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Quorn FC 0-2 Barwell FC (12/05/09) Westerby Cup Final
Quorn lost the Westerby Cup Final in the first 3 minutes, falling behind to two early goals after giving away two needless free kicks, the first of which was only half cleared to Craig Dutton who volleyed home past Craig Jones, worse was to follow when former Quorn favourite Francino Francis headed past Jones with a free header.
Quorn responded and skipper Brett Darby putting over a series of crosses but in the main the Barwell defence dealt with everything very well and with consummate ease. Paul White should have reduced the arrears from another Darby cross but headed over when it seemed easier to score.
Quorn's gamble of playing an half fit Justin Jenkins backfired with the leading scorer unable to make any impression and Ryan North selected after a long period of inactivity also nowhere near his best. Quorn brought on Alex Johnson for the 2nd half and the team had a much better shape and Barwell were forced to defend for long periods but their superb defence marshalled by the impeccable Nick Green were never seriously threatened. Congratulations to Marcus and his team and also to the MOTM - Nick Green.
Quorn FC 4-0 Brigg Town (24/04/09)
Quorn finished their league campaign with a welcome victory against bottom club Brigg Town. Anthony Marriott returned from injury and Brett Darby continued at right back, with Joe Shaw and Ryan North still on the injured list and Sam Wood recovering from illness, Alex Johnson, Tom Byrne and Matt Langham all made the starting line up.
The visitors started quite brightly and Paul Ashton was quite lively on the left wing but fired well wide with the first real shooting opportunity of the game. After good work by Ash Robinson and Justin Jenkins, Langham got clear, but his first touch took him wide but he still got in a cross that was headed behind. Byrne and Darby were linking well and between them put in several dangerous crosses but keeper James Norton and his defenders did well to deal with them, likewise at the other end Ashton was making life difficult for the Quorn defence.
With 25 minutes gone Quorn took the lead with a goal out of the blue, there seemed little danger when Paul White received the ball but he neatly sidestepped and struck a superb shot that beat Norton all ends up but struck the crossbar, the ball fell behind the inrushing Langham but he managed to sweep the ball home with his left foot for a good finish. The confidence lacking in recent games came flooding back and a great move involving Robinson put Jenkins through but Norton did superbly well to spread himself and block with his legs. A free kick was only partially cleared and White shot just over before Norton repeated his earlier vital save, this time thwarting Langham. A White cross was knocked goal wards by a defender but Norton again reacted brilliantly and moving rapidly backwards just managed to tip over, the resulting was licked on by Rory Squire and reached Robinson on the far side and his fly - kick just cleared the crossbar.
Just before the break the visitors did have the ball in the net but the offside flag had been raised long before. The 2nd half began fairly even but when Quorn got the 2nd on 58 mins, Langham robbing a defender before stroking past Norton for a quality finish from 12 yards, the Brigg resistance wilted and a long ball freed Johnson on the left but Norton made a difficult catch confidently when the cross came in. A Darby cross-cum-shot fell invitingly to Jenkins but his first touch allowed Norton the chance to gather but the Keeper had no chance when following a fine interchange between Johnson and Robinson the ball was laid in the path of Darby who smashed home of the underside of the crossbar from 25 yards.
The hardworking Ashton was still causing problems at the other end and Squire did well to clear a dangerous cross from the Brigg winger. A fine ball by White found Robinson who quickly freed Langham in on goal for his hat-trick but the young striker took one too many touches and the chance was snuffed out, but he made amend soon after by pressurising a defender into an error that saw White break before setting up the easiest of chances for substitute Phil Miller to side foot home for the fourth just less than ten mins before the end.
Another defensive header gave Adam Brown a chance but his pull-back from the bye-line was cleared for a corner which came to nothing. Robinson won the ball in midfield before releasing Langham who struck well but his rising effort just cleared the crossbar. Quorn were well worth their 4 nil victory but credit to the young Brigg side that were full of running to the end. Norton for Brigg , kept his side in it at times and Ashton too had a fine game as did Robinson and Darby for Quorn but my MOTM goes to Matt Langham who took his goals superbly well and also his overall play impressed.
Quorn FC 0-2 Trafford FC (21/04/09). (Held at Sutton Park)
Quorn and Trafford entertained the crowd with an exciting game that wasn't decided until the last few minutes when the Manchester side scored the clincher after a rousing 2nd half performance from Quorn who fell behind to an early goal.
Anthony Marriott and Joe Shaw were still not fully fit so skipper Brett Darby occupied the right back position with Adam Brown starting in front of Tom Byrne on the right wing. It was Brown who set up the first chance of the game when his cross found Sam Wood who fired his volley just past the post. A loose ball in midfield was picked up by Andy Lundy who advanced towards the Quorn box but his effort was wide of the mark before Scott Barlow beat his man and brought out a fine save from Craig Jones to deny the visitors the opening goal. Darby's curling cross found the head of Phil Miller but his glancing header was also just off target.
With thirteen minutes gone Trafford took the lead when Barlow was given room and time to fire past Jones with a clinical finish. Quorn responded when a free kick to the far post was scrambled away with Rory Squire and Justin Jenkins both close to getting the vital touch. As play switched to the other end Squire did well to concede the corner as danger threatened and moments later a free kick fell to Barlow who fired just over. Jenkins did well to win the ball and lay out to Brown and when the cross came in Quorn's no 9 was only inches away from the equaliser.
Barlow then set up a chance for strike partner Lundy but his effort went wide. Jenkins flicked on to set Miller on his way but his shot on the run was just too high. Moments later Quorn went even closer when Squire's flick on was teed up for Paul White by Jenkins but Trafford keeper Tom Read made a superb one handed save on the line low to his right . Adam Wigley cleared for Quorn when Jones missed his punch following a deep cross and Quorn finished the half with shot by Wood which went wide following good work by Brown. Byrne replaced Brown for the start of the 2nd period but his was Darby who got in the first telling cross but Jenkins just failed to connect with the goal at his mercy.
Alex Johnson came on for Quorn wit 25 minutes remaining and was soon in the action but his low cross was cleared by Lee Southwood. As Quorn stepped up the pace Trafford were having to do a lot of defending but their back line held firm and Jenkins was twice denied with shots blocked at the vital moment. Read made a superb catch under pressure and in a rare attack at the other end Barlow looking suspiciously offside forced Jones to save with his feet at the expense of a corner . The Referee, not for the first time booked a Quorn player that put Quorn under pressure but fortunately the attack fizzled out.
Jenkins found space on the left and crossed for Wood to head goal wards but Read was in the right place to save comfortably. Quorn were pushing more and more to try and fashion an equaliser but Trafford soaked up the pressure before a mistake at the back again allowed Barlow to finish superbly with 3 minutes remaining. Wood had the chance to pull one back following a defensive error but Read again denied Quorn and the Cup went to Trafford. Darby and Wood were the pick of the Quorn side but my MOM goes to Scott Barlow whose two strikes won it for Trafford.
Kidsgrove Athletic 2-0 Quorn FC (18/04/09)
Quorn's miserable run of results continued with a 2 nil away defeat at Kidsgrove and once again slack marking contributed to the defeat. Skipper Brett Darby, Anthony Marriott and Joe Shaw were all still not quite match fit, with Darby the only one risked with a place on the bench.
After a tentative opening Quorn made the first serious threat on goal when Paul White picked out Russell Peel on the overlap and his cross was touched on by Liam Turner to Justin Jenkins, whose smart turn and shot forced Steve Intihar into action needing two touches to complete the save. Tom Moss charged down a defensive clearance but shot over from the rebound, but minutes later the home no11 put his side ahead with a superb finish from a difficult angle after latching on to a long clearance as Quorn were caught ball watching.
Quorn responded to this setback and Intihar did well to save following his own defenders misplaced clearance and again made a superb tip over from a difficult curling cross by Tom Byrne. From the resulting corner the keeper could only palm the ball down under pressure but Byrne's effort was knocked away. Byrne again was prominent but his shot had the sting taken out of it and Intihar gathered easily. With Quorn pushing men forward, the unbalanced defence were caught out twice in quick succession but first Liam Shotton and then Trevor Benjamin both wasted opportunities to increase the home sides lead and were nearly made to pay when Sam Wood, whose initial shot was blocked, only just cleared the crossbar from his follow up.
Rory Squire ventured forward but his effort from distance was off target. The 2nd half started with Phil Miller on for Turner but it was Jenkins deflected shot that caused Intihar to adjust and make a good save, tipping round the post at full stretch. The home side broke quickly from defence and Aiden Matranga cut back to Craig Dove who side stepped his marker before forcing Craig Jones to pull off a tremendous save to his left. Moss then looked to have got in behind but Wood tracking back made a superb intervention and completed the clearance up field.
With 20 minutes remaining the home side got a second, with Quorn appealing for a foul, Benjamin struck from 15 yards and Jones got a hand to it but couldn't prevent it from going in the net. With Quorn looking a bit sorry for themselves fullback Tim Sanders burst clear and chipped the advancing Jones but fortunately for Quorn his effort drifted just wide of the far post.
A poor clearance from Quorn gave substitute Jimmy Dunn the chance to wrap things up for Kidsgrove but Jones came to the rescue tipping round at the near post. Wood nearly pulled one back at the death but his shot was half blocked and Intihar low down to his right made the save. For Quorn the tireless Sam Wood was the pick but I give my MOTM to the home no 11 Tom Moss.
Quorn FC 2-3 Willenhall Town (15/04/09)
Quorn made several changes to give the squad players a chance to stake a claim for a place in next Tuesday's Presidents Cup Final, with Matt Langham, Alex Johnson, Tom Byrne and Liam Turner all making a start and Michael Payne and Rory Squire also returning to the side. Quorn made a bright start with Langham neatly setting up Turner who lost his footing and the visiting defence crowded him out.
Against the run of play, hesitation in the Quorn defence, which has become a feature of late, allowed Willenhall Skipper Lee Chilton time to pick his spot and fire the visitors ahead after 7 mins. Byrne zigzagged his way into the box and released to Langham but the defender got there first and made the clearance. The visitors responded when Rory May die well to tee up Chilton but his effort went wide.
A promising move by Quorn broke down through over elaboration and Willenhall broke with men over and May again set up Chilton but Payne pulled off a superb stop at the expense of a corner. Chilton's wicked in swinger was punched clear by Payne under pressure. Brendan Kelly made a superb interception to deny Byrne as the no7 burst into the box following a slick 1-2 with Paul White. A cross field ball by White found Byrne who in turn crossed first time into the danger zone but Shaun Griffiths beat Turner to the ball and made the clearance.
May's physical presence was a constant threat for the visitors and his shot on the turn was blocked away, the loose ball fell to Chilton but Squire again got the block in. Shaun Findlay went to ground following Russell Peel's tackle but the Referee on the spot waived play on. The best move of the game was started by Sam Wood, slipping a good ball to Johnson who beat his man before releasing the overlapping Peel, but His cross was just too deep for the unmarked Byrne. Quorn were playing their best football for sometime but still without the end product, although a 25 yarder from Johnson wasn't far off after good work by Wood and Byrne.
Just before the break Johnson's superb whipped in cross was dealt equally well by Kelly who headed over his own bar under pressure from Turner. The 2nd half began with Quorn on top and they got a deserved equaliser when Johnson and Peel combined to set up Wood who dummied his marker before unleashing a superb strike that fizzed past Tim Clarke. The visitors replied when Findlay got in behind but Ash Robinson did well to hook clear. With Adam Brown on for the injured Byrne, Quorn continued to look the better side and the substitute nearly deceived Clarke who had to adjust before holding cleanly.
A good run by Scott Lycett relieved the pressure but his cross was gathered by Payne comfortably. Wood beat his man but shot wildly before Quorn's defensive frailties again allowed Findlay to score a goal from nothing as defenders Dawdled. The impetus swung the other way as Substitute Scott Stevenson produced a good cross that was just a shade too deep. Justin Jenkins and Phil Miller came on and Adam Wigley's ball to Wood was laid to Jenkins who fired just wide. Jenkins was brought down outside the box and Wood played the ball to the Quorn leading scorer who turned but had his effort blocked by Griffiths.
Payne's long clearance caught out the Willenhall defence when Miller raced on to it and cut inside before levelling the scores with a shot inside the near post. A shot out the blue from Chilton rattled the Quorn bar with Payne a spectator before at the other end a shot by Johnson was well held by Clarke, who could have only seen it late. As Quorn pressed for the winner they pressed the self -destruct button yet again when following a sloppy pass in the Willenhall box when in a good situation, the long clearance caught Quorn square but Payne was out quick to the danger but inexplicably completely missed his kick and Justin Nisbett had the simple task of strolling on to slip the ball into the empty net to give his side victory in the 94th minute.
The impressive Lee Chilton was star man for Willenhall but I give my MOTM to Sam Wood. An improved performance in terms of passing and movement but these defensive lapses are costing games.
Quorn FC 3-5 Shepshed Dynamo (13/04/09)
Quorn were again without Rory Squire in the centre of defence but Sam Wood returned in an otherwise unchanged line-up from Saturday.
Shepshed, looking to avenge their Westerby cup semi - final defeat against Quorn in March, set off at a blistering pace and when the home side failed to clear a corner Matt Millns was on hand to smash the ball home to give his side the lead, worse was to follow for Quorn when following another set piece Rob Norris's shot was deflected past Craig Jones by Anthony Marriott although the keeper did mange to get a hand on it.
Barely 5 minutes later Quorn reduced the deficit when Brett Darby sprung the offside trap to free Adam Brown who set up Paul White who coolly fired past Gary Hateley. Darby got in behind following a free-kick but was adjudged off-side but his effort cleared the bar anyway. At the other end Moussa Thea had a great chance to increase his sides lead but Craig Jones reacted quickly and pushed behind for a fruitless corner. Shepshed pushing forward were nearly caught twice but Millns made two superb interventions to rescue his side.
The equaliser came 10 minutes before the break with the visitors vainly appealing for offside as Darby freed White, the Quorn no 10 crossed for Brown to have the easiest of tasks to side foot home from close range. A goal bound effort by Ian Robinson struck his own player before Justin Jenkins freed Wood but Millns took the pace of the effort and Hateley gathered comfortably. Jenkins shot over before Ricky Hanson's deep cross picked out Norris but he shot wide, slightly off balance.
After the break the end to end football continued and more goals looked sure to come, Ben Saunders went close for the visitors before Woods pass was collected by Darby who held off the challenge before striding on and striking a low shot past Hateley into the corner to give Quorn the lead for the first time. The lead didn't last long when following another corner Millns gleefully lashed home through a crowd of players. Moments later Quorn should have retaken the lead when a superb ball by Ash Robinson found Wood in space and when his cross found Jenkins, the Quorn striker should have buried it but Hateley smothered the effort and Quorn were made to pay as Sam Saunders tapped home with Jones exposed.
Brother Ben made it 5 with less than 20 minutes to go before Millns cleared a dangerous looking cross from Darby. A Hanson free-kick tested Jones and substitute Matt Langham was not far off with a rasping shot as both sides continued their end to end battle. Tom Byrne's run into the box was checked by a superb interception by Shepshed substitute Adam Walker and Saunders again went close at the death. Darby, White and Wood shone for Quorn but my MOTM and the difference between the two sides was Matthew Millns.
Spalding United 1-1 Quorn FC (10/04/09)
Quorn made the Good Friday trip to Spalding with Michael Payne and Tom Byrne both starting games after lengthy injuries, Craig Jones and Sam Wood were rested and Rory Squire also returned after missing the last game.
Quorn were the first to attack a quick interchange of passes led to a snapshot by Paul White that was off target, soon after an error at the back by the home side gave Phil Miller a sight at goal but his effort went by the far post. With barely six minutes played Quorn took the lead when Brett Darby's pin point cross was headed goal wards by an unmarked White, keeper Luke McShane got a hand to it and knocked it on to the post before gathering the rebound but the eagle eyed assistant referee adjudged the ball to have crossed the line.
Justin Jenkins was next to show for Quorn, outmuscling the defender before shooting wildly over. Quorn conceded a needless free kick and Richard Scott fired just wide with Payne scrambling. White released Darby but his cross went behind. White then found Byrne who cut inside and his well struck shot was parried by McShane. At the other end Daniel French tested Payne who was equal to the task and tipped over the goal bound effort. After starting so brightly against a team whose confidence looked shattered after recent results, Quorn began to lose the plot, misplaced passes and poor crosses when promising moves broke down were a regular occurrence and the home side grew in confidence and Martin Wormall tested Payne twice following poor Quorn play and again Payne at to be alert following a corner that was sliced back towards his own goal by Anthony Marriott.
Quorn's play deteriorated even more and from another corner a near post flick on was beaten away by Payne one handed. A fine cross by Byrne reached Jenkins but his header cleared the bar with McShane, having slipped, prone on the floor. The 2nd half began with Quorn still struggling to find any cohesion and the home side sensed an unlikely turnaround and it was no surprise when French was given too much time to waltz inside and clip his cross that was stroked home by Robert Hughes with Payne left flat footed.
A through ball nearly gave the home side the lead as Payne slipped over but he recovered and reached the ball in time. Adam Brown came on for Quorn and injected a bit of urgency down the right hand side but generally the home defenders dealt easily with anything that came their way. Joe Shaw crossed for Jenkins to head wide but other than this effort Quorn were very poor. Quorn made two further substitutions that did nothing but disrupt the shape further and Squire was exposed on a couple of occasions two on one but did well to hold up play while cover arrived.
Marriott was in the thick of the action from the back but my MOTM in a very disappointing performance was Ash Robinson who covered every blade of grass supporting attack and defence alike. Too many key players are not doing it at the moment and need to be reminded that Cup- Final places are not guaranteed!
Quorn FC 1 -3 Sheffield FC (07/04/09)
Quorn's indifferent home form continued with a disappointing defeat against Sheffield FC, although the home team looked to have control of the midfield for most of the game, too many passes went astray at vital times and the visitors took full advantage and looked a more potent force in the last third. With Rory Squire unavailable, Joe Shaw returned at full back with Anthony Marriott partnering Adam Wigley in the centre of the defence.
Quorn were first to show when Russell Peel's quick throw saw Paul White interchange with Justin Jenkins but Paul Smith intercepted and cleared the danger. The visitors replied with a deep corner that Ash Robinson did well to head behind. Shaw laid a through ball to Jenkins who in turn put Phil Miller but Tom Cross the visiting keeper made the first of several fine saves to deny the striker. A White corner was flicked goal wards by Jenkins and a defender prevented the opening goal by handling on the line, a penalty was awarded but against the laws of the game the Referee only issued a yellow card, to compound things Jenkins shot tamely and Cross saved the spot kick.
Moments later Jenkins nearly made amends but was crowded out. A deep cross from the right was read superbly by Miller but unfortunately just couldn't control the ball and the defender recovered to make the clearance. Jenkins and Robinson combined to free White but was adjudged offside. Wigley found Adam Brown in space and the winger cut inside but his effort was just too high. Marriott found Jenkins who turned well but again shot tamely and Cross gathered comfortably.
5 minutes before the break the visitors took the lead when non existent marking at the near post allowed Paul Smith's corner to be headed home by David Graham, moments later the same player should have made it two when a poor kick by Craig Jones fell to the striker but he couldn't find the target. Quorn gave the ball away in midfield and Matt Roney's subsequent cross looked dangerous but Marriott reacted to put the ball behind. As half time approached Robinson played a fine through ball to Miller who looked to be clear but Cross raced out to clear.
The 2nd half began with a series of misplaced passes by both sides but Wigley finally freed Jenkins but again Cross denied the Quorn no 9, saving with his legs and he repeated the feat moments later denying Alex Johnson with another fine block. From the resulting corner, White's cross was superbly met by the head of Jenkins to finally beat the visiting keeper. The visitors regained the lead with a sloppy goal with Quorn appealing for offside Graham got his 2nd with a clinical finish.
Things looked to be going the visitors' way when a lucky rebound fell in the path of Jack Muldoon but Jones pulled off a great save to keep his side in it. Robinson found substitute Matt Langham with a long ball but his cross was just a fraction to high for the inrushing Brett Darby. As Quorn pushed men forward gaps appeared at the back and Muldoon punished Quorn in the 89th minute with Shaw trying desperately to clear. Cross again had the final say making another superb stop to deny Johnson in injury time. MOTM Tom Cross Sheffield's in-form Keeper.
Quorn 2-1 Gresley Rovers (04/04/09)
Quorn were forced to make one change with skipper Brett Darby unavailable, Phil Milller came back in an otherwise unchanged team for the visit of Gresley Rovers.
The first shooting chance fell to the home side but Paul White's volley was straight at Simon Baldwin who gathered comfortably. A long ball by Anthony Marriott caused the visitors problems with Baldwin having to palm away at the last minute. The visitors responded when Ryan Spittle's strong run down the right resulted in a deep cross that reached Nathan Rolf but his return cross was too high. James Davies was finding a bit of freedom also on the right and when he cleverly cut inside the box Sam Wood had to concede a corner.
Keeper Craig Jones launched a clearance that caught out Gresley and Justin Jenkins got clear but his rasping effort just cleared the crossbar. A sloppy back pass by Quorn let in Chris Knight but Jones narrowed the angle and made a fine one handed save to keep the scores level. Quorn's next attack did break the deadlock when White's corner was flicked on by Rory Squire to an unmarked Miller at the far post to stoop low and head home with 18 minutes on the clock.
Davies replied with a decent shot on the run but Jones watched the ball clear his crossbar without the need for action. From a seemingly innocuous ball Gresley equalised when two Quorn defenders both went to head the ball and got in each others way resulting in the ball dropping into the clear path of spittle that gratefully accepted the offer and smashed home past the advancing Jones. Marriott's run and cross brought danger but Chris Mawbey nipped in to clear off the head of Jenkins, moments later the same pair combined again this time Jenkins did get on the end of the cross but his powerful header lacked the direction needed. Miller broke for Quorn but Baldwin saw the danger early and raced out to make the clearance.
Just before the break a defensive mix-up in the home defence gave Knight a shooting chance but his effort was off target. The 2nd half started with the Gresley defence getting in a tangle which allowed Adam Brown to cross but nobody could get on the end of it and the opening was gone. A good turn in the box by Knight took him towards the by-line before clipping a cross that Jones smartly dealt with at the feet of Spittle. A Marriott free kick hit the wall after Wood was tripped just outside the box but minutes later Quorn took the lead when a fine ball by White picked out Jenkins who held off the defender before tucking home past Baldwin with just over 25 minutes remaining.
A corner to Quorn broke down which nearly caught out the home side as the long ball nearly let in Spittle but Jones raced out to clear. Davies put over a dangerous free kick but Marriott rose well to head clear before at the other end Russell Peel and Alex Johnson combined to set up a chance for Brown but his effort was off target. For the third game in a row Quorn had strong penalty claims waived away when Johnson broke clear and appeared to be clipped from behind as he was about to pull the trigger and the result was a miss hit shot that Baldwin collected easily. Johnson again went close with his rising shot clearing the crossbar after good work by Ashley Robinson. Carl Slater's effort was well wide from distance was the only bit of resistance from the visitors and it was left to Baldwin to keep the score down saving comfortably from White before producing a fine save to deny Quorn substitute Matt Langham, low down at the near post.
Nobody really stood out for a candidate for MOTM but praise must go to the whole of the troubled Gresley side for the attitude and commitment showed in their present situation.
Carlton Town 2-4 Quorn FC (28/03/09)
Quorn got back to winning ways with a hard earned 4-2 victory against high flying Carlton town, doing the double over the Nottingham side but it was far from easy as the home side forced Quorn to defend for long periods of the first half.
Quorn started with the same side that finished the last game with Joe Shaw, Alex Johnson and Phil Miller dropping down to the bench. The home side began with the twin threat of Danny Blair and Darryl Thomas causing problems with their pace but the Quorn defence held firm. Quorn took an unexpected lead on 15 minutes when Adam Wigley advanced from deep before whipping over a diagonal cross that was touched on by Justin Jenkins to an unmarked Adam Brown who side footed home past a helpless Alessandro Barcherini.
It took the home side less than a minute to be on level terms when Thomas chased a through ball and Craig Jones and Russell Peel got in a tangle. It was the Carlton striker who profited to slide into an unguarded net. Marquin Smith nearly put his side ahead but the post came to Quorn's rescue before again against the run of play, Peel won the ball on the half way line and released Jenkins who strode on and despatched into the far corner as Barcherini advanced to restore Quorn's advantage.
This stung the home side and Quorn had to survive some anxious moments with Anthony Robertson and Blair both going close. The home supporters were stunned again just before the break when Anthony Marriott fed Brett Darby who whipped in a superb cross that was met by Jenkins who side footed home first time to put Quorn 3-1 ahead. Early in the 2nd half Dean Gent broke clear on Quorn's right but his effort drifted wide. Brown was getting a lot of the ball on the right but over hit a couple of crosses before his opposite no Robertson found his man in Gent whose first time shot was brilliantly turned away by Jones at full stretch. Good work by Jenkins released Brown who struck his shot well but straight at Barcherini, who saved comfortably, but the keeper had to be alert to tip over an header by Jenkins after Marriott centred.
Aiden Brady outpaced his marker but Rory Squire got the block on his goal bound strike. Quorn began to get on top as the home side threw men forward and Darby's cross was inches away from giving Jenkins his hat-trick. Moments later Brown's superb left foot cross was powerfully headed home by Darby to put Quorn 4-1 up and seemingly out of sight, but a superb dipping volley by Smith pulled a goal back for Carlton with just over ten minutes left. Another superb cross by Brown gave Darby a chance for the 5th but his curling shot was deflected just past the post for a fruitless corner.
Quorn were caught out down the left and as Wigley raced to cover he caught Brady's trailing leg and the Referee quite rightly awarded a spot-kick but the normally reliable Blair tried to trick Jones, but the Quorn custodian read it well and made a comfortable catch ensure his team didn't suffer a nervous last few minutes.
Sam Wood and Ash Robinson again did a tremendous amount of work in a good all round team performance but my MOTM goes to Justin Jenkins who not only led the line superbly well, scoring two goals, but was also on hand to win important headers from set pieces in defence.
Quorn FC 1-4 Rushall Olympic (24/03/09)
A thoroughly disappointing opening 20-25 minutes saw Quorn effectively lose the three points to a lively looking Rushall side. Russell Peel and Justin Jenkins were rested and Ryan North was still on the sidelines, Adam Wigley came in for his first start in 6 matches and Phil Miller returned to the attack.
Quorn conceded 2 goals in the first 8 minutes both defensive errors, the first when 2 defenders were caught wrong side of visiting no 9 Craig Marshall who took full advantage to blast home past Craig Jones, Quorn didn't learn their lesson when 3 minutes later an unmarked Carl Palmer headed home again giving Jones no chance, the third goal arrived 12 minutes later with full back Lee Gough easily holding off two challenges before striking past a bewildered Jones.
Whether Rushall thought they had done enough already or Quorn finally got their act together or a combination of the two - who knows but from then on in Quorn dominated the game but it took a mistake by keeper David Clark, who fumbled Adam Brown's cross, giving Miller an easy chance from six yards into an empty net which he duly converted, 5 mins before the break.
The 2nd half saw Quorn pepper the visiting goal, with Clark more than once atoning for his earlier error, one save in particular from Ash Robinsons powerful header was top drawer, tipping over from under the bar after Brett Darby's pin point cross. Robinson, Darby and Paul White all had chances the best of which was put over the bar by White after just coming on as sub.
Darby again went close before he found White from a corner but again the Rushall defence held out, it seemed only a matter of time before a goal was scored but unfortunately it was the visitors who snatched it in a rare sortie into the Quorn half, there seemed little danger as substitute Peel made the clearance but the ball struck the shin of Marshall and rebounded past a bemused Jones who had very little to do other than pick the ball out of the net 4 times. Still, even after this bitter blow, Quorn continued to dominate play but the visitors survived and took the three points.
Sam Wood, Robinson and Darby got little reward for their efforts but my MOTM goes to Rushall captain Lee Barrow.
Quorn FC 1-3 Stocksbridge Park Steels (21/03/09)
For the third game in a row Quorn took on a side from the top three, with Ryan North injured Sam Wood returned along with Ash Robinson, both recovering from illness, Alex Johnson also returned to the starting line-up.
The visitors started brightly but it was Quorn who took the lead after 10 minutes, there seemed little danger as Rory Squire took a quick free kick down the right flank to Brett Darby but the home skipper jinked inside before hitting home left footed from just outside the box with visiting keeper Ben Scott appearing to be unsighted as he was left rooted to the spot. Darby then crossed for Justin Jenkins to lay back for Johnson to shoot but Kevin Dawson got the block in just in time.
Neil Ashley replied for the visitors but shot wildly over. Careless Quorn defending let in Vill Powell but the former Sheffield player shot wide. On the half hour, Powell looking yards offside broke down clear on Quorn's right and as the home defenders waited for the flag crossed for Steve Hawes to bundle home from close range. Quorn responded positively with Robinson not far away with a good strike and Adam Brown against his former club having a good run but couldn't provide the finish to match as his effort drifted wide. A fine move started by Joe Shaw saw Johnson release Darby whose pinpoint cross was headed wide by Jenkins.
Brown's superb cross from the left saw a defenders back header clawed to safety by Scott at the expense of a corner which Darby swung over to Robinson whose header was knocked towards the top corner but Scott brilliantly tipped his goal bound effort over for another corner which the keeper took comfortably to relieve the pressure. Just before the break Mark Ward broke for Stocksbridge but Shaw got back and Craig Jones gathered. The Visitors reshuffled at the break and completely changed the game and although Brown went close at the other end most of the play was concentrated in the home half as the visitors got on top, Powell shot over and Ward twice went close before Quorn managed an attack that should have brought a goal as Peel's well struck effort struck a defenders hand with the Referee totally oblivious.
Matt Telling's well struck effort was just off target before Stocksbridge took the lead with a slice of luck as a wicked deflection fell into the path of Ward, but there was nothing lucky about the execution as he coolly lobbed over the advancing Jones left stranded by the bounce. Another attack almost produced a goal as substitute Carl Fothergill got in behind but Jones reacted to produce one of 3 superb saves also denying the increasingly influential Jamie Vardy and the pick to deny substitute Andy Hirst, but the keeper could do nothing to prevent Ward finishing things off from close range converting Hirst's cross following another defensive error.
At the other end Brown was brought down in the box with the Referee again waving aside Quorn protests. Fothergill again tested Jones who was equal to the task before Robinson's effort was safely gathered by Scott.
The visitors 2nd half performance deserved the reward of the three points and my MOTM goes to Jamie Vardy.
Belper Town 2-0 Quorn FC (17/03/09)
Quorn were forced to make one change for the visit to high flying Belper, with Sam Wood unavailable through illness Adam Brown came in.
The game started off with free flowing football from both sides and both defences were tested but stood firm, the first real chance fell to Brown when Russell Peel's quick throw saw him go clear, as Leigh Walker came out Brown shot past him but into the side netting. Justin Jenkins was fouled outside the box and Ash Robinson effort struck the wall and to safety.
Lee Stevenson made a strong run for the home side and laid a great ball to Simon Barraclough but his effort from an acute angle went past the far post. At the other end Brown got in a shot but lacked the power to trouble Walker who gathered comfortably. Quorn suffered a blow on the half hour when Robinson had to leave the field suffering with stomach cramps, worse was to follow 5 minutes later when slack marking let in Stevenson to open the scoring with a clinical finish.
Ben Walker went close to doubling the lead before the break but his shot was just off target. Ryan North was unable to come out for the 2nd half but the reshuffled Quorn team without a recognised central midfield player on show, took the game to the home side and severely tested their defence with Alex Johnson's cross being scrambled for a corner, from the resulting flag kick Jenkins shot wildly over, Johnson again burst through and his early shot was spilled by Walker but with no takers Belper survived, moments later the same player rattled the back of the stanchion with a blistering shot on the run.
Against the run of play, a slick move exposed Quorn and another clinical finish, this time from Barraclough effectively ended the contest but Quorn continued to take the game to the home side but at times left themselves exposed to the counter. Quorn were denied strenuous penalty appeals when Nick Goold's first time shot struck a defender as time ran out.
MOTM Krystof Kotylo for Belper and Anthony Marriott for Quorn.
Retford United 0-0 Quorn FC (14/03/09)
Quorn fielded the same side that performed so well in reaching two cup finals for the visit to league leaders Retford.
The runaway leaders nearly took the lead after two minutes when slack marking saw Michael Godber break free but his effort was wide of the mark. With Quorn on the back foot, Stuart Ludlam's cross-cum shot dipped viciously from 35 yards but Craig Jones adjusted superbly to tip over the bar.
At the other end Phil Miller twice came close to getting on the end of through balls but a combination of the wind and the well marshalled home defence prevented real danger. On loan striker Neil Harvey found himself in the clear but he too put his effort wide when well placed. Sam Woods's long ball put Miller in on goal but his effort lacked the power to trouble Ross Turner in the home goal. The half ended with the home side on top but unable to penetrate the visiting rearguard, Steve Owens going close with a snapshot wide of the mark following a corner.
The 2nd half saw the wind ease a little but was still playing its part on a pitch that seemed surprisingly hard and irregular bounces were a feature to hamper both sides. Godber and Harvey managed strikes at the Quorn goal but neither threatened Jones. As the game neared a close, the goalless score line was threatened at both ends when first a defensive error gave substitute Adam Brown an opportunity with Turner stranded but he completely missed his kick and the chance was gone, moments later the same player burst through into the Retford box and appeared to be brought down but the referee waved play on, these two let offs spurred the home team and they struck the woodwork twice in the closing minutes but Quorn held out to collect a useful away point.
MOTM Anthony Marriott piping Rory Squire and Joe Shaw by the narrowest of margins.
Shepshed Dynamo 0-1 Quorn FC (10/03/09) Westerby Cup Semi-Final
Report yet to come
Skelmersdale 0-2 Quorn FC (07/03/09) Presidents Cup Semi-Final
Quorn reached the final of the Unibond Presidents Cup following a much improved performance of late. Rory Squire returned to the centre of defence leaving Ash Robinson to return to his more familiar midfield role and Ryan North also returned to the starting line-up.
Quorn had the first real attack of note when Brett Darby freed Robinson on the right, his whipped in cross being well held by home keeper Ryan McMahon, diving low down in front of Justin Jenkins. The home side replied when a strong run by George Donnelly was halted when Joe Shaw blocked his effort at the expense of a corner.
Quorn took the lead in the 8th minute when a slick move carved open the home defence, Jenkins shielding the ball to allow Darby to break free before releasing Robinson on the left this time, who spotted Phil Miller unmarked, picked him out superbly and the young striker drilled his shot past McMahon from 10 yards. This stung the home side into action and Adam Burchall weaved his way through but his shot was deflected away for another corner and soon after Craig Jones did well to tip over a cross by Chris Almond.
Good work by Sam Wood freed Jenkins, who was well shackled by Michael White but the Quorn no 9 held the ball to eventually give Russell Peel a shooting chance but Thomas Moore was alert to the danger and blocked the shot. Wood again was involved when he picked up a loose ball and burst through before bringing out a superb stop by McMahon whose parry went back to Wood, who showing composure picked out Miller again and he fired home past a helpless McMahon to give Quorn a 2 nil cushion on 22 mins.
Wood again went close for Quorn as the home side looked shell shocked but the nearly reduced the deficit when an Almond corner was met on the volley by Steve Akrigg but his effort went just wide. After the break the home side took the game to the visitors but despite constant pressure Jones was not severely tested. Mark Houghton produced a fine cross field run before delivering a fine cross that found Donnelly but his effort went wide. Moore headed over from an Almond free kick before the ever dangerous Donnelly shot just wide.
Squire and Anthony Marriott had their work cut out dealing with the almost constant pressure, but they held firm, Moore went close following a disputed free kick and Substitute nearly broke free but a superb tackle by Joe Shaw, who injured himself in the process, saved the day. Donnelly again went close before Paul White had a great opportunity to wrap it up for Quorn but he scuffed his shot and McMahon gathered comfortably. Quorn defended well to the end as the home side ran out of ideas.
MOTM goes to Anthony Marriott who also received the same award from the home side.
Rushall Olympic 1-0 Quorn FC (28/02/09)
Quorn were without central defenders Adam Wigley and Rory Squire both unavailable for the first visit to Rushall since both clubs were in the Midland Football Alliance. Anthony Marriott and Ashley Robinson formed a new defensive partnership with Joe Shaw coming in at full back. Ryan North and Alex Johnson were also absent along with long term casualty Tom Byrne, Nick Goold coming in on the left flank.
Both sides were a bit cautious early on but the home side forced a string of corners from which Craig Jones came out unscathed, handling confidently when called upon. Midway through the first period Marriott lost his footing to let Carl Palmer in on goal but the home no7 skied his effort as Jones advanced. Marriott's free kick found the head of Justin Jenkins but his effort although dipping cleared the crossbar.
A disputed corner before the break ended with Jones making a fine save low down to deny Jarred Stevens. Quorn were caught napping by Gary Fitzpatrick but his deep cross was headed to safety by Russell Peel at the expense of a corner.
A Goold cross eventually dropped at the feet of Adam Brown but Dave Haywood nipped in to whip the ball away before he could pull the trigger and Quorn's nearest chance of the game was gone. Moments later Gary Knights' free kick was headed home at the near post by Carl Palmer to give the Pics the lead they deserved. Stevens nearly increased the lead but shot into the side netting with Jones in attendance. At the other end a Brett Darby free kick was just took off the head of Jermaine Palmer by the alert home keeper Tony Breeden in a rare moment of action as Quorn laboured to another defeat their third in a row.
MOTM goes to Gary Knight the home no 6.
Quorn FC 0-2 Kidsgrove Athletic (24/02/09)
Another below par performance by Quorn saw former Leicester City striker Trevor Benjamin fire a double to give lowly Kidsgrove a boost as they bid to climb away from the danger zone.
Quorn nearly took the lead after 2 minutes when Brett Darby's corner was met powerfully by the head of Jermaine Palmer but his goal bound effort was superbly tipped over by visiting keeper Steve Intihar. 2 minutes later following slack marking by Quorn, Benjamin got in front of the defender and struck his shot past a stranded Craig Jones. Kidsgove, spurred on by the early goal went close to adding to their total as Quorn struggled to find their rhythm.
10 minutes before the break the visitors doubled their lead when a poor goal kick was punished as defenders failed to react and Benjamin coolly despatched past Jones. The 2nd half saw Quorn mount a sustained period of pressure without putting the visiting keeper under serious pressure.
Jones became a spectator as Kidsgrove retreated deep in their own half and were content in trying to preserve their two goal advantage, Palmer fired over from 6 yards and Justin Jenkins struck the foot of the post, Phil Miller broke clear but was brought down by visiting skipper Danny Smith, who was duly despatched for an early bath but generally Intihar was untroubled, although in time added on he was forced to make a smart save, thwarting Paul White.
Despite Benjamin's goals my MOTM by a long way goes to visiting no 9 Liam Shotton.
Leek Town 1-0 Quorn FC (21/02/09)
Quorn made two changes for the trip to Leek, Justin Jenkins returned in place of Liam Turner and Sam Wood came in for a return against his former club at the expense of Ryan North.
Well what a contrast to last Tuesdays game this was, with Quorn looking the poorest of two poor sides in a game that had very little to enthuse over on what was a poor surface by anyone's standards but even that was no excuse for the shocking first half performance that we saw from Quorn with the home side going in front in the 2nd minute and nearly adding a 2nd soon after before they too deteriorated to the same level of performance from the visitors. Ashley Millers improvisation, clipping an awkward ball over Craig Jones to give his side the lead following slack marking by Quorn.
The only effort of note by Quorn in the first 45 mins was following a corner, Jenkins got in a shot that was goal bound but easily cleared by the defender. Brett Darby and Russell Peel came on at the start of the 2nd half and Quorn at least had a better shape but without the normal flowing football, A Darby cross was headed over by Ash Robinson and Phil Miller shot just over from distance but Alex Johnson wasted the best opportunity when home keeper Matt Cooper, probably out of boredom, ventured out of his area to slice his attempted headed clearance sideways but Johnson swung wildly and struck well wide.
The home side had a couple of opportunities towards the end as Quorn attempted to salvage something out of the game but I cant remember either goalkeeper being called into serious action all afternoon in a game that is definitely best forgotten.
MOTM goes to Anthony Marriott for his 2nd half performance.
Quorn FC 0-0 Stamford Presidents cup Quater-Final
(1-1 aet. Quorn win 4-3 on pens)
Quorn won through to the Semi-Final of the Unibond Presidents Cup in a dramatic penalty shoot out after 120 action packed minutes couldn't separate the home side from the visitors Stamford who went down to ten men when Paul Sheehan's mistimed tackle was deemed worthy of a red card.
Daniel Cotton's well struck effort was wide of the mark early on and at the other end Ryan North tested Martin Davis with a shot on the run and a Paul White header was comfortably held by the Stamford keeper. A defensive error gave Adam Cunnington a shooting chance but didn't trouble Craig Jones before Adam Brown found White with a fine ball but his effort from a good position failed to trouble Davis, moments later Brown himself from an equally good position failed to trouble Davis after good work by Alex Johnson set up the chance.
Hat-trick hero from the last round, Phil Miller broke from deep and slipped past a couple of challenges before he too disappointed with the finish. A deep cross from Cotton deceived Jones when the ball stuck the crossbar but from the rebound he atoned keeping out Tyrone Kirk's effort at the near post. A mix up at the back for the visitors, as Miller nipped in, caused concern but the keepers air shot deceived everybody and he recovered to clear the danger. Miller released Liam Turner and burst in the box for the cross but Davis was out quick to collect to rescue his side.
A fine cross field ball by Kirk gave Cotton a clear run in on goal but his shot brought a fine double save from Jones who parried the first effort straight back to the visiting no7, who saw his second effort beaten out again by the keeper. Johnson slipped a ball to Miller who beat Davis but the ball stuck the crossbar, Brown reacted to knock the ball back in but Turners overhead kick lacked power and Davis collected comfortably.
Ash Robinson struck a superb effort on the run which brought out the best from Davis. Phil Stebbing replied for the visitors putting in a dangerous cross but Johnson was on hand to concede the corner which came to nothing. A quick free kick found White and his cross cum shot was deflected for a corner which again was fruitless and the half finished goalless. Another rasping effort by Robinson appeared to be blocked by a team mate, which caught out Quorn as from the rebound the visitors broke but Jones recued his side low down to his left and as the ball broke Anthony Marriott tidied up.
Jermaine Palmer on for Turner began causing the visitors problems with his physical presence and Brown's energy down the right was a feature, foraging forward when he wasn't looking after the ever dangerous Kirk, who benefitted when midway through the half Brown was replaced by Brett Darby. Robinson burst through from midfield and unleashed a tremendous strike from outside the box but it was equalled by Davis's superb save at full stretch. Palmer flicked on for Miller to be brought down from behind which resulted in the Red card for Sheehan, but it brought no reward as Darby's free kick hit the wall.
Darby then freed Robinson and his cross flashed across the face of the goal with no takers. Miller's smart turn and release to Darby gave the Quorn skipper a shooting chance but Davis was untroubled. Kirk began to enjoy his best spell of the game and when he found Jamie Clarke in space it looked like the deadlock would be broken but Jones made a superb stop to thwart the former Quorn striker.
As extra time loomed Kirk thought he' had won it for Stamford as his superb strike was brilliantly tipped over by Jones. Palmer went close before Miller went closer still as Davis clawed away his chip, but the Keeper had no chance as Robinson opened the scoring with a screamer from 25 yards that flew in the top corner 7 mins into extra time. Quorn switched off momentarily and Cotton's well struck effort was just wide. A White corner found the head of Robinson but Davis rose to make a good catch.
Kirk benefitted from a Quorn mix up as a ricochet clearance left him in the clear and his cross was met by Clarke who gleefully accepted the chance to level the scores before the break. The visitors sensed victory with Kirk the tormentor, forcing Jones to make another fine stop before a superb ball by Miller freed Palmer who smashed the ball against the crossbar and on to the post. Kirk again forced Jones into action, the keeper twice denying the no 11 in as many minutes.
Miller combined with Johnson before the visiting defenders crowded them out. Then a terrible decision by the linesman allowed Clarke to bear in on goal despite being at least 4 yards offside, but justice was done as Jones made another superb stop before Marriott completed the clearance. In the lottery that is a penalty shoot out, Jones was the Hero for Quorn pulling off 2 superb saves as the home side finished 4-3 ahead.
Both goalkeepers had excellent games as did Stamford skipper Chris Gray but my MOTM goes to Ash Robinson, box to box all night and may well have finished with a hat trick.
Shepshed Dynamo 2-3 Quorn FC (27/01/09) Presidents Cup
Quorn made several changes with Joe Shaw, Russell Peel, Brett Darby, Justin Jenkins and Alex Johnson all rested, in came Phil Miller for his first start, Liam Turner and Nick Goold, Paul White and Anthony Marriott also returned following a spell of inactivity.
The home side started brightly and the Quorn defence had to be alert to deal with early pressure but it was Miller who gave Quorn the lead drilling his shot past Gavin Saxby from 12 yards after Adam Brown's cross was laid back by Turner. Soon after Miller had a great chance to make it two when he broke from clear from deep and bore in on goal but Gavin Saxby rescued his side with an excellent stop.
Shepshed replied with a well struck effort from Rhys Powell but the direction wasn't quite right and moments later Matt Milns went close following a corner but Craig Jones palmed his header away following a corner. A superb ball by Sam Wood freed Brown whose cross was laid back to White by Goold but his shot was blocked and Saxby gathered safely. Ryan North burst through into the box after a neat 1-2 with Wood and his effort on the run just grazed the upright. Wood then nearly burst through himself but Darren Norwood read it superbly and made the intervention.
Just before the break White swivelled in the box and got in a cross but again there were no takers. Quorn started the 2nd period on top and when Wood found Turner in space his cross was cut out by Milns with Miller ready to pounce. North blocked a defensive clearance which fell kindly to Miller but his first time effort cleared Saxby's crossbar. From a poor back pass Goold had a chance but was brought down by Saxby just outside the box but the free -kick came to nothing.
Quorn did have the ball in the net but the whistle had already gone and this appeared as a wake up call to the home side that began to have their best spell of the match. A Rob Norris free-kick from the right resulted in a bit of panic and following a scramble Shane Benjamin prodded home the equaliser just after the hour mark.
Sam Saunders then wasted an opportunity to give his side the lead when well placed but did release the ball to Powel but his well struck effort hit the woodwork and Quorn breathed a sigh of relief, this was to prove costly to the home side as Quorn responded minutes later when Goold's cross was laid back by White into the path of Miller who grabbed his 2nd of the night to restore Quorn's lead. Miller then had a chance for his hat-trick but his snapshot was off target following a corner.
A long ball caught Quorn out and as Benjamin's challenge with Marriott resulted in the ball looping in the air, Ben Saunders lashed the ball home on the volley from 25 yards to give Jones no chance. Shepshed sensed victory and a Milns header following a corner was scrambled away before Quorn countered and Miller marked his full debut with his hat-trick 2 minutes from time.
Ryan North and Sam Wood were both contenders but my MOTM has to go to Phil Miller.
Stamford 1-1 Quorn FC (24/01/09)
Quorn came away from the Vic Couzens Stadium with a share of the spoils with Stamford's Phil Stebbing's 2nd half effort cancelling out Alex Johnsons strike midway through the first period. With Ash Robinson sidelined, Ryan North came back into the starting line-up along with Johnson who replaced Liam Turner in the side from last weeks victory at Brigg.
Both sides had early chances with Tyrone Kirk creating for the Home side with his trickery down the left flank before Jamie Clarke headed over from close range. Brett Darby and Russell Peel were prominent for Quorn both linking well with Johnson down their left hand side. Quorn took the lead on 27 minutes when Johnson finished off a smart move driving home past Martin Davies from just inside the box.
Chances at both ends with Justin Jenkins having the best after a superb flick by Darby found him unmarked but Chris Gray's desperate lunge felled the striker, and Quorn's protests were waved away by the Referee. One of several mystifying decisions for both sides given by the officials. Both keepers were called into action, handling well under pressure without being severely tested. Quorn just about deserved their interval lead and nearly added to it just after when Darby's well stuck effort was tipped over by Davies.
Penalty appeals at both ends went unheeded before Phil Stebbing out paced the Quorn rearguard just after the hour to level the scores with a similar finish to Johnson's first half strike. Another wild challenge in the box by the Stamford Skipper saw the Referee appear to put the whistle to his mouth then chose to ignore the visitor's appeals.
As the game wore on the home side began to get on top with the pace of Stebbing and the aerial threat of Clarke causing concern and only a brilliant save by Jones deflecting the striker's header on to the post preventing the equaliser. Johnson blazed wide for Quorn after good work by Darby at the other end Clarke struck his shot over the bar.
On reflection probably a fair result, with Phil Stebbing being the pick of the home side and Adam Wigley just beats Russell Peel for my MOTM.
Brigg Town 2-3 Quorn FC (17/01/09)
Quorn visited bottom of the table Brigg hoping to return with 3 points but despite dominating for long periods and taking a 3 nil lead with 5 mins remaining, conceded two late goals and in the end were the more relieved side to hear the final whistle.
With Tom Byrne, Paul White and Alex Johnson all sidelined and Ryan North still not fully fit, Sam Wood returned along with Russell Peel and Adam Brown kept his place on the right, Quorn also welcomed new signing Jon Stevenson who started on the bench.
Quorn began brightly and a fine cross field ball by Wood found Brown in space and his whipped in cross just evaded Justin Jenkins lunge. A long ball by Peel found Liam Tuner in space but his first touch let him down and the ball was cleared. Brigg replied when Stuart Longbone burst through the Quorn defence but he too lost control and Craig Jones fielded comfortably. Joe Shaw crossed for Jenkins to meet first time but his effort was off target.
Peel again played a fine ball to Ash Robinson in space and his long range effort fizzed just over the bar. Quorn's defence was at 6s and 7s as Longbone combined with Steve Davis, but the latter's effort failed to trouble Jones. Quorn took the lead on 20 mins. As another fine ball by Peel freed Darby whose shot on the run was fumbled by home keeper Leigh Herrick and Turner reacted well to force the ball home as the keeper tried to recover and was injured in the process. The home side responded and Davis again went close without troubling Jones.
Quorn did most of the attacking but the strong running of Davis and his strike partner Rick Day kept the Quorn defenders on their toes. Another fine cross by Brown gave Turner a shooting chance but he miscued and the chance was gone. The 2nd half began with Quorn well on top and Darby broke free but chose to shoot instead of passing and the defender blocked and the chance went begging. Brown picked out Darby and his snapshot was blocked and Turner struck the follow up just wide.
Another Brown cross found the head of Turner but Herrick made the save. Midway through the half Stevenson entered the fray and was soon in the action freeing Darby on the left and when the skippers cross was met by Jenkins, whose effort was parried by Herrick, it was Stevenson who was on hand to knock in the 2nd goal from close range. Moments later Jenkins went close to increasing the lead with a well struck first time effort. 15 mins from time it looked to be all over as Brown robbed an opponent jinked away and picked out Jenkins with a superb ball and the no 9 did the rest, giving Herrick no chance.
Quorn looked to add to their tally, Jenkins combined with Stevenson to free Brown who struck the post and from Darby's superb free kick Rory Squire hooked over the bar. Brown again found Jenkins but the home no 5 Scott Hellewell blocked the goal bound shot. With 5 minutes left on the clock the home team scored a surprise goal when after a defensive mix-up Rick Day found the back of the net. With time running out Brigg got a 2nd when some more poor defending by Quorn allowed Stuart Longbone to reduce the arrears further. Another few minutes on the clock may have produced an unlikely share of the spoils for the home side, Quorn deserved the victory but would have had only themselves to blame.
Stuart Longbone was the Brigg star man but my MOTM goes to Adam Brown who produced a superb display, after all the injury problems he's had since he joined Quorn last season it was good to see him back somewhere near his best.
Grantham Town 1-1 Quorn FC (03/01/09)
Quorn kept the same side that failed to kill off the opposition in the last game, different day, same performance, same result - another disappointing return from a game that should have been sewn up long before the ten men of Grantham snatched a point 5 minutes from the end in which they were always 2nd best in terms of attacking prowess, but credit to their work rate when going a goal and a man down.
Quorn began cutting through the home defence but again lacked the killer instinct when inside the box. Former Grantham player Tom Byrne causing problems with his pace and likewise Alex Johnson on the other flank setting up attacks, one of which gave Brett Darby a chance to give Quorn an early lead but Nicky Scaife came to his sides rescue with an excellent save.
Russell Peel fed Johnson, whose smart cross was inch perfect for Justin Jenkins to head past Scaife to give Quorn the lead on 11 minutes and the same player nearly increased the lead soon after but his effort drifted wide, with Darby again going close, Quorn were well on top with the home side only showing brief attacking spells with the long ball which invariably halted with offside decisions against their eager forwards.
The half ended with Quorn well on top but with nothing further to show for their dominance. The 2nd period started in much the same manner with the home side guilty of giving the ball away far too cheaply when in possession. Johnson's frequent crosses from the left were being dealt with fairly well by the home defence and when danger threatened Scaife was on hand to keep his side in the game.
Peel and Sam Wood combined to set up a dangerous attack but the final ball looked too far ahead of Jenkins but a defensive mix-up left him with the ball facing an empty net but he was pulled back just outside the box and the offender was quite rightly sent off but the resulting free kick inches outside the box came to nothing. Wood had a good chance to settle it for Quorn but the ball came a little bit too quick to him and he pulled his shot just past the post with Scaife stranded. With time running out Grantham's David Brown equalised following a defensive error and in injury time, sensing an unlikely victory they nearly snatched all three points.
Man of the match - Grantham's Danny Brookes gets my vote, always in the thick of the action in his overworked defence.
Loughborough Dynamo 1-1 Quorn FC (26/12/08)
Quorn travelled the short distance to Nanpanton Road for this Boxing Day encounter showing several changes from last weeks disappointing home defeat. Justin Jenkins, Anthony Marriott and Alex Johnson all returned but were without the services of the injured Ryan North and with Paul White away skipper Brett Darby started up front alongside Jenkins.
Loughborough were the first to show with Quorn finding the bright sunshine a problem to deal with and found themselves doing a lot of early defending and Kris Nurse playing his final game for the home side went close, his effort going across the face of the goal before Callum Riley did likewise from the right before Russell Peel cleared the danger.
Quorn responded with Ash Robinson finding Johnson who in turn gave Peel a chance to cross, but the ball sailed over the bar with Matt Nurse untroubled but moments later had to be alert to cut out Tom Byrne's cross before it reached the unmarked Jenkins. A good run by Riley gave Jamie Mason a sight of goal but his effort stuck a teammate and to safety. Peel advanced down the left and picked out Darby who looked to be clear but a superb tackle by Danny Jenno in the box rescued the home side.
Sam Wood broke for Quorn evading two tackles before slipping the ball to Darby but his effort was safely held by Nurse. Wood again was involved setting up a shooting chance for Marriott but his effort from outside the box cleared the bar with Nurse perfectly positioned just in case. Wood played a smart 1-2 with Jenkins before his decent strike brought a good save from Nurse. At the other end brother Kris nearly produced the first goal when breaking down the left but from a tight angle couldn't finish and Rory Squire cleared the danger. With the first half fairly even Quorn soon took command in the 2nd period, first Wood freed Darby whose first time cross was whipped away from Byrne by the watchful Lewis Allen.
Nurse looked to be going clear for the home side but Squire got back to Sheppard back to Craig Jones. Back came Quorn and Jenkins got free but slipped, Darby following up had his effort blocked by Allen. It was no surprise when Quorn took the lead when following good work by Byrne who rode several challenges before setting up Johnson who calmly picked his spot past Nurse from just inside the box on 51 minutes.
Quorn pressurised the home side that could do little other than defend as crosses rained in on Nurse's goal. Nurse kept his side in the game with stunning saves to keep out efforts from Jenkins and Darby before a brilliant interception by Jake Betts stopped Jenkins going clean through. With Nurse again in action keeping out efforts from Darby and Byrne it seemed only a matter of time before the 2nd goal but with so many attacks, Quorn's defence momentarily switched off and Mason found himself clear on Jones his effort struck the post but the rebound fell kindly to him and he despatched with ease to give his side an unlikely equaliser on 71 mins.
Back came Quorn again and Nurse feared the worst as Darby's cross reached Byrne who somehow headed over with the open goal at his mercy. Despite Quorn's 2nd half dominance it was Loughborough who nearly stole it when following a messy free kick Quorn gave the ball away and Mason again found himself free but this time Squire got back and rescued his side. Byrne attempted to atone for his earlier miss after being freed by Jenkins but Nurse was equal to his effort and honours finished even.
Disappointing result again for Quorn unable to finish off teams despite being in control. MOTM Matt Nurse - superb display yet again.
Quorn FC 0-2 Lincoln United (20/12/08)
Quorn were forced to make changes, with Justin Jenkins in America and Ryan North in Plaster, Matt Langham came in for Jenkins and Ash Robinson came in for Northy, Tom Byrne made his first start in a month and Ant Marriott and Alex Johnson, both nursing injuries were both on the bench as a precaution ahead of the Xmas games.
Despite the changes it was Quorn who for the main dominated the first half although the first real chance of the game fell to visiting fullback Terry Fleming but he scuffed his effort wide when well placed. Brett Darby went close a couple of times before a great move started by Robinson ended when Langham's superb cross was met by the head of Byrne but Mario Ziccardi produced a fantastic reflex save to keep his side from going behind.
Sam Wood looked to have worked his way to a good position but his shot lacked the power to beat Ziccardi. Paul Whites superb long ball put Byrne through again but Ryan Porter just got back to make the challenge with Ziccardi rooted. Robinson quick throw put Wood in and he released to Rory Squire but his first time effort was just off target. Against the run of play Sean Cann chased a long ball and got the better of the defender before firing past Craig Jones from 15 yards with 29 mins gone.
Cann again went close as the visitors confidence grew. Quorn responded with Darby getting in a dangerous cross that was headed out by Danny George only to Wood who volleyed goal wards but straight to the keeper. A defensive error nearly gave Cann his 2nd but his deflection from Jones's clearance went just past the post and Dave Frecklington from distance cracked his effort just wide as the visitors reversed the balance of play from the first period.
The confidence in the Lincoln side increased as Quorn became more and more disjointed and but for indifferent finishing could have increased their lead well before Frecklington secured the points with a superb shot on the run from 25 yards. Quorn tried to respond with Darby going close on a couple of occasions but the all-round work rate of the visitors ensured a well deserved victory.
My man of the match goes to Sean Cann of Lincoln for a superb work rate being a constant thorn in the Quorn defence all through the game.
Quorn 3-1 Goole AFC (06/12/08)
Quorn made one change from last week with Rory Squire making a return in place of Anthony Marriott who was rested.
The visitors were the first to attack but Craig Jones read the cross and held comfortably, His opposite number Chris Hill raced out his box to head away a through ball but struggled to get back as Ryan North's chip just strayed wide. Alex Johnson's cross field ball gave Brett Darby an opportunity but the skipper scuffed his shot wide. Adam Lee the visitor's no9 seized on a short back pass but as he rounded Jones, Adam Wigley got back to make the challenge and the chance was gone. Johnson again freed Darby but he slipped and Craig Morley cleared the danger.
Darby's cross from the right looked dangerous but Hill was on hand to catch inches from the head of Justin Jenkins. A fine move started by Russell Peel who freed Johnson down the left gave Darby another sight of goal but his first time effort was wide of the mark. Wigley's free kick found Peel who again freed Johnson and his fine cross was met by the head of Nigel Danby who conceded the corner under pressure from Jenkins. A quick throw in by Darby gave Jenkins an opportunity and his lob beat Hill but drifted wide.
Goole broke and Willie McGhie on the overlap looked to be in a good position to open the scoring but His effort lacked the power or direction to beat Jones. 10 mins before the break Quorn took a deserved lead following a superb move started by Sam Wood who made ground before freeing Darby to put over a fine cross to Johnson who headed passed Hill into the corner. Another attack by Quorn looked to have broken down but North thundered a shot from distance that fizzed just over the bar. A Wigley free kick found the head of Jenkins but His effort was just off target. It was far from being all one way but Wigley and Squire were in superb form at the back for Quorn.
Darby's cross was headed back across goal by Paul White but fortunately for Goole Danby was on hand to head clear. Peel got caught in possession but Wigley rescued Quorn at the expense of a free-kick but Stewart Copnell's strike hit the wall. The 2nd half saw the visitors put Quorn under early pressure and hesitancy in the Quorn defence nearly handed the equaliser but the Goole forwards were equally hesitant and the home side escaped. Goole were made to pay for a couple of missed chances when direct from a free kick Darby put Quorn 2up from 20 yards.
Jones produced a fine save from Gill before Darby gave Johnson a gilt edge chance but he completely miss kicked and Hill gathered. Lee broke down the left despite the offside appeals, the Goole no9 cutting inside before smashing His effort from distance passed Jones only for the ball to strike the crossbar, the rebound fell to substitute Chris Kamara but his effort was well over.
Copnell found space just outside the box and stuck a superb shot past Jones to bring Goole back into the game but shortly after the same player was dismissed for a 2nd yellow card. Play became a bit scrappy after this and with Goole chasing the game, gaps were left at the back and 2 minutes from the end Quorn sealed the win when Johnson rounded things off with His 2nd goal following a slick move.
Substitutes Ash Robinson and Tom Byrne combined for the former to have a great chance but His shot went into the side netting. In injury time Darby forced a fine save from Hill with Quorn looking to increase their lead. Goole take credit for their contribution to the game and with the rub of the green that has deserted them could have got something out of the game.
Alex Johnson was a contender for MOTM but I give it to Adam Wigley for a superb performance at the heart of the Quorn defence.
Quorn FC 1-1 Glapwell (29/11/08)
Quorn made I change with Joe Shaw coming in for the injured Rory Squire in an otherwise unchanged line-up from last weeks fine victory over the league leaders Carlton.
Looking to avenge the 1-3 beating at Glapwell earlier in the season the home side completely dominated the first half with Sam Wood and Ryan North showing boundless energy in the middle of the park, with Brett Darby and Alex Johnson causing problems on the flanks the visitors were constantly under pressure and were grateful to be just a solitary goal behind at the break. Russell Peel playing a fine ball up to Johnson who crossed for Justin Jenkins to flick on to Paul White who powered his header past a stranded Neil West on 42 mins.
Jenkins headed narrowly wide and Darby went close on two or three occasions, with Mark Wilson going closest for Glapwell forcing Craig Jones to push round at the near post. In the 2nd half as the game wore on the visitors came more into the game and went close to the equaliser when Neil Grayson had a great chance but dragged his effort wide with 5 mins left.
With time running out the veteran Grayson showing a touch of class controlled a through ball, swivelled past the defender and struck his left foot shot past the despairing dive of Jones into the far corner to give Glapwell an unlikely share of the spoils. In a game that Quorn should have gone on to win it finished in a case of two points dropped.
MOTM goes to Ryan North by a whisker from his midfield partner Sam Wood, both having superb displays.
Quorn FC 2-0 Carlton Town (22/11/08)
Quorn had Rory Squire back in the starting line-up with Alex Johnson also starting in place of Tom Byrne who was sidelined with illness, for the visit of the league leaders.
The visitors had most of the possession early on but Quorn took the lead in the 4th minute when in form striker Justin Jenkins swivelled in the box and tucked home with his left foot following a corner by Paul White that Rory Squire at the near post flicked on for Sam Wood to strike at goal before the block fell to Jenkins. Soon after Johnson broke down the left and cut in but his shot lacked the power to beat Carlton keeper Steve Brearley, at the other end Darryl Thomas was causing problems with his pace and from an acute angle shot into the side netting.
Jenkins superb cross from the right was just too high for the onrushing Johnson and White and moments later Woods shot appeared to strike Willis Francis on his gloved hand but the Referee awarded only a corner which came to nothing. Brett Darby swung over another great cross which just cleared the heads of White and Jenkins. It wasn't all one way, with the visitors still having plenty of possession without creating much in the way of clear cut chances.
Ryan North was having a fine game for Quorn and he played a great first time ball to Darby but Jenkins was onto it before his Skipper and outpaced the visiting defence and cracked his shot towards the top corner only for Brearley to produce a magnificent one handed save to tip over the bar to restrict the home side to a single goal lead at halftime. Carlton started the 2nd period in more determined mood but again without the penetration to get past the Quorn back line. Russell Peel crossed deep but Brearley spotted the danger and took a fine catch to prevent danger.
A long ball out of defence gave Stephen Akers a sight at goal but his weak effort failed to trouble Craig Jones. Dean Gent made a great run through the heart of the Quorn defence but before he could get his shot in 3 defenders closed him down and the ball ran harmlessly to Jones. At this stage the game was wide open with play switching from end to end and Quorn nearly increased their lead when a superb run and cross by Johnson was met by Jenkins but his first time effort was deflected just wide much to the relief of Brearley. White then crossed to Darby but his first time effort was always rising over the bar. A fine through ball by Anthony Marriott gave White a chance but he needed too much time and was crowded out.
A series of needless free kicks put Quorn under pressure the most dangerous of which found Grant Brindley but the pace of the kick just took it away from his outstretched boot with Jones this time the relieved keeper. Peel put over another fine cross but good defending by Carlton captain Michael Martin prevented Jenkins taking advantage. Wood won the ball in midfield and released Jenkins on the right but his shot on the run was too high and rising. The visitors were still in it and the Quorn defence had a lot of work to do but Adam Wigley and Squire were holding firm.
On 85 minutes Peel played a fine ball up the line to Johnson and his superb cross picked out Jenkins who slotted home at the near post to wrap the game up for Quorn. The visitors refused to give it up but with Quorn defending well chances were few and far between and at the end Quorn nearly made it three when a break by substitute Ashley Robinson resulted in Jenkins finding Darby but his shot from just outside the box was just too high.
A fine all round team performance makes it difficult to award MOTM but Justin Jenkins just shades it.
Lincoln United 0-1 Quorn FC (15/11/08)
A poor game it has to be said but another 3 points in the bag following Justin Jenkins continuing His fine goal scoring form of late.
The no 9 netting an early opener following a Paul White corner that was flicked on by Anthony Marriott to the waiting Jenkins who needed no 2nd invitation to prod home against His former club on 9 mins. With Brett Darby and Sam Wood prompting, Quorn created chances with Tom Byrne on a couple of occasions bringing the best out of Mario Ziccardi in the home goal.
At the other end Sean Cann and Gio Carchedi were proving an handful to the Quorn back four with captain Brendan McDaid causing problems with his strong running from deep. Russell Peel saved Quorn twice with last ditch clearances as the home side fought for the equaliser. Ryan North also rescuing his side when danger threatened.
Jenkins nearly increased Quorn's lead just before the break when White's free kick from the right was a fraction too high. Most of the 2nd half saw Quorn with an awful lot of defending to do with Adam Wigley and Marriott to the fore and Peel and Joe Shaw playing their part to restrict the amount of clear cut chances for the home side. When chances did come the home strikers were unable to convert and North nearly wrapped it up for Quorn following a great run and producing a fingertip save by Ziccardi to deny him.
Quorn survived late pressure from the home side with Adam Wigley outstanding and getting my vote for MOTM just ahead of Marriott and Peel, who both had excellent games.
Quorn FC 3-2 Grantham Town (08/11/08)
Quorn were worthy winners despite falling behind to an early goal after Goalkeeper Craig Jones misjudged a free-kick by Rob Lund that sailed over his outstretched arms into the top corner.
Despite having most of the play Quorn were unable to convert their chances into goals and went to the break still behind. It took eight minutes of the 2nd half to find the equaliser, Paul White drilling home past a stranded Nicky Scaife after Justin Jenkins laid off a fine ball from Brett Darby.
Darby put Quorn in front a minute later smashing the ball home again giving Scaife no chance. The goalkeeper shortly after, had to leave the field unable to continue after bravely carrying on from an early challenge that left him limping. Quorn wrapped the game up when a great move involving Sam Wood and White ended with the latter putting over a perfect cross and Jenkins rose superbly to head home from 12 yards on 68 mins.
The visitors pulled one back late on through Jason Turner but Quorn were able to see out the remaining few minutes to secure the 3 points. MOTM Brett Darby Quorn's skipper.
Quorn FC 1-1 Belper Town (01/11/08)
The game between Quorn and Belper Town was overshadowed by the collapse of a spectator at half-time with what looked like a serious heart attack, Quorn Physio Dave Commons and Dave Baines, a Belper supporter with a medical background who I understand travels from Southport to watch Belper, fought vigorously to revive the patient whilst awaiting the arrival of the paramedics, which although was a speedy response seemed like an eternity when faced with the situation as serious as it was.
Although it looked like all was in vain for quite a while, we received the great news last night that although the patient was seriously ill in intensive care, He was still alive and everyone at the club will be hoping He has a full recovery. The paramedics were full of praise for the treatment administered before their arrival. Sadly, the gentleman passed away on Sunday morning 2nd November 2008... our deepest sympathies to his wife and family.
Back to the game and although I didn't see an awful lot of the 2nd period, Belper were the better side in the first half and were unlucky not to be further in front than the 1 goal advantage they held thanks to a 21st minute strike by Andy Rushbury, converting a superb cross from the right.
Both sides had their chances and it wasn't all one way by any means but Belpers speed in attack was a constant threat to Quorn's back four, who were without the influential Rory Squire. Tom Byrne was by far the most dangerous player for Quorn causing problems constantly down the left hand side. The strike pairing of Richard Tracey and new signing Ryan Hindley worked well for the visitors, both going close with Krystof Kotylo also nearly adding to the score.
For Quorn Sam Wood's strike from distance beat Paul Pettinger but just crept over the bar and Byrne's persistence gave Paul White a chance but he screwed his effort wide when well placed. Belper should have wrapped it up 10 mins into the 2nd half when an unnecessary clumsy challenge gave the visitors a penalty but Craig Jones guessed right and brilliantly saved Lee Stevenson's spot kick one handed, palming away at full stretch to give Quorn a lucky escape.
The momentum stayed with the visitors until the last quarter of the game when the arrival of Justin Jenkins and Liam Turner from the bench produced an unlikely share of the spoils when Turner crossed to an unmarked Jenkins who controlled superbly and drilled his shot past Pettinger from 12 yards with 5 mins remaining.
MOTM - Doesn't go to anyone on the field of play, the efforts of Dave Commons and Dave Baines were far more important and our thanks go to them and the Para-medics.
Willenhall Town 0-1 Quorn FC (25/10/08)
Quorn travelled to Willenhall for the first time since the West Midlands side were in the Midland Football Alliance in 2003/4.
Conditions were not ideal for football with the swirling wind making it difficult for both teams but the home side were the first to show with Justin Nisbett causing Quorn some early problems with his pace, added to the Ariel threat posed by Rory May it looked to be an uncomfortable afternoon for the visitors.
A clash of heads between Adam Wigley and Russell Peel looked ominous for Quorn but after lengthy treatment both players were able to continue. Paul White and Sam Wood combined to feed Robbie Beard who put over a dangerous cross which Brendan Kelly did well to get his head to but his clearance fell to White but his first time strike was well off target. Anthony Marriott got back to retrieve his earlier error at the expense of a fruitless corner and soon after Quorn conceded a free kick in a dangerous position and Chris Sterling struck his effort just over the bar with Craig Jones at full stretch.
A good run by Tom Byrne won a corner, White's cross caused the home side problems and Alex Johnson got in a shot that was blocked and Luke Tilt the home keeper comfortably gathered the ball as it ballooned up. A free kick taken by skipper Brett Darby released Wood, who in turn released the overlapping Marriott who delivered a fine cross to give Beard a chance but his effort failed to trouble Tilt. At the other end Nisbett got in a shot which Jones failed to hold but Rory Squire tidied up.
Neat passing by Quorn set up White who had his shot blocked by Kelly and moments later Byrne broke down the left and cut inside and released to Wood who found Beard who killed the ball for Johnson to have time to pick his spot from 15 yards but he shot wildly over. Nisbett controlled a pass and turned sharply but dragged his effort wide before the same player again went close but his first time strike lacked the power to trouble Jones.
May went down from a challenge on the right and was awarded a free kick and when the ball came over Nisbett knocked the ball on to Sterling, whose cross flashed across the face of the goal with no takers. The 2nd half began with scrappy play from both sides, White had a shooting chance but his effort lacked direction and at the other end Nisbett sliced his effort wide from just inside the box.
May did well and crossed from the right and Marriott was forced to clear over his own bar and from the corner Jones did well to catch when under pressure. Sterling tried his luck but failed to trouble Jones and likewise at the other end White's shot was easily collected by Tilt. As the game looked to be heading for a draw, Quorn took the lead when Darby laid the ball back to Marriott who delivered a great cross and Jenkins rose highest to plant his header past the despairing hands of Tilt in the home goal with just over 10 mins remaining.
A free kick just outside the box caused concern for Quorn but when the ball reached Sterling he blazed his effort well over. The home side began to press for the equaliser and Jenkins, back defending in his own box, did well to head clear under pressure but won a free kick anyway. Jones made a smart catch to relieve the pressure before Lee Chilton made a strong run and crossed to an unmarked Nisbett who miss kicked at the vital moment and Adam Wigley nipped in to clear the danger. Another effort by Nisbett went across the face but Quorn held on to come away with the three points in what wasn't the best of games to be honest.
Nisbett was always in the thick of the action for the home side but my MOTM goes to the ever dependable Adam Wigley.
Hednesford Town 3-1 Quorn FC (FA Trophy RD1)
Following 5 straight wins and sitting 5 points clear at the top of the Unibond Prem, Hednesford were the clear favourites for this F A Trophy 1st round qualifying game.
Quorn were fielding something like there normal starting 11 with Rory Squire returning after missing the last 4 games and forced a couple of early corners but it was the home side who delivered a sucker punch when a long clearance saw Quorn commit a cardinal sin of leaving 2 on 2 at the back when their initial attack broke down and Tyrone Barnett exploited the situation, outpacing his marker before delivering a perfect ball for his strike partner Ross Dyer to finish clinically from close range.
Quorn failed to learn the early lesson and the same combination nearly doubles their side's lead, this time though Craig Jones got down well to keep out Barnett's low shot on the run. Quorn continued to take the game to their opponents with Justin Jenkins having a shot blocked following another Paul White corner. Quorn continued to force the pace and the home defence were the harder worked of the two in the first 20 mins.
Following a free kick Sam Wood released Brett Darby whose effort was blocked but the loose ball rebounded back to Wood but his shot went just over the bar. From the goal kick Quorn conceded a throw half way in their own half and slack defending allowed a flick on to reach Barnett who showed a touch of class to place the ball home from 15 yards past a stranded Jones to put Hednesford 2 up.
Quorn responded and from yet another corner Jenkins returned the ball back into the six yard box but under pressure Squire couldn't keep his first time effort down. Quorn continued to press and Tom Byrne's run ended with Danny Harvey happy to concede the corner which White over hit the ball sailed harmlessly for a throw on the far side. Moments later Quorn got the goal they deserved when Wood read the situation well and stole the ball on the half way line to stride forward and laid a great ball to release Jenkins and although his shot on the run was parried by keeper Stuart Brock the rebound fell straight back to the Quorn striker and this time made no mistake.
Barnett tried his luck from just outside the box but his well struck effort was just over the bar. A free kick by White was controlled by Jenkins and His spin and snapshot beat Brock but just cleared the crossbar to prevent Quorn getting the equaliser they deserved. Its goals that win matches but the corner count of Quorn's 8 to the home sides 1 told the story of the half. After the break Hednesford showed glimpses of the form that you would expect from a team in their position but it was Quorn who went closest when Darby broke on the right to clip an excellent cross that Jenkins knocked goal wards but Brock was positioned perfectly and made a comfortable save.
Elliott Durrell was prominent for the home side but Adam Wigley was having a fine game for Quorn and broke a few promising attacks from the home side who began to get on top and frustrate the visitors. Barnett managed to break free but his effort lacked the power to beat Jones and moments later, although looking suspiciously off side by the proverbial country mile, again broke to set up Mark Briggs but his shot again lacked power and Jones made a comfortable catch. Dyer was the next to try his hand from distance but cleared the bar from distance with Jones untroubled.
An Anthony Maguire free kick found Adam Burley and although His header was goal bound Jones produced a good save to deny the substitute. The home side were not having it all their own way and when Quorn substitute Alex Johnson chased a long ball Brock was forced into a hurried clearance that struck Johnson and although it went goal wards the keeper had enough time to get back as the spin took the ball out of the danger zone.
Another long ball was superbly controlled by Byrne but his dipping shot on the run went wide. At the other end Barnett set up Dyer to finish Quorn off but Wigley made a superb block to divert the ball over the bar. A fine move involving Johnson and Byrne nearly brought the equaliser but Darby's rasping drive just cleared the angle of bar and upright.
3 minutes from the end Hednesford clinched their place in the next round with a fortuitous goal when Marriott in attempting to clear diverted the ball onto the inside of the post and when it rebounded along the line Dyer reacted to prod the ball past Jones. Byrne twice went close in the dying moments but Hednesford held out to the final whistle.
Quorn put up a brave performance but the finishing of the home side proved the difference with my MOTM going to the home no 9 Tyrone Barnett.
Quorn FC 3-1 Loughborough Dynamo (14/10/08) Unibond Presidents Cup
Quorn and Loughborough both took the opportunity to have a look at several fringe players in last nights Presidents cup match but both sides gave a good account of themselves in a very entertaining game.
The first 15 minutes was even stevens without much in the way of clear cut chances but Matt Nurse was the first keeper to be called into serious action when he pulled off a great save, tipping over Justin Jenkins's header following a cross from Nick Goold's cross. On 23 mins the visitors opened the scoring when Quorn failed to deal with a long ball down the right and from the resulting cross Eugene Francis got in a shot that Craig Jones could only parry and Jose Moreira slotted home the rebound from 12 yards.
It took Quorn just over ten minutes to find the equaliser, when a neat interchange between Alex Johnson and Paul White left Tom Byrne with time to control and pick his spot to give Nurse no chance. With Johnson having a lively debut, Quorn began to get on top and White played a neat ball to Byrne but his dangerous looking cross just eluded his strikers.
A great move involving Jenkins and Johnson cut through the visiting defence and he latter found White who struck well only for Nurse to produce another stunning save to keep the scores level and moments later he denied Quorn with another flying save, this time to keep out a pile-driver from Johnson following good work by Ash Robinson.
Quorn finished the half on top with Johnson pace causing problems for Loughborough. The 2nd half began with the visitors having the better of the play; Luke Plummers deep cross causing concern before Russell Peel cleared the danger at the expense of a corner which came to nothing. A good run by Adam Wigley who laid the ball to Johnson gave a shooting chance to Byrne but his effort was off target. Jenkins and Johnson again combined to put in Byrne put Danny Jenno made a great recovery tackle to concede a corner and when White's delivery came over, Jenkins reacted well to lay a perfect ball to Brett Darby who despatched with consummate ease into the far corner to give Quorn a deserved lead on 58 mins.
Johnsons Strike from distance wasn't too far away before White's effort was blocked after he was put in by Byrne. A third goal didn't seem far away and it came when, again with Byrne involved, Jenkins swivelled before hitting home past a stranded Nurse from 12 yards. Loughborough responded but Byrne this time in defence read the situation well and intercepted the danger following a quick free kick by Karl Brennan.
Quorn had a spell of wasted possession, giving the ball away cheaply. Matt Langham came on for his debut and was soon involved setting up Darby but Nurse was equal to it and cleared for a corner. White's corner eventually found its way to Robinson who headed powerfully home but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Langham again found Darby who played a great ball to White only for Jenno again to make a last ditch tackle to save his side going further behind. Langham found himself in a shooting position after good work by Darby and Byrne, but his effort was comfortably dealt with by Nurse. Loughborough nearly pulled one back near the end when Moreira went on a solo run beating several defenders before Peel made a superb tackle to thwart the visiting no 11.
Several candidates for MOTM with Johnson, Robinson, Marriott and Wigley, all having fine games along with Nurse and Karl Noble for the visitors but my pick is Tom Byrne.
Stocksbridge Park Steels 0-0 Quorn FC (11/10/08)
With last week's man of the match Ben Steans unavailable for the trip to high flying Stocksbridge Park Steels, Manager Gavin O'Toole drafted in former keeper Craig Jones. With the co-operation of Barwell FC, he was able to be registered in time for the game.
The home side were soon on the attack and following a free kick skipper Brett Lovell headed over the bar, Quorn replied with Tom Byrne putting over a dangerous cross that home keeper Tom Hewitt held well with Liam Turner lurking. Another free kick conceded was flicked on for Jamie Vardy to hook first time just over the bar.
Anthony Marriott did well to break up another attack but was fouled as he made the clearance but recovered after treatment. A defensive error set up a chance for Neil Ashley but his effort was just too high to trouble Jones. A good cross field ball from Cameron Keast found Byrne but as he broke up field he was hacked down from behind.
Sam Wood won the ball in midfield and with the home defence backpedalling he advanced and tried his luck from just outside the box but screwed his shot wide. Both sides were guilty of poor passing when in threatening positions before a good chance fell to Carl Fothergill but his effort was just off target and Lee Stratford put over a good cross but Jones held well. Poor defending by Quorn let in Ashley but Jones produced a fine save to deny the home no 8. Jones again saved well when tipping over Fothergill's header following Dean Sidebottom's cross.
Robbie Beard and Byrne combined to cause panic in the home defence but they got numbers back to snuff out the danger, and Byrne again caused concern for the home defence before his cross was headed behind for a fruitless corner just before the break. The 2nd half started with Quorn under pressure not helped by poor defensive clearances that resulted in Jones having to rescue his side with a series of fine saves, first denying Andy Ring, then low down to thwart Fothergill and his best effort to deny a goal bound strike from Vardy. Byrne relieved the pressure with a fine ball to Darby who collected, cut inside and set up Turner, who produced a fine save out of Hewitt.
A free kick taken by Marriott was brilliantly tipped round the post by Hewitt. After weathering the early storm, Quorn put the home side under a spell of pressure with Paul White going close and Beard forcing Hewitt to make another smart save. At the other end substitute Mark Ward whipped over a cross that Vardy got his head to when well placed but couldn't direct it goal wards. Fothergill raced clear but with Jones favourite to reach the ball first, the keeper slipped on the greasy surface and fortunately for Quorn the home no 10 did likewise and although a collision ensued, the officials waved away the home protests as the Quorn defence tidied up.
A good run by fullback Richards gave him a strike on goal but Jones was equal to his effort and held cleanly. Justin Jenkins was upended to give Marriott another crack at goal but his effort was charged down. Darby's cross was met by Jenkins but his first time shot was blocked before another strike by the same player sailed way over.
Just before the end Quorn made a mess of dealing with Sidebottom's cross with three defenders going for the same ball and as the ball dropped invitingly, Ward struck goal wards only for Jones to make an outstanding save low down to his left to hold the ball and keep the score sheet blank. All in all this was a hard fought draw with the home side having most of the possession but Quorn too were denied on occasions at the other end.
My MOTM for the 2nd week running goes to a player making his debut, with Craig Jones having an excellent game.
Woodley Sports 0-1 Quorn FC (04/10/08) FA Trophy Preliminary Round
Quorn made the long trip to Stockport to face Woodley Sports of the Unibond division one north in the preliminary round of the F A Trophy minus the services of Sean Bowles, who has opted to move down to the Leicestershire Senior League. Also still sidelined were Adam Hart and Rory Squire with Anthony Marriott unavailable.
Sam Wood and Justin Jenkins, both nursing injuries were started on the bench as a precaution. Before the game, a minutes silence was impeccably observed in memory of Woodley Sports Director Neil Rourke who sadly died, suddenly last Monday.
The home side were soon on the attack with the blustery wind behind them and the front two of Gavin Salmon and Daniel Douglas-Pringle were prominent for the home side but the Quorn back line defended well, none more so than debutant goalkeeper Ben Steans whose confident handling under difficult conditions rescued his side on more than one occasion. Russell Peel too made a couple of timely interventions to help keep the score sheet blank at half time.
The second half began with the home side again in the ascendency but Quorn showed resolute defending before the introduction of Jenkins and Wood began to turn the tide and with the industry of Brett Darby and Ryan North, Quorn began to get on top and when Jenkins received the ball deep in the Woodley half, He cleverly beat his marker before turning inside and picking his spot in the far corner to beat Ben Connett the home keeper, from just outside the box.
Quorn nearly doubled their lead before Woodley's Salmon brought out the save of the match from Steans, diving low to his left to keep out the strikers goal bound effort to ensure Quorn went through to the next round.
Given the depleted side, Quorn defended well as a unit and the back four were outstanding but my MOTM goes to Ben Steans for a superb debut performance, showing no nerves and producing some excellent saves to thwart the lively Woodley attack.
Shepshed Dynamo 4-0 Quorn FC (30/09/08) UNI CUP
With both teams fielding under strength sides this game was never going to be a classic and it was the home side who showed superior strength in depth to coast to a comprehensive 4-0 victory with Quorn only showing fleeting glimpses of form, a fifteen minute spell before half time being the best of the game without looking like penetrating the robust defence of the home side.
Quorn gave first team debuts to goalkeeper Gurminder Aujla, Cameron Keast in the heart of the defence and Ashley Robinson in midfield with Tom Byrne and Liam Turner getting rare starts. Rhys Powell opened the scoring after 5 minutes, tucking home from the edge of the box following Lheureux Menga's effort which struck the upright. Quorn responded but were unable to seriously threaten Gavin Saxby in the home goal, Justin Jenkins going closest with a header from a Byrne cross.
The home side were pegged back as the half wore on but just before the break a beautifully flighted free kick by Powell was met with a bullet header by Menga to give Aujla no chance to give the home side a 2 goal half-time advantage. 6 minutes after the break the game was virtually over as Sam Saunders netted following a corner and the same player completed Quorn's miserable night 15 minutes from the end with his 2nd when Aujla misjudged a cross.
Tom Byrne was lively all game for Quorn but I give my MOTM to Shepshed's Rhys Powell.
Glapwell 3-1 Quorn FC (20/09/08)
With Tuesday's hat-trick hero Liam Hearn departing for pastures new, Quorn brought back Justin Jenkins after his suspension in an otherwise unchanged line-up for the first ever visit to newly promoted Glapwell. Before the game both sides lined up to applaud onto the field Glapwell goalkeeper Neil West, who was making his 200th appearance for the Derbyshire side, and after the game He was presented with a commerative plaque for his outstanding achievement in this day and age of players yo-yoing to and fro for the highest bidder.
Jenkins was soon in action releasing Brett Darby whose great cross found Robbie Beard totally unmarked at the far post with time to pick his spot, however his “air " shot resulting in his trailing leg knocking the ball to safety, a bad miss at this level. Sam Wood and Darby combined to release Beard on the left and his near post cross was gathered by West off the toes of Jenkins.
A miss placed ball put the home side clear on the left but Rory Squire read the situation well and cleared the danger, from the resulting long throw the home side took the lead with Aaron Shelley reacting well to prod home the flick on from Ian Brown. A promising move by Quorn was halted when Beard wanted too much time to release the ball and was crowded out by the Glapwell defence. Not having learned their lesson, another long throw put Quorn in trouble but Sean Bowles at full stretch palmed the ball away to rescue his side.
When Wood was brought down, Darby's free kick found the head of Squire who headed across to Paul White but the ball hung in the air and he couldn't strike before being crowded out. A long ball caught out Quorn but Adam Wigley did well to hold up Glapwell before an excellent challenge by Russell Peel completed the clearance. Wood and Darby combined to almost put in Jenkins but West was out bravely to save at his feet. Again the influential Wood was brought down after neatly slipping his marker and from the resulting free kick Wigley fired past the wall to bring an excellent diving save by West.
At the other end Neil Grayson found himself unmarked but screwed his shot wide when well placed, moments later Bowles's poor attempted clearance fell to Grayson again but his first time effort was well wide of the mark. An excellent cross by Darby was equally well held by West just before the break. Ryan North was replaced at the break by Tom Byrne but it was the home side that had the ball in the net only for Grayson to be adjudged offside.
Grayson shot well wide from a pass by Brown following another long throw. Wood's neat turn and 1-2 with Beard resulting in the Quorn no 8 having his shot from distance deflected for a corner just past the post. Play was pretty even but the Home side went further ahead when Joe Shaw got the wrong side of Brown who advanced unchallenged into the box before neatly sliding home low down past an advancing Bowles. Quorn responded and Beard's chipped cross was met by Jenkins but his dipping header was clawed to safety by West. In an effort to rescue something out of the game Quorn brought on an extra attacker, with Liam Turner on for Shaw.
Wood put White clear on the left but his poor cross was easily gathered by West who set up another Glapwell attack. Quorn were stretched at the back and Michael Fox exploited the space created by Shaw's absence and his low cross eluded everyone before falling to Grayson who made no mistake from 12 yards with 25 minutes remaining. Quorn took the game to Glapwell who may have settled for the 3 nil but Quorn did look the better of the two sides in the last quarter of the game, with several crosses raining in but the home defence held firm. From a White corner Squire brought out a good save by West who tipped over acrobatically before Grayson was adjudged offside again at the other end.
With 15 mins remaining Quorn did pull one back, Jenkins heading home powerfully from Darby's free kick giving west no chance and spoiling his chance of a clean sheet. James Peryer replaced White in the last throw of the dice and Wood combined with Beard, with the cross that Jenkins met with a scissor kick attempt that West gathered comfortably. In the dying moments Peryer found Jenkins with a good ball and the no 9 crossed well but the home defence were resolute to the end.
MOTM contenders, I thought Sam Wood was outstanding for Quorn throughout but I will have to give it to Glapwells veteran keeper Neil West, not just for his 200 appearances but also for a solid all round commanding performance between the sticks and although he was not particularly overworked, what he had to do he did very well.
Quorn FC 3-1 Spalding United (16/09/08)
Quorn's revival continued with a fourth consecutive league victory against a Spalding side who themselves were enjoying a good start to the season after last years struggle for survival. Quorn made one change with Joe Shaw coming back in at full back in place of the unavailable Anthony Marriott.
The visitors started slowly and Brett Darby was causing problems with some early crosses that gave chances to Robbie Beard and Paul White but Luke McShane the Spalding keeper did well to keep the score sheet blank. Liam Hearn outpaced his marker and cut inside, then laid a perfect ball across to an unmarked Paul White who struck first time but it was too close to McShane who pulled off a fine reflex save.
Spalding responded when a brilliant cross by Paul Tocco looked to be going to the head of Kevin Ward but Russell Peel made a superb intervention to save his side. Hearn was causing Spalding all sorts of problems with his pace and when Shaw laid a ball down the line the Quorn striker took it in his stride cut inside and curled his shot inside the far post to give McShane no chance from 15 yards. Hearn was in determined mood and was rampaging through the visitors defence with Sam Wood prompting from midfield the visitors were kept on the back foot. On 27 mins Hearn scored a superb second for Quorn this time from the left hand side collecting a ball from Peel, cutting inside and curling a tremendous shot in the top corner again leaving McShane helpless.
Wood then played a great ball to Beard who swivelled and shot from just inside the box but his well struck effort flew just over the bar. Adam Wigley went on a run and tried to release Hearn but his pass just had too much pace. At the other end Ricky Miller had a great chance but snatched at his shot and scuffed it wide. Darby found Hearn, who teed up Ryan North but his shot was always rising and cleared the bar. Former Quorn player Lewis Allen on as an early substitute for Spalding picked out Daniel French with a good ball and the no 11 played it inside to an unmarked Tocco who wasted no time in despatching his left foot shot past Sean Bowles to reduce the arrears 10 mins before the break.
White was next to go close for Quorn when he cut inside and tried to chip McShane but he was alert to the danger and made a comfortable save. Beard then picked White out again with a cross field ball but again he cut inside to release his shot that Mcshane was equal too. Tocco and Miller were lively and caused the Quorn defence one or two anxious moments. Spalding started stronger in the 2nd half and should have equalised when the ever dangerous Tocco was tripped just inside the box by Rory Squire only for Bowles to make a great save from Miller's spot kick.
Their was plenty of end to end action without the end product with the best chance falling to White after a move involving Beard but his tame shot was easily collected by McShane. Miller and Tocco were still causing problems for Quorn but Peel and Shaw were covering well behind Squire and Wigley. When Darby's neat header to Hearn was laid back to Peel, McShane looked vulnerable but the Quorn left back shot tamely and the keeper again held comfortably.
A good move down the left ended with what appeared to be the equaliser as the ball nestled in the back of the net from a shot by French but the eagle eyed linesman spotted that the side netting had come loose and the ball entered the net through that route with Bowles having the near post covered, the net was reattached and Bowles took the goal kick.
Quorn responded to the "escape” and Shaw played a good ball to Wood who in turn found Hearn with a great pass and the Quorn talisman struck a fine shot that just went past the far post. Darby then linked up with Shaw to give Hearn another shooting opportunity this time just going past the other upright. Allen from distance tested Bowles's alertness but he was equal to the task before another goal bound effort from Hearn was blocked at the expense of a corner.
Tocco continued to cause problems at the other end, one whipped in cross from the right skimmed the top of the crossbar and another effort was well saved by Bowles. A fine move involving substitute Tom Byrne and Darby resulting in Hearn laying on a great chance for Liam Turner, on for Beard, but his effort produced another fine reflex save from McShane to keep his side in the game.
Shaw made a fine intervention when danger threatened and from the resulting corner Steve Julian rose highest but couldn't keep his header down. Byrne then played a great 1-2 with Darby and when the cross came in, Hearn was on hand to seal the game and complete his Hat -trick with a fine finish with 2 mins of normal time remaining. A fine interception and great ball by Wood released Hearn again but his shot from outside the box was off target.
Some anxious moments for Quorn mainly involving the impressive Tocco but a deserved victory never the less, with a good all round team performance led by man of the match Liam Hearn.
Goole AFC 2-3 Quorn FC (13/09/08)
For the first time this season Quorn were unchanged for the trip to Goole, who like Quorn have had an indifferent start to the season but with both teams having good midweek victories the scene was set for an intriguing encounter.
Both sides began in nervous fashion but it was the home side that settled first when a long throw caught the Quorn defence napping and Adam Lee rose unchallenged at the far post to head past Sean Bowles with just 7 minutes on the clock. 3 mins later Lee again broke free and controlled the high ball superbly before firing his shot from just outside the box which was deflected but Bowles read it well and tipped round for a corner, the keeper was relieved after dropping the cross and Russell Peel was first to react and swept the ball clear.
Quorn responded with Peel in the action again finding Robbie Beard who linked well with Paul White to set up a shooting chance for Liam Hearn, his deflected effort was well saved by Craig Parry. Another quick break saw Brett Darby put Hearn through but was adjudged to be offside. Darby then forced a corner on the right and when his cross came in Rory Squire flicked to Adam Wigley, his effort was blocked but Sam Wood was on hand to smash the ball home for the equaliser on 22 minutes.
Goole replied when Karl Rose broke free but needed too much time to get his shot off and was closed down and the danger passed. Quorn were lucky moments later when Nick Barker had a shooting chance but he miscued his effort wide of the mark. Hearn beat the offside trap to race clear but was beaten by an uneven bounce and Parry was relieved to make the save. The home side didn't learn and again Hearn raced clear to collect a ball from Anthony Marriott, this time he made no mistake to give Quorn the lead sliding past the advancing Parry just after the half hour mark.
Paul White released Hearn 2 mins later and this time Parry made a good save but Peel, following up fired home to put Quorn in command. Moments later Hearn again latched onto a through ball but as he was about to shoot David Henry got back to block the effort at the expense of a corner. Quorn attacked and will and Peel's deep cross was just over the bar. Hearn yet again broke free but just as he shot the ball bobbled and screwed his effort wide.
Quorn's defence was caught flat footed again 3 minutes before the break when Lee strode through the middle to fire past Bowles to get his and Goole's 2nd to give an unlikely half-time score. The 2nd half saw both sides penalised frequently for a lot of niggling fouls that interrupted the flow of the game. White had a good run down the left, outpacing his marker before teeing up Beard, whose first time effort was brilliantly tipped over by Parry.
A deep free-kick by the home side caused concern but Lee's miss control saw the ball drift harmlessly for a goal kick. Hearn raced clear and had his effort blocked yet again, Darby following up had his shot blocked before the ball rebounded to White who fired just wide. The stoppages continued and play became a little scrappy before Goole applied a bit of pressure without ever threatening Bowles.
Tom Byrne came on for Quorn and was fouled as he broke clear but kept his feet to advance and when challenged again the ball broke to an unmarked Hearn, before he could shoot the Referee brought play back for the original foul. A long throw in by Goole caused problems but Bowles took superbly to thwart the danger.
Lee broke for the home side but Wigley conceded a corner which fell to substitute Adam Pollock his superb strike was matched by Peel's clearance off the line with Bowles beaten. This let off woke Quorn and Hearn again raced clear but as Parry advanced the young striker shot over him but cleared the bar in the process. A win's a win but this display didn't have the same all round quality as the previous 2 victories this week but all in all a great 8 days.
MOTM for Quorn the impressive Hearn, despite not having the best of finishing days and for Goole I pick out their no 9 Adam Lee.
Gresley Rovers 1-2 Quorn FC (09/09/08)
Following on from Saturday's improved performance, Quorn thoroughly deserved their victory at Gresley Rovers last night despite the narrowness of the score line. Robbie Beard started up front; Adam Wigley passed a late fitness test and partnered Rory Squire in the centre of defence. With Adam Hart and Justin Jenkins suspended and Joe Shaw still sidelined, Liam Turner, Nick Goold and James Peryer were added to the squad.
In a lively first half both sides were inventive in midfield but both defences coped well and real chances were few and far between. Liam Hearn struck a post with snap shot after good work by Russell Peel. Paul White crossed for Brett Darby to try his luck but former Quorn custodian Nicky Scaife saved well. At the other end a fine run by Micky Lyons ended when he lost his footing in the box, with the Referee subsequently showing him a yellow card which seemed a bit harsh. Gresley nearly took a surprise lead when Bowles misjudged a corner but was spared his blushes when the ball was hooked to safety.
Just before the break Peel found Hearn with a fine ball and the young striker cut inside and blasted a shot that beat Scaife all ends up but rebounded off the crossbar and was eventually cleared. Quorn started the 2nd half the brighter and a good run by White gave Sam Wood a shooting chance but his effort fizzed past the far post. Another fine ball by Peel found Hearn in space and he was denied the goal he deserved with the crossbar coming to Gresley's rescue again.
Quorn deservedly took the lead 20 minutes into the half, although it was an error by Scaife, misjudging Peel's deep cross and Darby kept his cool to steer his header over the line. The home side appeared to lose their shape and Quorn dominated proceedings and increased their lead on 67 mins and what a goal it was, Darby's corner found Ryan North whose low cross was met first time by Wigley who thundered a 25 yarder into the top corner giving Scaife absolutely no chance, a tremendous strike by anyone's standards.
Beard seized upon a poor back pass and was brought down from behind in the box and the Referee amazingly awarded a corner. Hearn and Darby again went close before a fortunate rebound fell to skipper Carl Slater but his first effort was saved by Bowles and his follow up goal bound effort was blocked by Quorn skipper Squire. At the other end Wood from distance was not far away and a good move involving Beard and North gave Hearn another opportunity but Scaife atoned for his earlier error by producing a fine save.
In the final 10 minutes Gresley had their best spell but the Quorn rearguard were resolute in their defending and just as it looked like Bowles would keep a clean sheet he wanted too much time to make a routine clearance and substitute Kevin Lock charged his clearance down and rolled the ball into an empty net from a tight angle on 90 minutes.
A fine all round team performance but my MOTM goes to Russell Peel, a fine display in defence and attack.
Quorn FC 4-1 Stamford (06/09/08)
Quorn's best performance of the season probably coincided with Stamford's worst, but with several key players back to something like their best, the decision to go ahead with the game despite the continued heavy rain, gave the home supporters something to cheer at last. Anthony Marriott came in for the injured Joe Shaw and likewise Russell Peel replaced Adam Wigley. Sam Wood also returned following a 3 match spell on the sidelines.
Wood was soon in the game threading a fine ball to release Liam Hearn and his cross to the near post was nearly tucked home by Paul White but Shaun Pearson managed to block the effort and cleared the danger. Stamford replied when former Quorn player Chris Goodman laid back to Tyrone Kirk but the no 11 hit his shot just past the near post.
Nick Hawkins found Sam Wood and he played a fine ball to send Hearn through but Martin Davies in the visiting goal made a fine save to his left to thwart the Quorn striker. A snapshot by Kirk brought Sean Bowles into action but the home keeper was equal to the task. Hearn's pace down the left gave him a shooting chance but his effort went just over.
Peel made a fine interception before slipping the ball to Hawkins and his effort from outside the box wasn't far away. 0n 23 minutes Quorn took a deserved lead when Wood won the ball and quickly released Hearn, who strode on and planted his shot just inside the far post. The visitors replied when a dangerous run through the middle by Phil Stebbing was halted by Adam Hart at the expense of a corner, shortly after a great cross by Daniel Cotton found the unmarked Stebbing but his slight miss-control on the greasy surface allowed the home defence to crowd him out.
When Hearn was tripped 25 yards out, Hawkins tried his luck but the deflection off the wall wasn't enough to cause Davies problems but moments later Peel's long ball sent Hearn clear and a defenders push from behind probably did enough to put the young striker off and although he still managed to get his shot off Davies got down well to smother.
Hearn again outpaced his marker but Ross Watson got back to make a fine block tackle. The 2nd half started with the visitors taking the game to Quorn with the ever dangerous Stebbing constantly involved and more than once was close to the equaliser, with Cotton also going close. Quorn responded with a Brett Darby volley that was just wide but soon after Wood freed Darby, who in turn fed Hearn and although Davies did well to parry his shot, White was on hand to head over the line to put Quorn 2 up. Hearn was enjoying more and more freedom and his pace was causing all sorts of problems for Stamford. Bowles was nearly caught out when his miscued clearance was knocked back first time by Kirk but it drifted harmlessly away from goal.
Stebbing continued to cause problems with no reward and once or twice showed his frustration. Hearn was having no such problems and just on the hour settled the game with a fine solo goal after picking up a loose ball, eluding a desperate challenge and drilling home past Davies from 15 yards. With effectively the game over, gaps appeared and Quorn attacked at will, with Darby having 2 blocked shots and White having a third that was put behind all in a matter of seconds before the goal of the game when a cross from the right was chip-volleyed on the run by Wood that sailed past a helpless Davies to give Quorn an unassailable 4 nil lead with still 25 mins to play.
Hearn and Hawkins both had strikes that went narrowly wide, in reply Robert White shot from distance and his well struck effort was not far away but the best chance fell to substitute Danny Steadman from Watson's cross, but he couldn't direct his far post header on target. Quorn had made a couple of substitutions with Robbie Beard and Nick Goold replacing Hearn and Hawkins and it was Goold who put over a good cross that White laid back for Wood to strike first time but his goal bound effort was deflected out of harms way.
Bowles took his eye off the ball to miss handle a cross but gratefully retrieved the ball before it crossed the line. Substitute Tom Byrne nearly scored with his first touch but his volley was just wide before in the ninetieth minute a free kick some 30 yards out was laid square to Watson who struck his shot well but a wicked deflection sent the ball the other way past a stranded Bowles to give the visitors a consolation goal.
Quorn were well worth their victory with very good performances by Sam Wood, Nick Hawkins and Anthony Marriott but my M.O.T.M. goes to Liam Hearn.
Atherstone Town 1-0 Quorn FC (30/08/08) FA CUP Prelim
Quorn's miserable run continued in the FA Cup, losing away at promoted Atherstone Town. Tom Byrne made his first start of the season and Paul White returned after missing the last two games.
The home side forced a couple of early corners with Luke Barlone unable to keep his header down from the second and Quorn survived. White had a shooting chance but wanted too much time and the home defence shut him out. Justin Jenkins had a header from close in but was stretching and Richard Williams the home keeper held well.
A long ball by Nick Hawkins picked out Byrne in space but failed to control the ball and the defender had time to make the clearance. Quorn survived a penalty appeal when it looked like Adam Hart had pushed the home no 9 Barlone but the referee who was well placed waived play on, shortly after, a miss kick gave an opportunity to Tom Bates but the Adders no 11 shot wildly over. A good move started by Ryan North who released Byrne to cross to Jenkins, who teed up White but again he wanted too much time and the chance had gone.
After the restart a white corner was met by Hawkins but his header went over the bar. Sean Bowles's long clearance set Liam Hearn clear but his effort was always rising over the bar. A deep cross at the other end caused concern but Bowles made a good clean catch. Hawkins won a free kick and White got in a shot but it lacked the power to beat Williams. Atherstone replied when substitute James Dance sent in a dangerous cross that eluded everyone, Bates did retrieve but his effort didn't trouble Bowles who held comfortably.
Byrne went close in a similar situation and the balance of play was switching from end to end but generally with both defences in command. Brett Darby was doing the prompting for Quorn but Chris Tullin the home skipper had a great chance to put his side ahead from a cross by Leighton Simmonds but his header was just wide off the target and moments later another deep cross had Quorn in trouble but Joe Shaw saved the day at the expense of a corner.
Darby freed Hawkins on the right and his near post cross-cum shot appeared to hit the post but Williams in saving the shot collided with the post and received a nasty bump on the head and although initially carried on, moments later worryingly collapsed near the penalty spot and was carried off after a long stoppage, thankfully He appeared to have recovered before the end of the game.
The long stoppage appeared to have sent Quorn to sleep as the defence was caught wide open on several occasions before Bates finally put in a telling cross that Barlone met, to steer his header past Bowles to put the home side ahead with 15 minutes remaining. Quorn's performance deteriorated and twice Barlone had chances to seal it before Darby combined with Hawkins and Hearn but Atherstone were in no mood to surrender their lead and the chance was snuffed out.
The home side just about deserved their win but the Quorn performance was again below par. MOTM goes to the goal scorer Luke Barlone.
Quorn FC 1-3 Loughborough Dynamo (25/08/08)
Quorn made 1 change from the defeat at Sheffield, bringing back skipper Rory Squire at the expense of Russell Peel who dropped down to the bench.
Quorn had the better of the early exchanges but the resolute Dynamo back line held firm and the first real strike on goal was when Brett Darby picked up a rebound but fired over the bar. Darby fed by Ryan North then flicked on for Justin Jenkins but the home no 9 was just offside. With Quorn pressing, an error in midfield allowed Loughborough to advance and Liam Fitzpatrick strode forward to finish in style to give his side the lead on 20 mins.
This gave the visitors confidence and With Karl Noble finding space and time to spray passes left and right they looked to add to their lead but it was Quorn who scored following Darby's one -two with Joe Shaw, the Quorn no7 drove a fine shot into the top corner to give Matt Nurse no chance on 25 mins. Quorn began to pressure the visiting defence but Danny Gibbons and Jake Betts were equal to the task.
Just before the break Nick Hawkins freed Liam Hearn who cut inside but couldn't keep his shot down and Luke Plummer's run infield gave Kris Nurse a shooting opportunity but he too failed to trouble the keeper. After the break Quorn began to get on top and a Jenkins strike from just outside the box brought a fine diving stop by Nurse at the expense of a corner which was headed over by Hawkins.
A fortunate deflection off the referee gave Leon Doughty a shooting opportunity but his effort lacked the power to trouble Nurse who was equally comfortable dealing with Hearn's low drive after the Quorn striker's sharp turn gave him the chance. The same player then struck his shot well wide from distance. Jenkins looked to break but Betts was alert and Nurse completed the clearance. Adam Wigley then released Hearn but again Nurse fielded comfortably, but the closest either side came to scoring was at the other end when Fitzpatrick found himself unmarked but the young strikers effort was brilliantly parried one -handed by Sean Bowles to keep the scores level.
Quorn responded when Hawkins found Hearn who laid back to North but again no power to trouble Nurse. Quorn were caught out and Callum Ross knocked a rebound towards an empty net only for it to strike Adam Hart on the arm, the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot but compounded Quorn's misery when he produced a red card to dismiss the Quorn no 5. A very harsh decision as it was obviously a case of ball to hand but in saying that it would have been an injustice to the visitors not to award the penalty as the shot was clearly going in.
Kris Nurse's spot kick was brilliantly parried by Bowles but Karl Noble was first to the loose ball and fired home. Quorn's reshuffle gave the visitors the upper hand and Ross went close to increasing his side's advantage. Jenkins won a ball to set up Hearn but his effort was blocked before Peel gave Hearn another shooting opportunity but again his strike lacked power. Shots from distance by Hawkins and at the other end by Nurse lacked direction to cause either keeper any problems. Hearn broke free but Betts recovered to save the day before the visitors broke at the other end with Ross feeding Nurse who like Hearn was having plenty of shooting opportunities but failing to find the target.
A Hawkin's free kick just outside the box gave Nurse no cause for concern before Jenkins was dismissed for foul language, showing his frustration. Loughborough rapped up the game in the 89th minute when an overstretched Quorn defence left room for substitute Eugene Francis to advance and a cool finish gave the exposed Bowles no chance. No doubting the dismissal of Hart diminished Quorn's chances but the visitors work rate and all round team work gave them a deserved three points.
MOTM for me was Danny Gibbons the Loughborough central defender.
Sheffield FC 3-1 Quorn FC (23/08/08)
Quorn travelled to Sheffield minus the services of skipper Rory Squire, Paul White and the injured Sam Wood. Joe Shaw and Russell Peel came in at the back and Justin Jenkins was back in the starting line-up, with Nick Hawkins and Leon Doughty both moved to central midfield.
Quorn started well and Peel put in a deep cross that Leigh Walker in the home goal had to tip over. At the other end Scott Partridge's hurried shot went well wide. Brett Darby and Jenkins combined for the former to whip over a low cross that Walker did well to hang on to.
A Peel challenge in the box gave rise to penalty appeals but the Referee was well placed and was having none of it. A sloppy ball in midfield set the home side on the attack but Adam Wigley read the situation well and blocked Partridge's effort for a fruitless corner. Hawkins was enjoying plenty of the ball and he set up another fine move with Peel feeding Liam Hearn who cut inside and brought a fine save from Walker low down a the near post.
Quorn took a deserved lead on 21 mins when Hawkins found Jenkins with a deft flick and the striker held off the challenge and fired home. Sheffield countered and Steven Woolley jinked his way inside and set up a chance for Michael Goddard but Sean Bowles was in the right place to parry for a corner which came to nothing. A fine ball by Shaw put Darby through but again Walker rescued his side with a fine stop. At the other end Bowles did likewise when Goddard's header was goal bound.
A lengthy stoppage then followed when Adam Hart and Shaw collided and both suffered head injuries, both thankfully carried on after treatment with Hart sporting a “Butcher” type bandage and a change of shirt. Hearn broke down the left and crossed but Greg Wright whipped the ball off the toes of Jenkins to save his side going further behind. Paul Smith went on a cross field run from deep but his shot was deflected over the bar. Peel found Jenkins but his first time effort went wide.
Woolley's free-kick found Gavin Smith completely unmarked but totally missed his kick and the chance was gone. Just before the break Goddard went close but Bowles was untroubled. The 2nd half started with Jenkins shooting narrowly wide before Peel's deep cross was well held by Walker. Hearn's run from deep was halted when he was upended in the box but the Referee chose to ignore the challenge and this seemed to spur the home side. Hart broke up a Sheffield attack with a smart intervention but Sheffield had a spell of real pressure with Woolley, Goddard, Partridge and Matthew Outram all going close with last ditch tackles by Wigley and Shaw preventing the equaliser.
A needless free-kick was conceded just outside the box and Paul Smith hammered his shot through the wall but Bowles somehow clawed his effort away inches from the top corner with a magnificent save. Moments later Bowles again came to the rescue, this time with his feet, to deny Gary Townsend. Just as it seemed that Quorn would hang on for the three points 3 goals in the last 5 minutes gave the home side victory.
First, substitute Matthew Roney was allowed to advance from just inside the half, before firing home a shot from just inside the box. In a rare Quorn attack Hearn set up substitute Anthony Marriott but his first time effort sailed over. Bowles held a cross well but his poor throw failed to reach substitute Tom Byrne and Roney reacted to cross, Wigley's challenge on Partridge was deemed a foul by the Referee, to the Quorn defenders amazement and Paul Smith stepped up to fire the penalty past Bowles.
Quorn, shell-shocked, went in search of the equaliser but left gaps and again Roney was allowed to advance from a deep position before firing past Bowles from 12 yards. Disappointing to lose late on, but a much improved performance against a side that will be up there at the end of the season.
Several very good performances by Quorn players but my M.O.T.M. goes to Sheffield sub Matthew Roney - 2 goals and a hand in the other all in 5 minutes.
Shepshed Dynamo 2-0 Quorn FC (19/08/08)
A below par performance by a disjointed Quorn team left little to enthuse about and although the home supporters went home happy with the result, for the neutral purists the game was a sub-standard affair.
Quorn started the brighter but the first real chance of the game fell to the home side with a break down the left, a good cross, met first time by Shane Benjamin but the ball rebounded off the inside of the post into the grateful arms of Sean Bowles. Liam Hearn and nick Hawkins had on goal that Gary Hateley held comfortably and at the other end a glaring miss hit by Lheureaux Menga kept the score sheet blank.
Quorn's cause wasn't helped by the injury sustained by Sam wood, he limped off after 18 mins to be replaced by Anthony Marriott. Shepshed opened the scoring on 41 minutes when a terrible back pass from near the halfway line went astray and caught out the Quorn defence and Benjamin despatched the resulting chance to put his side in front.
Individually Quorn's players tried to respond but the cohesion and the passing game was lacking and Shepshed tactics and all round teamwork made for a fairly comfortable night for the home rearguard and it was no surprise when the lively Benjamin put Shepshed further ahead 4 minutes after the break. Liam Hearn brought the beat out of Hateley and again the keeper was alert to a well struck effort by Marriott. Better finishing by Shepshed might have given a more embarrassing score line but Shepshed were good value for their win.
For Quorn the pick of the side for me was a usual solid performance from skipper Rory Squire but my MOTM was the Shepshed no 2 Ricky Hanson with a polished performance.
Quorn FC 2 - 2 Leek Town (16/08/08)
Quorn began the new season with a patchy performance against relegated leek town who fielded a much changed line-up from last season. Quorn gave debuts to Leon Doughty, Adam hart, Sam Wood and Robbie Beard with Nick Hawkins starting from the bench.
It was the visitors who first went close with Charlie Neil holding off a challenge to fire past the post, Quorn replied with doughty's long range effort over the bar. A superb flick by wood put Liam Hearn through on the left but his effort from just outside the box went wide of the near post. Quorn forced a corner and Paul Whites cross was met by wood but Richard Froggatt produced a flying save to deny the former leek player.
The visitors took the lead when Richard Bailey played a 1-2 before going on unchallenged to fire home off the post. Hearn forced a corner on the left and skipper Rory Squires near post flick on was met by hart who powered home his header after 24 mins, the leek skipper looked to be badly hurt in a challenge but after lengthy treatment continued but was replaced soon after.
Beard's cross should have produced a 2nd goal but Ryan North failed to connect and the chance went begging. A defensive slip nearly let in Neil again but Sean Bowles was alert to the danger. At the other end a deep cross by doughty was well held at the far post by Froggatt under pressure. Hearn set up a chance for beard to volley but Frogatt's diving save kept the scores level and again before the break denied squire after another corner.
Hearn was the first to show 2nd half but his shot lacked the power to trouble Froggatt. White combined with Hearn to give Darby chance but his well struck shot fizzed past the post. Leek had a brief spell of pressure but Quorn defended well and gradually got on top. A high ball by doughty caught out the leek defence and Hearn got on the end of it but miscued his shot and Froggatt saved comfortably.
Darby picked up a loose ball and fed Hearn again but his shot was blocked and from the resulting corner squire headed back across the face off the goal but leek survived. 5 minutes from the end Quorn took the lead, following another corner hart found white who laid back to Hawkins and his drive was adjudged to have crossed the line before Froggatt saved, palming the ball away to squire whose effort also appeared to cross the line in a goalmouth scramble that also saw wood claiming the goal.
The referee's assistant confirmed later that he awarded a goal for the first strike and Hawkins celebrated his first goal for Quorn. Moments later however, the lead was short-lived as a needless free kick just outside the box was struck well by substitute Steve Brannan but a deflection off a Quorn defender left Bowles stranded and the scores were level. Leek celebrated as Quorn were left to rue the missed chances and the loss of two points.
My MOTM goes to Sam Wood.
Quorn FC 4-8 Leicester City (24/07/2009) Pre-season friendly
The Foxes named a young starting line-up at Sutton Park and almost fell behind on 3 mins, but Luke O'Neil was on hand to clear Brett Darby's volley. A poor kick by keeper Michael Payne gifted Leicester the lead on 9 mins, when trialist Milos Malenovic charged the ball down and watched as the ball looped over the keeper into an empty net.
Reneil Stapleton and Levi Porter both came close to doubling the advantage before a misjudged cross by Alex Cisak allowed Justin Jenkins to swivell and turn and blast the ball home in the 12th min.
Porter capped a mazy run five minutes later by picking out Stapleton inside the area who then restored City's lead when, once again, the shot was deflected of a foot and looped over the keeper into the net. Stapleton then turned provider when his through ball found Eric Odhiambo, who slotted the ball underneath the advancing keeper to make it 3-1.
Andy King was then adjudged to have been brought down by Michael Payne inside the area, and Stapleton lashed his penalty kick into the bottom right hand corner to make it 4-1. Porters second assist of the night came in the 35th min when he teed up King whose volley from just outside the box drifted into the far corner of Michael Paynes goal. Stapleton completed his hat-trick in the 37th min before King grabbed his second after connecting with a cross from O'Neil to send Leicester 7-1 in at the break.
Quorn reduced the deficit on 60 mins when Liam Hearn broke free and held off the defenders challenge before rolling the ball past the keeper for 2-7. Two minutes later Leicester were again in the goals as Porter found Billy McKay who finished from 6 yards.
Quorn then made a real game of it with Liam Hearn again on the score sheet as he brought down a cross field ball held off the defenders once again and jinked the ball past the keeper on 63 mins. Liam Turner then found himself with back to goal and the ball about to be cleared when he flicked out his foot and back heeled the ball passed a bemused Foxes keeper on 69 mins. Quorn had several chances to reduce the deficit even more, but being so far down at half time was always going to be a hard battle.
Thank you to Gerry Taggart, who allowed me some photos with the team and to the Leicester players, staff and supporters who behaved again so well and made for such an entertaining and enjoyable match.
Match report taken from Leicester City web site, with a few changes.
Quorn FC 1 -3 Alfreton Town (18/07/08) Pre-season friendly
Alfreton fielded a near full strength side and the conference north side nearly took an early lead but Sean Bowles rescued Quorn with a magnificent save to deny Leo Fortune-West, but with Brett Darby prompting and linking well with Liam Hearn it was Quorn who took the lead on 10 mins when Liam Turner finished well after a great ball by Hearn.
The visitors equalised through Paul Clayton 10 mins later, but a fairly even 1st half ended all square with Sam Wood and Adam Hart having solid starts in their Debuts for Quorn. The 2nd half saw Alfreton step up a gear and despite some good defending it was no surprise when Clayton poked home his 2nd following a corner.
Rory Squire did well to head out a dangerous looking cross from the right but the ball reached Josh Law who first time smashed a volley off the underside of the bar giving Bowles no chance on the hour mark. A flurry of substitutions disrupted the flow of the game and the final score finished 3-1 to the visitors in a very entertaining game.
Quorn FC 1-4 Crewe Alexandra (14/0708) Pre-season friendly
Despite the heavy score line, Quorn FC played their part in an entertaining first pre-season game at Sutton Park.
Quorn on this night, were no match for the lively Crewe youngsters who sported a good deal of first teamers in their starting 11, but manager Gavin O'Toole will be satisfied with some performances of new faces trying to find their feet with their new club.
Justin Jenkins scored Quorn's goal on the night.
Thanks too for the Crewe supporters who were a credit to their club.
^^ top ^^