3 weeks ago. With Chris Gray suspended, Anthony Marriott came back into the starting line-up in a 5 man midfield with just Kris Nurse up front. The home side seized the initiative early and Ross Whalin had to be alert to punch clear following a dangerous looking free kick.

Quorn broke out and forced two corners in quick succession and Nathan Watson outsmarted two defenders before striking the base of the post with home keeper Lee Crockett beaten. With just over twenty minutes gone Quorn went behind, a left wing cross saw poor marking allow Andy Boome the chance to head past Whalin.

Quorn were close to an equaliser when Tyrone Kirk’s fine cross was just clawed away from the head of Nurse by the outstretched arm of Crockett. A neat combination between Joe Shaw and Watson ended when the full back crossed to the far post but with Crockett beaten the defender made the clearance.

Quorn started the 2nd half much sharper and Kirk’s cross was headed narrowly wide by Nurse with Crockett again a bystander. The equaliser arrived just past the hour mark, when a free kick for a foul on Kirk was quickly taken and Dan Marshall’s deep cross was met by Watson, who blasted past Crockett.

Quorn continued to dominate and Nurse and Luke Edwards combined to send Watson in on goal but he fired over the bar, Kirk then crossed for Nurse to head goal wards but it lacked the power to beat Crockett , who gathered comfortably. Dean Whiley was then inches away from getting his head to a corner by Kirk. Quorn finally got the all-important 2nd goal with 15 minutes remaining, Edwards fed Watson who side stepped 2 challenges before laying the ball off to Nurse who fired low past Crockett from 18 yards.

Edwards was close to adding a third before a late rally by the home side saw Whalin produce a great stop low down to prevent the equaliser. The 2nd half display saw Quorn do enough to deserve all three points and perhaps should have added to their score before the nervous last few minutes.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, A.Marriott, N.Watson, D.Gent, K.Nurse, N.Parker, T.Kirk.
Subs L.Edwards, C.Hughes, L.Turner.

Quorn secured a comfortable 3-1 victory at home to Boston Town at Farley Way. Kris Nurse, Luke Edwards and Tyrone Kirk were the goalscorers for the hosts and the score could’ve been even more had Quorn taken some of their countless amount of chances.

The opening exchanges were completely dominated by the home side with Kris Nurse having a golden opportunity to put Quorn ahead from the spot after a foul on Nathan Watson. However, the striker miscued the penalty over the bar after slipping on an extremely greasy surface. Nurse also squandered several other chances including a one on one chance with just Boston keeper Lindberg to beat, after poor play from the visiting right back Luke Wilson. Quorn’s dominance limited Boston to few chances, the closest they came in the first half was from a shot from 25 yards out, which sailed a long way over the bar.

On 34, Watson’s close range shot was brilliantly blocked by the opposition defender on the line after a good cross from Luke Edwards. Finally, moments before the break, Nurse found the target. Edwards again the provider with a pinpoint cross from the right that Nurse expertly guided home from all of six yards past the hapless keeper.

Into the second half and the hosts were almost caught cold after Boston striker Simon Mowbray saw Ross Whalin off of his line, although his shot drifted just wide of the right hand post. Quorn however, regained their domination, so prevalent in the first half and only a fantastic stop from Lindberg prevented Quorn from going 2 up from Watson’s long shot. From the resulting corner though, the keeper could do nothing to prevent Edwards from doubling the lead as he tapped home after the ball somehow found its way to him.

The introduction of Tyrone Kirk didn’t do any favours for the team from Lincolnshire when he hit the post after some sublime trickery left Boston’s defence rooted to the spot. With 10 minutes remaining, against the run of play, Jon Dunn gave the visitors hope with a routine finish after some naïve defending from sub Anthony Marriott, although any fears of a comeback where all but gone when Kirk deservedly got himself on the scoresheet through an outrageous chip that gave Lindberg no chance. It was a great finish to a game totally dominated by Quorn who have now won 4 out of 5 in the league.

* Match Report courtesy of Alex Barston.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, C.Gray, N.Watson, D.Gent, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, N.Parker.
Subs T.Kirk, A.Marriott, L.Turner.

Quorn were hoping to put Saturday’s disappointment behind them with the midweek trip to face an in form Desborough side who had won 5 of their last 6 games. Tyrone Kirk was unwell and Martin Bowles was unavailable through injury, New signing Nathan Parker was brought straight in for his debut and Luke Edwards was recalled to partner Kris Nurse up front.

Quorn were soon on the attack and Nathan Watson’s free kick appeared to be tipped over the bar by home keeper Richard Lavin but the Referee awarded a goal kick. Quorn continued to press but the home defence, although under pressure , were defiant and in the main Lavin was well protected. Nurse had an effort blocked before a defensive lapse saw the striker receive a stray pass and he needed no second invitation has he fired past Lavin on 23 minutes.

Nurse put his side 2 up a couple of minutes later, Watson’s fierce strike was blocked but the rebound fell kindly to the number 9 and again he gave Lavin no chance with a well struck shot. The home side were stung by this double reverse and a fine cross from the left ended with Michael Byrne hooking the ball goal bound but Ross Whalin reacted brilliantly to palm the ball behind, from the resulting corner the keeper again did well to tip over the bar. Quorn were under a spell of pressure and were struggling to clear their lines but a fine ball by Watson sent Edwards down the left, his powerful shot on the run was from too tight an angle and Lavin gathered the ball at the 2nd attempt. Quorn had the ball in the back of the net for a third time when Nurse was put through by Watson but the linesman chalked the effort off.

Quorn began the 2nd half having a lot of defending to do but they stuck to the task and gradually took the sting out of the Home sides attacks. The Quorn midfield were gelling better than at any time this season and were in control, spraying lots of quality passes all around, with the defence and attack also comfortable on the ball. As the game wore on Quorn were more and more in charge and Whalin, although not a spectator, wasn’t called upon for any serious action.

The introduction of Kadeem Price saw Quorn up the pace and the youngster skipped by two challenges before cutting back a perfect ball for Nurse to fire home his and Quorn’s third, with less than 10 minutes to go. Another good move saw Price nearly add to the score but he fired over the bar. This was the perfect response to Saturday’s defeat at Deeping and a good all round team performance ensured a clean sheet, topped off by three clinical strikes by Nurse.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, C.Gray, N.Watson, D.Gent, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, N.Parker.
Subs A.Marriott, K.Price, L.Turner.

Quorn were able to field an unchanged side following the midweek victory at Harborough Town. Having met twice already this season Quorn were optimistic of reaching the next round but were aware of the danger, the hard working Deeping side would pose.

Quorn started the brighter of the two sides, Martin Bowles found Tyrone Kirk with a fine ball, his cross reached Kris Nurse who controlled the ball before turning and hitting his left foot shot just wide. Harry Deane fired a free-kick over the bar for the home side before Chris Gray fed Kirk, the wide-man sidestepped two challenges but his shot was deflected wide. Nathan Watson then cut in from the left but his rasping shot was too high. David Burton-Jones tried an ambitious first time effort from distance but was well wide of the mark.

Nurse then spotted James Doughty off his line and struck the ball from 35 yards but the keeper did well to get back and palm the ball away from just under the bar and gather the loose ball. Deane then produced a couple of good strikes from outside the area, Ross Whalin gathered comfortably the first effort but minutes later, was forced into a fine save. The home side had saw off the early pressure and were forcing the visitors back, another strike from outside the box, this time from Cieran Holt, was not far away.

Quorn responded and Dean Whiley’s long ball found Nurse who struck his effort on the run towards the far post but Doughty pulled off a fine one handed save at the expense of a corner. Back came Deeping and Dan Marshall had to head behind following a deep cross. From the resulting corner, Deeping took the lead, Deane’s cross was headed goal-wards, Whalin parried but Simon Ashton reacted quickest to force the ball over the line on 27 minutes.

Quorn looked to have struck straight back when Liam Turner latched on to a through ball to fire past Doughty but the assistant’s flag was already raised. Whalin was untroubled by a couple of shots from distance but he had to be at his best to deny Nick Jackson, who had snuck up from deep before unleashing a fine strike from just outside the box but the keeper brilliantly palmed the ball away at full stretch. Deeping finished the half the stronger and again Whalin had to make an important save, this time from Alex Beck.

Quorn replied immediately after the break, good work by Watson created the opportunity finding Nurse with enough space to turn and fire a right foot shot past Doughty. Quorn looked to be in better form this half and a fine ball by Turner saw Watson scamper past his marker but although clear on goal, Doughty made a fine stop to prevent Quorn taking the lead. Moments later Quorn were made to pay but when Beck stumbled to the floor unchallenged near the edge of the box there looked no danger but he was allowed to rise to his feet and took one step and fired low past Whalin’s despairing dive.

Luke Edwards came on for Quorn and Watson played a fine ball to him but he miss kicked at the vital moment, Kirk fired the loose ball wide. Quorn then went closer still, a fine move involving Kirk, Edwards and Marshall, saw the later cross for Nurse to head towards the far corner but Doughty produced a great one handed save to push the ball round the upright. The home side then had a decent shout for a penalty when Beck went down in the box, under a challenge from Whiley but the Referee waived play on. Dean Gent then fed Kirk, his cross was hit first time by Nurse but it was inches wide.

Quorn then played themselves into a bit of trouble but Whalin produced another fine save to keep Quorn in the tie. Fresh legs gave the home side a bit more impetus and only two excellent saves by Whalin kept the score down. Quorn did respond as time was running out but Doughty, inspired by his opposite number made two terrific stops, first from a superb 30 yarder from Kirk, low to the keepers left and then just before the end, Marshall’s great strike on the run was palmed away at full stretch. Although both keepers had fine games, Whalin was the busier of the two and the Home side deserved their passage through to the next round and we wish them well.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, C.Gray, N.Watson, M.Bowles, K.Nurse, L.Turner, T.Kirk.
Subs L.Edwards, D.Gent, A.Marriott.

Quorn made the short journey to Harborough Town, looking to put behind them Saturday’s disappointing defeat at Home. With Martin Bowles, Luke Edwards, Anthony Marriott and Joe Shaw all available again, Manager Tommy Brookbanks made no fewer than six changes to the starting line-up, two of them positional.

It took Quorn just 5 minutes to open the scoring and what a goal it was, Nathan Watson a good 35 yards out, glanced up to see Home keeper Luke Maher off his line and drilled a superb strike beyond the keeper’s frantic leap. Watson then went through the heart of the defence but his goal bound effort was deflected for a corner. Harborough then nearly caught out Quorn with a swift break that saw Ross Whalin grateful to see the effort clear the upright. Quorn should have made it two when Watson and Tyrone Kirk combined for the number 7 to cross to Liam Turner but he also put his effort the wrong side of the post.

Kirk then jinked past two defenders before his right foot strike was deflected for another corner, Dean Whiley rose highest to get his head to Kirk’s flag kick but his header was hacked away off the line. Maher was then caught out when, close to the touchline, he cleared the ball up field, Shaw quickly fed the ball to Turner in space, who drilled his shot just inside the near post with the Keeper wrong footed, as he raced back to his goal.

Quorn were in a similar position as they were on Saturday, 2 up with a little over half an hour played and a needless free-kick just outside the box gave the Home side a chance to reduce the deficit. The left foot curler over the wall was brilliantly palmed away by Whalin but he was powerless to do anything about the follow up effort but the woodwork came to Quorn’s rescue, Harborough had a third bite of the cherry but this time the effort was way over the bar. Kris Nurse nearly made it three , heading narrowly past the post from Kirk’s finely flighted free-kick. Just before the break Watson fired goal wards but Maher pulled off a superb save to push away the deflected shot.

The first twenty minutes of the 2nd half belonged to Kirk, who mesmerised the Harborough defence, three minutes in he charged the ball down and foraged into the box before delivering a cross that Nurse despatched past Maher. Former Quorn player Chris Hollist pulled one back for Harborough in the 50th minute but this was only a momentarily blip, as from the kick off a virtuoso run by Kirk was ended with a fine left foot strike past Maher, 6 or 7 minutes later the same player finished well after good work by Watson created the chance.

5 soon became 6 when Quorn struck the bar with an effort that Turner forced home at the far post with still 25 minutes remaining. Quorn made a couple of substitutions, Bowles who had made a fine contribution after his long layoff was replaced by Marriott and Edwards came on for Nurse. Shaw then linked well with Watson, interchanging passes before the winger zipped over a cross that Edwards headed firmly past Maher, in the 70th minute.

Credit must go to Harborough Town who battled to the end despite the score line but it was Quorn’s night and an emphatic 7-1 victory eased the frustration felt on Saturday. Also it was great to see Chris Hollist back in action even if it was against Quorn and he took his goal well for the home side’s consolation.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, C.Gray, N.Watson, M.Bowles, K.Nurse, L.Turner, T.Kirk.
Subs L.Edwards, A.Marriott, L.Sutton.

Quorn were without the unavailable Joe Shaw and Anthony Marriott, also Luke Edwards was serving a one match ban leaving the ranks a little depleted but this was no excuse for a very poor performance against the bottom side Blackstones, who, in the end deserved their first three points since the opening day of the season.

Things started well for Quorn, with Kris Nurse striking the woodwork early on and Lee Sutton bringing a fine save from visiting keeper Lee Crockett, after good work from Nathan Watson. A poor ball in midfield gave the visitors their first sight of goal but Ross Whalin was untroubled by the effort that drifted wide. Quorn took a deserved lead in the 10th minute when a fine run from deep by Chris Gray gave Watson the chance to feed Nurse, who swivelled before planting a left foot strike just inside the far post. A swift response by the visitors caused the home side concern but from then on Quorn were well in command.

After several near misses Quorn then went 2 ahead just past the half hour mark, Watson’s corner falling to Sutton, who prodded the ball over the line to put his side firmly in the driving seat – or so it seemed! A rare attack by the visitors looked to be going nowhere but when the ball fell to Robby Pearce, he volleyed past an unsighted Whalin to reduce the arrears, 8 minutes before half time.

Quorn then pushed to get a third with Watson striking the woodwork after a great run and then Crockett produced a brilliant save to deny Nurse, diverting the shot onto the bar after Watson had created the opening. Just before the break with Quorn appealing for a blatant foul, Addie Staffieri gathered the loose ball and drilled his effort past Whalin to level the contest. The visitors then nearly took the lead with a deflected shot that Whalin did well to smother.

The 2nd period began and Nurse again was unlucky to see his effort come back off the post with the keeper beaten before, at the other end, Whalin was forced into a fine save to deny Pearce his second. Whalin was fouled from the resulting corner but the referee waived play on but the keeper recovered to tip the ball over the bar. Whalin then produced another fine save to deny Staffieri as Quorn seemed to lose their way. The introduction of Kadeem Price for his debut gave Quorn a bit more pace up front and the youngster went close with his first touch but his effort hit the side netting.

Price and Dean Gent again had efforts saved by Crockett before Whalin again rescued Quorn before his counterpart did likewise to deny Watson, after good work by Tyrone Kirk, who up to now had, had a quiet game by his own standards. Quorn gave the ball away near the centre circle and the visitors broke, through Sam Bettinson, who did everything right but score as his final effort went past the near post. Two minutes later the same player made amends when he latched on to a through ball and fired past Whalin to give his side the lead.

Quorn were unable to respond and the visitors nearly added a fourth, Whalin again getting a touch to a rasping effort, tipping the ball onto the bar but recovering to gather the loose ball on the line. A late rally by Quorn saw a curling free kick by Kirk well tipped over by Crockett and Price then turned well to give himself a shooting chance but he couldn’t keep his effort down.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, W.Diuk, E.Chiavetta, C.Gray, D.Whiley, D.Gent, N.Watson, W.Ball, K.Nurse, L.Sutton, T.Kirk.
Subs D.Marshall, K.Price, L.Turner.

Quorn fielded the same starting eleven that won against Cogenhoe, last Tuesday. The home side kicked off but were pegged back in their own half as Quorn took the upper hand. It took just eight minutes for the first goal to arrive and Tyrone Kirk was heavily involved, his neat footwork drawing a foul just outside the home box. Kirk delivered a fine free kick , picking out the unmarked Dean Gent, who powered his header home to give Quorn the lead.

Five minutes later Quorn doubled their lead when Joe Shaw combined well with Nathan Watson before the winger drilled a superb cross that Kris Nurse collected before slotting past the exposed keeper Martin Conway. Kempstone then improved their play and Quorn were pushed back but only briefly, another great whipped in cross by Watson gave Lee Sutton a chance but his header failed to trouble Conway. Gent then went close after good work by Kirk. Quorn were hit on the break when they were caught flat by a swift break by the home side, Drew Phillips neatly set up Jacob Ottley to slot past the advancing Ross Whalin, just past the half hour mark.

The home side grew in confidence and another promising attack was thwarted by a neat interception by Chris Gray. Quorn then went close to increasing their lead when Watson and Shaw had a neat interchange with Nurse also involved, the number 9 eventually putting his effort wide. A poor defensive error put Quorn in trouble and it looked to have produced the equaliser but Whalin got the faintest of touches to prevent the goal. The resulting corner was well tipped over the bar, by Whalin for another corner as the home side sensed a leveller. Quorn made a quick reply and Nurse fed Sutton, who in turn crossed for Watson to hit first time but his effort was a shade too high. Quorn finished the half on top with Watson and Shaw again combining well to set up a chance for Kirk but he lost control and was dispossessed.

Quorn began the 2nd period much the same as the last game, wasting possession but eventually settled down and a fine ball by Watson sent Nurse clear but although his lob beat the keeper, it also went wide of the mark. The home side then got themselves in a muddle and Kirk latched on to a sloppy back pass, evaded two tackles and finished with aplomb to increase Quorn’s lead after 66 minutes. Quorn then looked to have made the game safe when a solo effort from Watson made it 4-1 with 20 minutes left, picking the ball up just inside the home sides half, he rode a clear foul before waltzing past two defenders and firing low past Conway.

The old adage about being most vulnerable when you’ve just scored was in plain evidence as the Home side struck back immediately when poor marking saw Josh Bamford take full advantage to reduce the arrears, giving Whalin no chance. Despite this reverse Quorn maintained the upper hand and Kirk’s mazy dribble caused panic in the home defence, his short cross saw Luke Edwards try an overhead kick but his effort drifted wide. Quorn closed out the game quite comfortably, Kirk had a good effort on the run from distance that just cleared the bar but Conway looked to have had it covered.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, C.Gray, D.Whiley, A.Marriott, N.Watson, D.Gent, K.Nurse, L.Sutton, T.Kirk
Subs W.Ball, L.Edwards, L.Turner.

Quorn played hosts to another of the early front runners in the United Counties League and looked to put behind them Saturday’s poor result. With Wayne Diuk unavailable, Chris Gray slotted into the back four with Anthony Marriott partnering Dean Gent in central midfield, up front Lee Sutton came in for Luke Edwards, who was rested.

Quorn began the game with a bit more urgency and a fine mazy run by Nathan Watson lacked a finish that the run deserved, eventually shooting tamely at the visiting keeper James Stirling. Quorn went close moments later when Tyrone Kirk’s whipped in cross, caused the visitors to panic but Kris Nurse was just inches away from getting the vital touch. Good football again by Quorn, saw Watson link with Kirk but the latter’s strike was just over the bar. Gent then fed Nurse with a neat ball, his cross was narrowly missed by the head of Sutton and the visitors survived again.

With so much of the attacking play, Quorn switched off momentarily and in nearly a replica of Saturday, almost conceded. Whalin doing well to recover when a snap shot came through a crowd of bodies but the keeper snatched the ball, at the 2nd attempt. Quorn again went close when Watson and Gent combined to feed Nurse, his initial effort was blocked and the rebound fell invitingly to Sutton but his effort screwed just wide. Good work by Marriott gave Kirk the chance to whip in another fine cross, Cogenhoe defender Ryan Dufty just nipped in front of Nurse to head behind.

Quorn looked the team likely to score with the visitors content to get bodies behind the ball and defend from deep, a superb turn followed by a left foot shot by Nurse, cannoned against the inside of the far post and just as it looked like a let off, Watson reached the ball and was adjudged to have been fouled by the eagle eyed assistant, Kirk stepped up and easily beat Stirling to put Quorn ahead, on 38 minutes.

Cogenhoe immediately responded and a thirty yard effort, out of the blue, by Chris Davies struck the far post with Whalin beaten, The next few minutes saw Quorn give away the ball needlessly and also silly free kicks, one of which fizzed across the face of the goal but no forward was able to take advantage. Whalin then made a vital snatch as the visitors again threatened following Quorn’s inability to look after the ball when in possession. Nurse then had a good run but again his shot was blocked and the same player fired just wide after good work by Marriott, just before the break.

Quorn started the 2nd period in slap hazard fashion and again were guilty of giving the ball away far too cheaply but the visitors were lacking the cutting edge to take advantage. A right wing cross nearly caught out Whalin but in the end the ball drifted harmlessly over the top. Kirk then crossed superbly but Nurse inadvertently took it off the head of Sutton to end the threat. Quorn were still playing sloppy balls to conceded possession and a left wing cross produced a header that wasn’t far away from an equaliser. Kirk found Watson with a cross field ball, the no 7 burst in the box and appeared to be fouled but this time there was no penalty awarded. Marriott then tried a left foot curler that wasn’t too far away and a third penalty appeal was turned down when Kirk was upended.

A poor free–kick by the visitors, striking the back of a team mate bounced well for Nurse to get on the end of Sutton’s deft flick but the defender got back to block. A superb ball by Watson was equally superbly cut out by the outstretched foot of Defty, as Sutton nearly got clear. Another unforced error gave Cogenhoe a chance to level the scores but the right wing cross was well defended by Joe Shaw at the expense of a fruitless corner.

Quorn suddenly woke up and the last ten minutes dominated, a quick free kick saw Shaw free Watson down the right his superb cross found the head of Nurse who made no mistake with his downward header that gave Stirling no chance with 6 minutes remaining. Two minutes later, Watson closed down the last defender and blocked the clearance, latched on to the loose ball, before cutting inside and firing past the keeper to make it a flattering 3 nil score line.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, C.Gray, D.Whiley, A.Marriott, N.Watson, D.Gent, K.Nurse, L.Sutton, T.Kirk
Subs L.Turner.

Quorn had Dan Marshall, Nathan Watson and Ross Whalin all available again and all three went straight back into the starting X1 for the visit of Holbeach United, the only side left in the League with an 100 per cent record.

Quorn began the brighter and could have taken the lead in the first couple of minutes when Watson’s fine cross picked out the unmarked Kris Nurse but visiting keeper Michael Emery spread himself well and got something on it to prevent the opener. Holbeach replied instantly and a quick break saw Mitch Griffiths strike on the run but the fingertips of Whalin diverted the ball onto the post and Joe Shaw cleared the loose ball. Tyrone Kirk then put over a dangerous cross that caused concern for the visitors but they survived, as did Quorn moments later when sloppy defending gave another opportunity to shoot for Griffiths but Whalin made a good save.

The keeper then sent a long free kick that dropped in the path of Nurse but Jamie Stevens made the block at the expense of a corner, Kirk’s flag kick caused concern in the six yard box but eventually Emery claimed the loose ball. Quorn were overcooking it a bit on occasions and were caught in possession more than once. Luke Edwards then did well, before setting up Nurse for a strike on goal but Emery got down well to make the save.

A ball played just into the Quorn box looked no danger but a snap shot caught Whalin unawares and although he made the save low down, the rest of his defence just stood and watched, as Andrew Tidswell followed up to force home the loose ball to put the visitors ahead, just past the 30 minute mark. Quorn looked to have a chance of the equaliser, when from a corner, Dean Whiley was barged in the back, in front of the Referee who must have had his eyes closed as no penalty was awarded, much to the annoyance of the Quorn players.

Further annoyance followed when Nurse was clearly fouled just past the half way line and to make matters worse he was given a yellow card when he responded by giving as good as he got. Things then went from bad to worse when a silly free kick was conceded half way in the Quorn half and the deep diagonal ball, was met with a looping header by the unmarked Sam Mulready that deceived Whalin and dropped inside the far post.

The 2nd half began with Quorn taking the early initiative and Nurse should have reduced the arrears when Kirk’s cross was headed against the crossbar, when it seemed easier to score. This was to set the tone of the remainder of the match when chance after chance went a begging. Substitute Lee Sutton was brought down in the box but again the Referee was “unsighted”, again adding to Quorn’s frustration.

Kirk then burst in the box and was caught but stayed on his feet and eventually was crowded out but again a spot kick was not forth coming, perhaps he was too honest!. To totally dominate the 2nd half and have nothing to show was bitterly disappointing but on saying that, credit must go to the visitors, when under intense pressure for long periods, they stuck to their task and defended really well, albeit desperately at times and held on for the three points, to retain their perfect start . Lessons have to be learned from today, how to defend when things are not going your way and also how to make the most of the chances you get, the determination by the visitors, to a man, was evident and probably what earned them their victory.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, C.Gray, N.Watson, D.Gent, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, T.Kirk
Subs L.Sutton, L.Turner.

Quorn were made to fight all the way to progress to the next round of the League Cup by a Sleaford Town side that had managed just 1 win in 5 league games so far but in saying that 3 defeats have been at the hands of sides currently in the top 5. Quorn rested Luke Edwards, Chris Gray and Kris Nurse, with Anthony Marriott, Lee Sutton and Liam Turner all natural replacements. With Ross Whalin unavailable, new signing Jack Harvey made his debut between the sticks.

Quorn soon got in their stride and Tyrone Kirk was quickly involved, delivering crosses that in the main were dealt with pretty well by the home defence. Another Kirk cross caused concern but was put behind for a corner, Kirk took the kick and found the head of Turner, unmarked in the six yard box and he easily headed home to give Quorn the lead with less than 10 minutes gone.

Quorn continued to press the home back line with Kirk instrumental in most attacks, a series of crosses from all angles causing problems for the Home back line but they were defending well and clearing the danger as soon as it arrived. The occasional sorties down the other end were equally snuffed out and Harvey was having a fairly quiet evening. As the half drew to a close play became fairly even with chances at a premium.

In the 2nd half Quorn again had the more purposeful attacks but were guilty of missed chances, with 3 clear cut breaks with only the keeper to beat, Gent put his effort over after being played in by Turner, who in turn fired wide when well placed, a fine move also saw Sutton fail to beat the keeper who made a good stop low down. The game petered out and Quorn progressed safely to the next round.

Quorn Team
J.Harvey, J.Shaw, E.Chiavetta, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, D.Gent, W.Ball, A.Marriott, L.Sutton, L.Turner, T.Kirk
Subs L.Edwards, C.Gray, K.Nurse.

Quorn made three changes following the midweek victory at Long Buckby, with both Dan Marshall and Nathan Watson unavailable, Wade Ball and Emidio Chiavetta came in as direct replacements and Dean Gent returned in the middle alongside Chris Gray. With the two sides sharing the points in the previous encounter, it was no surprise that both teams began rather tentatively.

Quorn created the first chance when Tyrone Kirk and Kris Nurse combined to set up Luke Edwards for a strike on goal but the home keeper James Doughty, got down well to make the save. With 9 minutes gone Quorn took the lead, Kirk’s in swinging corner was knocked back to the winger who cleverly beat his marker before curling a fine shot into the far corner.

The home side equalised when a simple 1-2 carved out the opening for Michael Byrne who easily beat the Quorn keeper. The visitors responded immediately when Edwards played a neat ball for Nurse to run on to but Doughty anticipated well and cleared the danger. Deeping then nearly took the lead when a deep cross was fumbled by Ross Whalin but Wayne Diuk was on hand to hack away the loose ball. A sloppy defensive header form Quorn gave Alex Beck a shooting chance but his effort was just wide. Quorn were lacking the cohesion seen in previous games and the home side looked to take advantage of some sloppy play and another effort was not too far over the bar.

Quorn began to wake up a bit and Gent found Nurse with a fine ball and although the number 9 was fouled still managed to get his shot off but unbalanced, his effort went wide. Out of the blue Quorn took the lead, there looked no immediate danger when a ball was played just inside the corner of the box to Nurse but a clumsy challenge left the Referee no choice but to give a penalty and although Kirk’s initial effort was brilliantly parried by Doughty, he was left helpless as Kirk followed up to fire home, 10 minutes before the break.

It took just three minutes for the home side to snatch an equaliser and again poor defending from a simple ball over the top saw Byrne race clear and easily beat Whalin. This stung Quorn into action and Nurse perhaps should have done better when Kirk’s fine cross found the striker unmarked but his header went wide. An accidental foul on Edwards in the box was quite rightly not given by the Referee but to issue a yellow card for diving was a tad unjust. His despair turned to joy moments later when he received another fine ball from Kirk, then played a 1-2 with Gray which set up the side foot home past a stranded keeper as the half drew to a close.

The 2nd period began with Quorn on the front foot, Nurse despite being held got in a good strike but the effort was blocked. At the other end the home side had a penalty appeal turned down, as play swung from end to end. 10 minutes in, Quorn made it four, a fine ball out of defence split the Deeping back four and despite Nurse’s initial strike being well saved by Doughty, Edwards was on hand to notch his 2nd.

Quorn then either took their foot off the gas or Deeping stepped up a gear and a series of attacks left the hosts wondering how they didn’t get back into the game, two efforts in particular both struck the woodwork with Whalin beaten. Following the dismissal of Edwards for a 2nd yellow the home side pressed even harder. Another fine cross from the right set up Byrne for his hat-trick but his header flashed wide. A couple of substitutions seemed to steady the ship for Quorn and a screamer from 30 yards by Gent, nearly made the game safe but the effort just drifted wide. Quorn played out the last ten minutes quite comfortably to hang on to the points but the hosts will probably feel they should have got something out of it for their efforts.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, E.Chiavetta, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, C.Gray, W.Ball, D.Gent, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, T.Kirk
Subs A.Marriott, L.Sutton, L.Turner.

After a run of six Home games, Quorn travelled to Northamptonshire to play Long Buckby for their first Away League match of the Season, hoping to put the disappointment of Saturday’s Fa Cup exit to Buxton. Anthony Marriott started in place of Dean Gent who was rested, in the only change from Saturday.

Quorn got off to a flying start, Kris Nurse heading home from Tyrone Kirk’s perfect cross in the very first minute to catch the hosts off guard. Long Buckby responded well and applied pressure and Ross Whalin had to be alert when a well struck free kick some 25 yards out was heading for the bottom corner but at the finish the keeper made a clean comfortable catch low down to his right. Both sides had promising attacks but without the penetration needed to trouble either keeper.

A quick break by Quorn midway through the half saw the visitors attack with the extra man and Nathan Watson picked out Luke Edwards with his cross, the striker had to check his stride but wrong footed the covering defender before planting a right foot shot low to the keeper right to double Quorn’s lead. Despite the lead, Quorn didn’t press home their advantage and it was the home side who went closest, when a needless free-kick was conceded outside the box and again the well struck effort looked goal bound but Whalin made a fine one handed save, low down to his left.

The 2nd half saw Quorn lose their way a bit and the home side had the better of the exchanges, although Whalin was well protected by his back four. With 20 minutes left Quorn looked to have wrapped up the points but home keeper Ash Malhotra leapt to his right to claw away a well struck shot by Nurse after Marriott had headed back Watson’s diagonal ball. The work rate of the home side was a feature for them but they just lacked that bit of firepower to trouble Quorn unduly.

After soaking up the pressure, Quorn finished the stronger and some neat football on a tricky surface saw Kirk cross from a tight angle to deceive the keeper but the ball bounced off the top of the crossbar to safety. As time ebbed away, the home side looked to have pulled one back but the ball rolled down the back of the net after just clearing the bar. Not the most impressive of displays by Quorn, it has to be said, although defensively they looked solid but to come away with the 3 points was the main thing and all in all, despite the efforts of the home side, the vistors deserved their victory.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, C.Gray, N.Watson, A.Marriott, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, T.Kirk
Subs W.Ball, D.Gent, L.Turner.

Quorn were forced to make one change from last week’s victory over Irchester, with Andrew Simpson serving a one match suspension, the experienced Ross Whalin came in between the sticks. The rest of the side was unchanged with Kalern Thomas joining Kris Mathews, Martin Bowles and Sam Wood on the long term injury/unavailable list.

In a tentative opening 45 minutes, both defences were on top with very little in the way of clear cut chances for either side, although a fine cross by Nathan Watson across the face caused concern for the visitors but unfortunately there were no takers and the chance was gone. After the break the game opened up and it was Quorn who began to pressure the EvoStik League premier division opponents. Nathan Watson and Tyrone Kirk, although kept quiet in the first period began to have a bit more of the ball and Buxton were having to defend in numbers.

The game turned in two disastrous moments just around the hour mark when first a clumsy challenge by Wayne Diuk gave away a soft penalty with the Buxton forward going nowhere and Kyle Nix converted with aplomb. With Quorn shocked by this reverse, the visitors stepped up a gear and a surge into the Quorn box brought about a challenge by Dan Marshall, who appeared to get the ball but the Referee saw it otherwise – Nix despatched with the same precision and Quorn faced an uphill task to get back in the game.

The visitors nearly had a third when striking the post as Quorn looked a little aggrieved following the two spot kicks. Gradually they got it back together and a superbly flighted free kick into the top corner by Kirk on 69 minutes, reduced the arrears. Buxton were forced back to try and protect their slender lead and Kirk again went close with another free kick from outside the box that was just too high. The visitors responded and a cross from the right flew across the face of the goal but Quorn survived and from then on, looked the most likely to produce another goal.

With minutes remaining, Quorn thought they had a chance to force a replay when a double penalty appeal was turned down by the Referee, the first of which was as blatant as the first one given against Quorn earlier but for whatever reason the Referee dismissed Quorn’s claims and the visitors survived to progress to the next round and we wish them well.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, C.Gray, N.Watson, D.Gent, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, T.Kirk
Subs A.Marriott, L.Sutton, L.Turner.

A very entertaining game at Farley way, saw Quorn overcome Barrow Town by 5 goals to 3. After a pretty even first 15 minutes, Quorn took the lead with a fine goal by debutant Kadeem Price. Barrow equalised after a terrible defensive mix-up gifted Jack Lewis the easiest of chances. Craig Noble then struck a superb goal to put Barrow in front but Liam Turner stole in at a corner and headed past Matt Nurse to level at the break.

The 2nd period continued in the same vein with both sides committed to attack, a twelve minute hat-trick by Lee Sutton gave Quorn the victory, with Karl Whymark pulling one back when the score was 4-2. There were several fine performances by Quorn and at least 4 or 5 players gave the management plenty to think about, with Kadeem Price and Connor Hughes both outstanding in their first starts for the first team.

Quorn Team
R.Whalin, K.Thomas, E.Chiavetta, K.Munton, A.Marriott, W.Ball, D.Moran, L.Turner, L.Sutton, K.Price, C.Hughes.
Subs N.Goold, J.Gwekwerere.

Quorn were still without the injured Kris Mathews and Martin Bowles but in, like for like replacements, Wayne Diuk and Chris Gray both came in for their first starts after being unavailable for the first four matches. The other change saw Dean Gent return in place of Wade Ball.

Gent was soon in the action, receiving a blow to the face that saw him poleaxed allowing Barry McKenna, to go unopposed into the Quorn box before firing low past an unsighted Andrew Simpson at the near post. This shock reverse stung Quorn into action and a fine move resulted in Nathan Watson hitting the base of the post with the visiting keeper Kane Lynch beaten. A superb free kick by Tyrone Kirk picked out Kris Nurse but his control let him down and the chance was lost.

A good run by Gent was stopped unceremoniously just outside the box, Kirk’s delightful free kick cleared the wall and although Lynch looked to have got his fingers to it, he couldn’t prevent it from levelling the scores with 25 minutes gone. Quorn should have took the lead moments later when a great run and cross by Dan Marshall looked perfect for Nurse but the contact wasn’t good and the visitors survived. Quorn piled on the pressure and Joe Shaw did well to set up Gent, whose first time curler just cleared the bar. Dean Whiley then sent Nurse racing towards goal but his effort on the run cleared the woodwork. Another sortie by Shaw saw his cross-cum-shot just drift wide.

With Quorn well on top the 2nd goal duly arrived when a mazy run by Watson and a 1-2 with Luke Edwards ended with the no.7 easily beating Lynch to put his side in front. 2, nearly became 3 moments later when Shaw and Watson combined before the latter crossed to Edwards whose first time effort again struck the woodwork, the rebound was fired wide by Gray with Irchester all over the place. Watson took a quick free kick to Edwards who crossed to give Nurse another opportunity but Scott Marlow blocked the effort. Nurse then rose well but couldn’t direct his header from Kirk’s well flighted corner. just before the break.

Quorn continued the onslaught after the break and increased their lead just four minutes in, Watson was fouled just outside the box and with the visitors sleeping Kirk floated the direct free kick into the gaping goal. Gent fired just over after good work by Watson and Edwards, had set up the strike from the edge of the box. With Kirk brought down on the left, the same player whipped in a fine ball that Nurse headed past a helpless Lynch to make it 4, with less than hour gone and the visitors were resigned to defeat but to their credit didn’t fold.

Edwards twice worked his way into great positions but over hit his crosses before a rare attack by the visitors saw Simpson called into action at last, the Keeper doing well to thwart the danger and Diuk tidied up, play switched back to the other end and Edwards again did well before setting up Kirk, his strike brought a fine save, low down from Lynch. Nurse then bagged his 2nd with a glancing header from Watson’s fine cross, following a short corner on 66 minutes. 2 minutes later a superb surging run in the box, saw Watson unselfishly set up Nurse, to easily complete an 11 minute hat trick to put Quorn 6-1 ahead.

Nurse and Edwards were then replaced by Lee Sutton and Liam Turner, Gray won a powerful header to feed Watson, his superb cross was headed against the crossbar by Sutton with Lynch well beaten again. Quorn then appeared to take a breather although a fine through ball by Watson freed Gray but his advance into the box was thwarted by brave keeping by Lynch. The busy keeper then saved well from Watson, whose 1-2 with Sutton saw him race clear. Watson then turned sinner when a sloppy ball just outside his own box, went straight to substitute Zondi Chunga, who couldn’t believe his luck before firing past Simpson unopposed with less than 10 minutes to go.

This wakeup call saw another period of sustained Quorn pressure, Shaw and Kirk linked well and the latter’s cross found the head of Sutton who made no mistake with a smart finish to make it 7. The offensive continued with Marshall crossing for Turner to go close and a cheeky chip from Kirk from just outside the box was not far away. Kirk and Shaw then had a neat interchange as the former struck the woodwork before Marshall stole in to make it 8-2 with 2 minutes left.

Turner brought out another fine save from Lynch and Watson following up, just couldn’t force the ball home. Kirk then weaved his way in the box, only to be upended but the Referee was maybe unsighted for what was the clearest pen we will see all season, before just at the death Turner did well to tee up Watson but his first time effort from outside the box was just wide.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, W.Diuk, D.Whiley, C.Gray, N.Watson, D.Gent, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, T.Kirk
Subs A.Marriott, L.Sutton, L.Turner.

Quorn lost skipper Kris Mathews in the warm up, to a recurrence of his shoulder problem, so Anthony Marriott partnered Dean Whiley in the centre of defence, with Dan Marshall coming in at left back for his first appearance of the season, having just come back from his honeymoon, as Quorn looked to progress in the Fa Cup against MFA opposition Dunkirk fc.

An early defensive error put Quorn in trouble but Marshall was alert to tidy up. Quorn then settled and began to press but the visiting rear-guard held firm until the 8th minute when after good work by Luke Edwards, a great cross by Tyrone Kirk was unfortunately headed past a bemused keeper by the Dunkirk skipper and former Quorn player Nick Hawkins, who was under pressure from Kris Nurse.

Nurse tried to get on the end of another superb Kirk cross but appeared to be held, although the Referee was unimpressed. Nurse then headed wide from another Kirk cross as Quorn got on top, with the visitor’s only replies being long range efforts that were way off target. A great ball by Nathan Watson gave Joe Shaw a chance to cross but Hawkins headed behind to save the day. Watson’s corner was knocked back to him by Edwards and the winger fired in a near post effort that was well held by keeper James Mountain.

A free kick by Kirk looked to be destined for the bottom corner but a Dunkirk defenders leg came from nowhere to deflect the ball over. A fine pass by Wade Ball picked out Edwards in space and his delightful cross found Nurse in space, who duly despatched past Mountain to increase Quorn’s lead, just past the half hour mark. Edwards nearly made it three with a superb curling strike that struck the top of the crossbar from 25 yards. As the half came to a close Quorn looked to have eased off and Andrew Simpson was called upon to make a brilliant reflex save to prevent the visitors from reducing the arrears.

Dunkirk came out after the break and began to threaten the Quorn goal, although Simpson was well protected by some resolute defending. Quorn were struggling to get going at all and the visitors deservedly pulled one back through Niall Rafferty, with 25 minutes remaining. This brought about a wakeup call for Quorn and for the first time in the half it was the visiting back line under pressure, desperate last ditch defending held Quorn at bay.

With time ebbing away, a sloppy ball in the middle of the park gave the visitors a chance to break clear but although Simpson was beaten, a superb goal line clearance by Marshall ensured the victory was secured. Seemingly coasting through at half time, Quorn were nearly made to pay for taking their foot off the gas but credit must go to the Dunkirk side who changed things at half time and were unlucky not to have had the chance of at least a replay.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, J.Shaw, D.Marshall, A.Marriott, D.Whiley, W.Ball, N.Watson, M.Bowles, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, T.Kirk.
Subs D.Gent, D.Moran.

Quorn welcomed back Martin Bowles but were without the unavailable Kris Mathews, for the visit of Desborough Town, Luke Edwards started up front alongside Kris Nurse, in the only other change from last Saturdays 1-1 draw with Deeping Rangers.

It was the visitors who surprised Quorn with their first real attack almost leading to a breakthrough but keeper Andrew Simpson watched the effort go high and wide. Quorn responded and took the game to the visitors with Tyrone Kirk and Nathan Watson causing problems on both flanks. With eight minutes gone Quorn took the lead when Kirk’s quick throw to Joe Shaw, saw the full back pick out the unmarked Watson with a great cross, the number 7 met the ball on the volley to strike sweetly just inside the keepers right hand post for a superb opener.

This was the prelude to a wave of attacks that the visitors found difficult to handle. Just two minutes after the goal, Kris Nurse got clear but keeper Richard Lavin made the first of a series of saves with different parts of his body, thwarting the striker again with his feet after a smart turn in the box set up the shot. With play almost constantly in or around the visitor’s box, it seemed only a matter of time before Quorn increased their lead. Two efforts were cleared off the line before a breakaway by the visitors ended with Simpson parrying the snapshot to safety.

Quorn continued to dominate and a teasing cross by Kirk caused concern and the same player then jinked his way past three players before teeing up Nurse but again his first time effort met with a desperate block by a defender. Edwards then crossed for another chance for Nurse but yet again a last ditch block saved the day. A repeat performance minutes later saw another chance go a begging and with so many near misses, you got the feeling that the visitors might just break and get the equaliser – soon after it nearly happened but Shaw headed behind under pressure. The corner came over and a free header was heading for the net but up popped Shaw to head off the line. Quorn ended the half back on top when a great cross field ball by Watson picked out Kirk who beat two defenders before firing over the bar.

The 2nd half continued in the same vein with Shaw doing well down the left before picking out Edwards, whose first time volley on the turn was just too high. More pressure followed and a corner to Quorn saw Dean Whiley’s header cleared off the line with the keeper beaten. Quorn then had a penalty appeal turned down when Watson’s attempted ball to Edwards seemed to strike a defenders hand. With so much pressure exerted by Quorn, it was inevitable that a 2nd goal would come but it took until the 59th minute when a wonderful ball by Watson found Kirk, who again jinked past two defenders before firing low past Lavin at the near post.

Nurse again went close before he then turned provider, putting over a cross that Watson’s attempted volley failed to match his spectacular first half effort. Kirk then crossed for Nurse to head narrowly over. The third goal soon arrived though when good work by Shaw, who found Watson in space, who then whipped over a great cross that Nurse headed superbly past Lavin in the top corner.

Still the visitors refused to lie down and Simpson had to be alert to smother at the feet of Kevin Byrne, back came Quorn and Watson again fed Nurse who beat the keeper but his effort was cleared off the line. At the other end Simpson pulled off another splendid save, one handed diving to his right to deny Byrne. Back down the other end and Kirk curled a terrific direct free-kick into the top corner, which was disallowed for off side - Strange!

Byrne finally got a consolation goal for the visitors, from the Penalty spot after a dive that would have seen Tom Daley get Gold; however the Referee was closer than me, so I can’t argue too much. Quorn continued to pile on pressure and a 25 yarder from Watson forced Lavin into another fine diving save. Another fine run by Watson saw him weave his way into the box before setting up Liam Turner but the striker’s effort was blocked from close range. A superb attacking performance by Quorn merited a heavier score line but credit must go to the visiting back line who stuck to their task and produced some vital last ditch tackles to keep the score-line respectable.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, J.Shaw, D.Gent, D.Whiley, W.Ball, N.Watson, M.Bowles, K.Nurse, L.Edwards, T.Kirk.
Subs D.Moran, L.Sutton, L.Turner.

Quorn made a slow start in their first ever game in the Chromasport and Trophies United Counties League and were indebted to Andrew Simpson, who was forced into two early saves to prevent his team from going behind. Kris Nurse then had a chance for Quorn but his effort was off target.

A good run and cross by Tyrone Kirk caused concern for the visitors but they survived as the ball flashed across the face of the goal. Both sides seemed a bit nervy and play became a little scrappy, not helped by some strange decisions by the officials. Joe Shaw made an excellent run from deep as the visitors defence opened up but he was halted by a trip that went unpunished as he broke into the box.

Quorn were still not firing on all cylinders but appeared to be getting a foothold in the game when they were caught by a ball played up the middle, Simpson advanced out of his area and was adjudged to have handled outside the box by the assistant referee but the "hand to ball" or "ball to hand" issue went against him and the referee produced a red card to put the home side to a disadvantage. Substitute rookie keeper, Dean Gent’s first touch of the ball was to pick it out the back of the net as Michael Byrne’s free kick sailed past him just inside his left hand post.

Quorn began the 2nd period much more organised despite being a man down and dominated for long periods. Kirk and Nathan Watson began to torment the visitors rear-guard and Watson was brought down right on the edge of the box, I’ve seen penalties given in similar situations but in keeping with the rest of the afternoon the decision went against the home team. Kirk’s free kick was superbly clawed away by the Deeping keeper. Kirk again weaved his way into the box only to be clearly obstructed but Yet again the official ignored it. Kirk again showed great skill beating two players before releasing Watson who advanced before firing in a low cross that was smashed home from close range by Luke Edwards.

Two similar handball decisions in quick succession by the same assistant that gave the earlier one, were adjudged to be "ball to hand" - again causing more frustration to a Quorn side that felt pretty hard done by, as the momentum was all one way. The Deeping keeper was forced into two fine tip-overs as long range efforts by first Kirk and then Watson threatened to produce a winner against all the odds for the home side.

With time running out a breakaway by the visitors nearly produced a goal when Byrne looking suspiciously off side broke clear but a superb tackle by skipper Kris Mathews cleared the danger. All in all Quorn showed a great fight back in the 2nd period and deserved at least a share of the spoils and with all things being equal should have had all three points.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, K.Thomas, J.Shaw, K.Mathews, D.Whiley, D.Gent, N.Watson, W.Ball, K.Nurse, L.Turner, T.Kirk.
Subs W.Diuk, L.Edwards, D.Moran.

The new campaign kicked off with a tricky encounter away against fellow UCL members Boston Town in the extra - preliminary round of the FA Cup. The new look side saw Debuts given to Dean Whiley, Nathan Watson, Martin Bowles and Tyrone Kirk. Fit again Kris Mathews returned to lead the side with New Signings Luke Edwards, Dean Gent and Lee Sutton amongst the Substitutes.

Quorn started the brighter of the two sides, with Kirk and Watson showing early promise, the former having an early chance but seemingly not realising he had time to beat home keeper Peter Cook , he turned inside and the home defence got back in numbers to thwart the danger. Keeper Andrew Simpson was brought into action following a quick break by the home side but the Quorn stopper got down well to parry and Joe Shaw tidied up.

Quorn went close to taking the lead when a fine move started by Mathews, saw Liam Turner find Kris Nurse, who looked up before delivering a fine cross to Watson who brought a great save from Cook. Quorn went closer still when a free kick by Kirk found the head of Nurse, whose fine header beat the keeper but with the Assistant Referee unsighted, Quorn’s appeals that the ball had crossed the line went unheeded. However minutes later, Quorn deservedly went ahead when a defensive mix up between defender and keeper, saw Turner have the easiest of chances to steer the ball into the unguarded net to put his side I up with 15 minutes gone.

With the blustery conditions worsening, Quorn seemed to take their foot of the peddle and the home side had their best spell of the game but without threatening Simpson’s goal. Whiley and Mathews were in commanding form, backed up by the full back pairing of Shaw and Kalern Thomas,leaving the home side frustrated by their lack of penetration, despite their endeavours.

After the break, both sides were guilty of some sloppy passages of play but the conditions were playing their part in spoiling what had started as a promising contest. With the home side going in search of an equaliser, they were caught out when Kirk’s cross was handled inside the box to give Quorn a chance to double their lead but Keeper Cook guessed right to pull off a fine diving save to deny Nurse his first goal of the season in the 65th minute.

Quorn made amends just six minutes later, when following a Quorn set piece breaking down, Thomas cut out a defensive clearance from Boston and picked out Mathews, who was still up for the free kick, his header fell kindly to Bowles who drilled his shot from 15 yards past a stranded Cook.

Quorn, just like the first half, slackened off a bit and conceded silly free kicks in dangerous area’s but the defensive partnership of Whiley and Mathews stood firm to preserve the two goal lead. The home side had a great chance to reduce the arrears just before the end but Simpson spread himself well to make a fine save and Quorn progressed to the next round.

Quorn Team
A.Simpson, J.Shaw, K.Thomas, D.Whiley, K.Mathews, A.Marriott, N.Watson, M.Bowles, K.Nurse, L.Turner, T.Kirk.
Subs L.Edwards, D.Gent, L.Sutton.