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Hinckley United 4 Quorn 5 (12/05/11)
Quorn win Westerby Cup
Quorn had nearly a full squad to choose from for this Westerby Cup Final at the Walkers Stadium, only the injured Jay Smedley and the Cup-tied Andy Almond were unavailable. Kris Nurse and Kris Mathews were both fit enough to take their places in the starting eleven. The Conference North side were soon in their stride and from a left wing cross, Jermaine Clarke went close and only e reflex stop by Matt Nurse prevented the opener. Quorn responded but were thwarted before reaching the danger zone and Hinckley went back on the attack. A defensive error just outside the box set up Clarke who made no mistake to put his side ahead after just 8 minutes.
Quorn responded immediately and Sam Wood freed Nurse in on goal, his effort was brilliantly parried by Keeper Ian Deakin but Tom Byrne fired superbly into the roof of the net from the rebound. Ash Robinson then picked out the run of Byrne who looked to have gone clear but a great recovery tackle by Arthur Lee halted the danger at the expense of a corner, which Wood delivered and from the partial clearance the same player fired his cross just wide. Quorn then went ahead in bizarre circumstances as Deakin’s goal-kick struck a defender and rebounded to Liam Turner who gladly accepted the gift to fire past the bemused keeper.
This shock reversal fired Hinckley to respond and a minute later they were level, Quorn’s defence caught sleeping as James Reid stole in to fire past Nurse from close range with just a mere 14 minutes on the clock. The flurry of activity continued with first Nurse just caught offside before at the other end Clarke too was halted by the Assistants flag. Nurse then fired over when well placed after more good work by Wood. Byrne then won possession just inside his half and broke down Quorn’s left but his cross was hurriedly cleared at the near post.
Quorn regained the lead again and again it was Wood the architect, his fine ball splitting the Hinckley rear-guard for Byrne to race clear and finish with aplomb past a stranded Deakin. The lead was again short lived with poor marking again evident as a simple cross was allowed to reach the unmarked Andre Gray who swept past Nurse with ease, 3-3 with just over half an hour gone saw both sets of supporters bemused by the events at both ends. The game then went comparatively quiet, Nurse off target after good work by Turner and the same player then fired high and wide after Mathews’ surge from deep saw him set up the number 9.
After the break it was Quorn who showed first, Turner doing well before crossing into the box a defenders miss-control saw Byrne nip in to steal the ball before being upended but the Referee waived away Quorn’s appeals. Sam Belcher replied for Hinckley but Anthony Marriott made a superb intervention to deny the no 8. Three minutes after the break Quorn again took the lead , Chris Gray and Wood instrumental as the latter’s delightful ball picked up Robinson’s run and he raced clear to fire past Deakin, giving the keeper no chance. Quorn looked to have learnt their lesson and protected their slender advantage but the action was never the less sustained.
Lloyd Kerry fired tamely wide on a couple of occasions and a Reid free-kick cleared the bar with Nurse keeping a watchful eye. The keeper then made a fine save but the flag had already been raised for offside. Gray then had a chance following a great run by Byrne, his cross reaching his skipper slightly off balance and he missed his kick. A defensive error put Quorn in trouble but Rob Lyall retrieved the situation with a timely intervention. Mathews then did likewise to rescue his side following another defensive slip as Hinckley pushed forward in search of the equaliser. Mathews again did well to head clear when under pressure. Hinckley’s Gray then went clear but didn’t make the most of the opportunity. Quorn’s Gray then broke with Nurse 2 on 1 but the defender did well to close the striker down.
Nurse then came to Quorn’s rescue with another fine stop but amazingly another silly error in midfield, surrendering possession before Clarke took over and fired strongly past Nurse to once again level the scores. Hinckley continued to be on top, Nurse having to save with his feet as the Conference North side began to sense victory was in their grasp. Quorn were forced into desperate defending on more than one occasion before suddenly the game turned to the other end, Nurse having a couple of half chances which eluded him and Byrne also nearly took advantage of sloppy defending. Marriott linked well with Robinson, who fired over his cross and Deakin did well to take as Turner closed in.
With extra time looming a break by Hinckley saw a deep right wing cross headed over with Nurse comfortably watching the ball clear his bar. Robinson and Gray combined superbly before the former fired in a great shot from distance that Deakin couldn’t hold and Nurse reacted quickest to fire low past the keeper for a deserved goal that his performance, despite his lack of match fitness, deserved. 5-4 in the 88th minute and Quorn were happy to see out the added time to clinch their first victory in this competition. It wouldn’t be fair to pick out a MOTM as every player gave their all in a thoroughly entertaining game that kept the audience captivated throughout.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Marriott, Marshall, Lyall, Mathews, Robinson, Wood, Gray, Nurse, Turner, Byrne.
Subs Buckingham, Easson, Peel, Richards, Shaw.
Rushall Olympic 0 Quorn 1 (25/04/11)
Quorn end on a high
With the “Pics” already assured of a play-off spot, they took the opportunity to rest a few players but Quorn still had it all to do with the players coming in all having a point to prove and try and stake a claim for a semi-final place. Quorn, with Shawn Richards in for skipper Chris Gray, had the better of the opening exchanges , Sam Wood going close after good work by Andy Almond and another fine move saw Tom Byrne evade his marker before stinging the hands of Chris Gemmell but the keeper hung on well. Sandwiched in between was a good run at the other end by Danny Lennon that was thwarted by Kris Mathews and Matt Nurse who gathered cleanly.
The home side forced a succession of corners, that in the main were well defended but Rushall looked to be gaining the upper hand, another break by Lennon threatened danger but Rob Lyall read it superbly and made the clearance. Mathews then went down after an accidental collision and had to be replaced by Joe Shaw who came on at full-back, with Anthony Marriott switching inside. Just after the half hour mark Almond fired narrowly wide after good work by Turner and Byrne. The same player then received the ball in an almost identical position, this time turning well, before firing past Gemmell just inside the far post, six minutes before the break.
The second half began with Quorn exerting a bit of pressure, having three corners in quick succession, Almond going close with a shot from just outside the area . A break by Rushall’s number 11, Anthony Maguire, was broke up by another superb tackle by Lyall before Lennon tested Nurse , who pulled off a fine stop. Quorn broke, through some nice inter- passing by Robinson, Wood and Russell Peel but the move was halted with Turner being fouled close to the touchline level with the edge of the box. Wood fired in a superb free-kick which just scraped the top of the bar. Rushall should have scored when they broke down the left and a fine cross by Maguire saw Gary Fitzpatrick put the ball just by the post from the edge of the six yard box. Quorn soaked up the pressure with Anthony Marriott and MOTM Rob Lyall outstanding in the middle and ran out worthy winners.
With the League campaign over for another season, somewhat disapointingly finishing in fifteenth place, we now look forward to the Westerby Cup Final at the Walkers Stadium on Tuesday the 10th of May, hoping that key players can recover from injury in time to take on Hinckley United fc. The match will kick off at 7-45pm.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Marriott, Marshall, Lyall, Mathews, Robinson, Richards, Wood, Almond, Turner, Byrne.
Subs Peel, Shaw, Smedley.
Quorn 1 Market Drayton Town 1 (23/04/11)
SMS
Quorn entertained Market Drayton Town fc hoping to pick up points following their recent poor spell of results. Andy Almond replaced Kris Nurse in an otherwise unchanged line-up. Quorn soon had the visitors in trouble but it was of their own making as goalkeeper Andrew Spooner made a hash of clearing a back pass and Liam Turner was unfortunate when his stretch to reach the ball threw him off balance and the keeper recovered to claim the ball. Turner then headed down neatly for Tom Byrne, just inside his own half, to try an audacious first time effort with Spooner near to the edge of his box but got back to gather quite comfortably at the finish. At the other end Matt Nurse conceded a corner that was dealt with initially but Michael Koral found himself a bit of space before firing in a terrific shot that went just inside the near post with Nurse having no chance.
Quorn lost the ball immediately from the re-start but the speculative shot from distance was easily gathered by Nurse. A free-kick to Quorn taken by Sam Wood was headed narrowly over by Rob Lyall. Back came the visitors and a free-kick just outside the box from Tom Rogers, forced Nurse to palm the ball away. Turner did well to cross first time and Chris Gray got on the end of it but Spooner got a hand to it and conceded the corner. Wood’s flag kick was headed on and Anthony Marriott controlled well before firing left footed through a crowd of players into the far corner to level the scores with still less than 20 minutes on the clock. A neat interchange of passes between Marriott , Wood and Ash Robinson found Almond, he teed up Byrne but his effort sailed over.
Robinson’s throw was controlled by Kris Mathews but his well struck effort was deflected wide for another corner . Quorn were nearly put in trouble on a few occasions with the assistant on the far side sleeping in the sunshine. Almond then headed into the path of Turner but his first time left foot strike was brilliantly parried by Spooner to prevent Quorn from going ahead. The resulting corner from Wood was headed wide by the soaring Amond. As the half came to an end Rogers broke for the visitors, his cross looked to have set up strike partner Darryl Proffitt but Mathews got in the decisive tackle to end the danger.
The 2nd half was all about ‘one man’ and I use the term loosely ! I’m not even going to sink to his level so let’s say the game ended all square and although Rob Lyall headed a superb “ winner” , the game ended 1-1. The football played by both sides was entertaining and in the right spirit with no trouble what so ever with the players.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Marriott, Marshall, Lyall, Mathews, Gray, Robinson, Wood, Almond, Turner, Byrne.
Subs Peel, Shaw.
Leek Town 1 Quorn 0 (16/04/11)
Another disapointing defeat
Rob Lyall returned to the centre of the Quorn defence, with Anthony Marriott switching to right back, allowing Sam Wood to return to his midfield role. Liam Turner returned to partner Kris Nurse up front with Tom Byrne moving over to the left hand side. It was Quorn who made the early running with Byrne prominent but several promising moves fell apart in the final third and it was the home side, who went closest, with Dan Cope getting on the end of a cross but Matt Nurse reacted to knock the ball away. Wood then had a fine run but his final ball to Turner was just a shade strong and home keeper Dan Roberts was alert to gather.
Byrne’s swerving shot from distance caused Roberts to re-adjust but in the end gathered cleanly, Quorn continued to play the better football but Leek looked the most dangerous in and around the box. Nurse gathered cleanly from a dangerous looking cross before Wood and Chris Gray combined to set up Turner but he hooked his effort on the turn over the bar from close range. Cope tested Nurse from distance but the keeper gathered comfortably, low down. Devon Gibson was allowed to get on the end of a long free kick but fired wide when well placed. At the other end Nurse flicked on to send Byrne clear but the offside flag brought a halt to the opening. Nurse and Turner then combined well to set up Byrne for a strike but Andy Taylor blocked the goal bound effort to save the day.
Another swift attack saw Turner control well before teeing up Nurse but his effort sailed over the bar, Byrne then burst into the box and was upended but the Referee failed to give the decision and soon after Wood drove a 25 yard free kick just over. Leek replied but Ant Malbon’s ambitious strike sailed high and wide. Byrne again burst into the box and quite clearly had his shirt pulled, this time straight in front of the Referee, who again astonishingly, chose to ignore it. Wood then found Nurse but Roberts got his body behind the strike and held well. Quorn were then stretched but Kris Mathews and Lyall combined to shepherd the ball back to Nurse. You got the feeling it wasn’t going to be Quorn’s day when the Referee again waived away Quorn penalty appeals, this time when Turner had his legs taken from under him. The half closed with Malbon firing a snapshot just wide following a knock down on the edge of the box.
Quorn were caught cold as the 2nd half started, an innocuous ball was allowed to reach Gibson who found Cope who tapped past Nurse from close range with the assistant Referee unable to see he was offside. Not so at the other end as Quorn immediately responded, Turner’s knock down was fired home by Wood only for the Assistant to raise his flag to chalk off the reply. To their credit Quorn took the poor decisions in their stride and continued to dominate the game playing the more cultured football with little or no reward. Byrne met Wood’s corner brilliantly, on the volley, only for Roberts to pull off a fine stop. A quick break by Leek saw Cope go close, his shot deflected wide. Turner did well latching onto a defensive error and crossing for Nurse, whose first time effort brought another fine save by Roberts.
Turner then controlled well and instantly freed Nurse but yet again Roberts made the parry. A lapse at the other end saw Malbon close in but Nurse stood tall and blocked the effort. Another poor offside decision by the assistant, unable to keep up with play, saw Leek break clear but Mathews got back to concede the corner. Ash Robinson found Marriott with a fine ball, his cross found the head of Nurse but Roberts was perfectly positioned to gather well. Turner again showed good control before playing in Nurse but his effort lacked the power and Roberts made the stop. Byrne cut in and fired low down and Roberts got down well to gather at the near post.
Cope picked out Malbon with a cross but the number 9 headed well wide. Wood and Gray combined to set up Byrne but his touch was heavy and Roberts gathered the loose ball. A fine run by Byrne and a 1-2 with Nurse ended disappointingly when the wide man lost control. Quorn finished the game still searching for the elusive equaliser with Wood’s cross reaching Nurse but his goal bound header was deflected over.
The news after the game got worse as it turned out that Nurse played the entire game with damaged knee ligaments suffered in the warm up and will be out for the rest of the season at least. For the Home side, the impressive Cope caught the eye along with Keeper Roberts who had a fine match, defender Taylor also impressive. Quorn had enough chances to win the match but it was just one of those games, not a brilliant performance but not a bad one either and in Sam Wood had the MOTM with Liam Turner also having a particularly good 2nd half.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Marriott, Marshall, Lyall, Mathews, Gray, Robinson, Wood, Nurse, Turner, Byrne.
Subs None used.
Quorn 1 Grantham Town 2 (09/04/11)
Not firing on all cylinders.
Quorn were forced into defensive changes with Rob Lyall and Sam Buckingham joining Jay Smedley on the injury list but at the other end Kris Nurse made a welcome return to resume his partnership with Tom Byrne for the first time since last November. Anthony Marriott came back in at centre back and the influential Sam Wood was switched to full back and Shawn Richards completed the line-up. Not surprisingly it was the visitors who started the stronger, anxious to re-kindle their play-off hopes and a breakaway by Matt Glass down the left threatened but Marriott and Kris Mathews got back to snuff out the danger.
Nurse volleyed wide first time from a cross by Wood before a defensive mix up allowed Ben Saunders to go close but Matt Nurse blocked the effort and the ball eventually went behind for a goal-kick. Glass, looking suspiciously offside, again broke clear but Quorn got back in numbers to defend well. A sloppy cross field ball put Quorn under pressure but Marriott got back to concede a corner, Saunders rose highest and directed his header towards the far post but Richards was on hand to head clear. Rob Murray failed to hold a powerful low drive on the run by Wood but gathered at the 2nd attempt as Byrne closed in.
Quorn took the lead on 26 minutes, Ash Robinson’s long throw was met near to the penalty spot by Nurse who glanced his header past Murray just inside the far post for his 20th goal of the season. The lead was short lived as hesitancy outside the box allowed the ball to be charged down and Rhys Lewis burst into the box, Mathews made the challenge, Lewis went down and the Referee awarded the penalty which was expertly dispatched past Nurse into the bottom corner by Lee Potts. This deflated the home side and poor defending by Quorn led to a chance for Rob Norris but he blazed his effort wide. Lazy defending by Quorn almost led to a 2nd goal just before the interval but Nurse was alert to the danger and made the clearance.
The 2nd half began in the same way with Nurse again the saviour, again making the save as Glass looked favourite to score. A quick break by Quorn saw Byrne go free but Sam Saunders reacted well to quell the danger. A further spell of pressure saw first Byrne and then Richards both go close but the visitors back line defended the situations well. Byrne again was close to breaking clear but again Saunders read the situation to tidy up. Glass was too quick for the Quorn defence and also the linesman but Nurse again rescued his side to make the block. With 1 or 2 Quorn players either off form or not interested, the work rate of the visitors began to swing the game back to them and Chris Glarvey fired wide before Saunders made space for himself before grazing the far post with his drive.
Sure enough it was the visitors who took the lead, a clearance landed to the feet of substitute Jamie McGhee, who with no one willing to close him down, had all the time in the world to deliver his cross which ballooned over Nurse and dipped just under the crossbar to put Grantham ahead with just over 10 minutes left. Quorn responded and substitute Andy Almond’s clever chip was just too far ahead of Nurse and Murray gathered. The visitors were content on playing out time and this they did with consummate ease.
I think 1 or 2 Quorn players need to look at their contribution to the game and Grantham were able to ease to the three points. For the visitors, the Saunders twins both made hefty contributions in a solid all round team performance, for Quorn Mathews and Marriott were kept busy and performed well with Nurse pulling off his customary 3 or 4 fine saves, Byrne and Nurse showed glimpses up front but both still in need of more match minutes but my MOTM goes to Quorn skipper Chris Gray who as usual ran his socks off, just a pity it didn’t rub off on 1 or 2 others.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Wood, Marshall, Marriott, Mathews, Gray, Richards, Robinson, Nurse, Byrne, Peel.
Subs Almond, Easson, Turner.
Lincoln United 0 Quorn 0 (02/04/11)
Stalemate at Lincoln
Manager Dougie Keast made two changes to the starting line-up, with Kris Mathews returning after injury to replace Jay Smedley, who suffered a recurrence of his hamstring problem and Dan Marshall returned at left back, with Ash White dropping down to the bench. The home side were forced to make changes also with Sam Mullarkey and player manager Terry Fleming unavailable, James Green deputised at full back and the influential skipper Brendan McDaid returned in midfield.
The game began with early raids by both sides but both defences were determined mood and clear cut chances were at a premium. Sam Wood had a good run in midfield beating two men but his through ball to Tom Byrne was just a shade too strong. A breakaway by the home side looked suspiciously offside but Matt Nurse read the situation to race from his area to clear the danger. Both defences continued to dominate with the difficult surface making life hard for the forwards to control the ball.
A fine move by Quorn that was began by Mathews, carried on by Byrne and Russell Peel saw a chance created for Ash Robinson but he disappointingly fired low past the far post with his left foot. Sam Buckingham picked out the run of Byrne, he slipped the ball neatly to Wood, who in turn made the lay off into the path of Robinson but his effort again was wide of the mark. The visitors responded with some neat one touch football but the final ball was too strong and Nurse was able to gather unopposed. The half ended with honours even with neither goalkeeper seriously tested.
Lincoln began the 2nd half in a more determined fashion and Quorn were forced to defend but the back four with Mathews and Rob Lyall finally resuming their early season partnership and snuffing out any ariel threat, Nurse’s goal was under no threat. Quorn then began to open up and Lyall broke up an attack before sending a fine ball up the line to send Peel clear but his disappointing cross was far too deep. Marshall then tested Phil McGann with a swirling cross that the keeper did well to tip over the bar, before at the other end a snapshot by Scott Coupland was palmed away at full stretch by Nurse. Robinson’s long throw was headed into the path of Wood who chipped the difficult ball 1st time towards the far post but McGann taking no chances tipped the effort round the post.
Chris Gray did well in the middle of the park before picking out Byrne with a fine ball, His 1-2 with Peely, saw the return just a shade too strong and McGann was able to collect. The play was almost totally in the home half and Peel and Byrne again combined before the former’s cross was safely gathered by McGann. Another promising attack by Quorn began with a neat interchange between Wood and Robinson but Byrne was unable to control the final ball and the opening was lost. A headed clearance fell invitingly to Wood but his volley thundered over the stand behind the goal.
Despite all the pressure there were few clear cut chances and the home defence were comfortable in coping with any threats. A poor free kick by Marriott struck skipper Gray and Quorn were suddenly stretched but Lyall made a superb tackle to end the danger. The last 15 minutes were played out with very little incident of note and a draw was probably a fair result although Quorn were on top for most of the 2nd period and looked the likelier of the two sides to break the deadlock.
For the Home side, the pick for me was the dominant Stuart Reddington, closely followed by Brendan McDaid and for Quorn Kris Mathews and Rob Lyall were in commanding form, Chris Gray's inluential leadership as usual made him a contender in what was a fairly decent team performance but my MOTM was Sam Wood, despite his shooting BEFORE and during the game.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, Marshall, Mathews, Lyall, Gray, Robinson, Wood, Byrne, Turner, Peel.
Subs Marriott, Thomas, A.White.
Quorn 2 Carlton Town 1 (26/03/11)
Things did get better
Quorn, still without leading scorer Kris Nurse and key defender Kris Mathews, welcomed back Sam Wood after missing the last 7 games and also included Rob Lyall for the first time since last November. Manager Dougie Keast, finally seeing the Squad approaching near full strength, took the opportunity to rest 1 or 2 Players as he sought to restore a bit of confidence following 3 straight defeats in the League.
The visitors looking to advance their claims to a play-off position started on a positive note and a right wing cross was met by Massiah McDonald but the young striker pulled his effort wide with Matt Nurse comfortably watching the effort go past the post. Quorn responded when Wood combined well with Ash Robinson, the visitors defended well but Tom Byrne latched on to the loose ball but his snapshot went wide. A neat interchange between Sam Buckingham, Jay Smedley and Robinson saw Wood’s chip, just too strong for the foraging Tom Byrne. Carlton’s McDonald then evading two challenges before firing a low cross that Nurse gathered cleanly low down at the near post.
Quorn took the lead on 19 minutes when Wood’s superbly flighted free kick was inadvertently knocked past his own keeper by Robert Darkin, under pressure from Robinson and Byrne. Five minutes later Carlton drew level when a free kick from a similar position was poorly defended by Quorn and McDonald glanced his header goal wards, Nurse although wrong footed looked to have made the save but spilled the ball into the path of Deon Meikle who had the easiest of tasks to side foot home. This lifted the visitors and the lively McDonald raced clear but fired wide under pressure.
A collision between two defenders just inside the visitors half looked to have set up Byrne to go clear but he stumbled collecting the loose ball and Carlton got back to defend. McDonald again threatened but Nurse read the situation to make a fine block to deny the striker. Quorn finished the half the stronger and regained the advantage when a fine move involving Russell Peel ended with Byrne being upended in the box, Wood despatched the resulting penalty past Danny Marshall to put his side 2-1 ahead just before the break.
Quorn were first to show after the break, Robinson had a shooting chance but chose to pass to Byrne but he was crowded out and the chance was lost. A quick reply for the visitors saw McDonald yet again go close but he shot wide under pressure from Smedley, who unfortunately was injured in the process and had to go off, replaced by Anthony Marriott. Ash White then joined the attack to find Robinson, who in turn freed Byrne but his cross was easily cut out. Carlton then nearly profited from a sloppy ball that put Quorn in trouble, the ball into the box struck a defenders arm but the referee saw it ball to hand, quite rightly and Quorn survived. Another promising attack broke down when a poor ball put Wood in trouble and in trying to retrieve the situation gave away a free-kick and received a booking for his trouble.
Quorn were guilty of surrendering possession far too easily and Carlton began to press for the equaliser but Lyall was in dominant form and chances were at a premium. Marriott picked out Robinson with a superb ball, his first time cross was met by Byrne but his effort brought a fine save by Marshall. The resulting corner by Wood was met at the far post by the head of Buckingham but he headed wide. Nurse cleared his lines up field and Liam Turner headed on to Byrne but his first touch let him down and the ball ran safely to Marshall. A disputed free kick at the other end fell to Darkin in space but his effort failed to trouble Nurse.
Turner was played in by a through ball by Wood but his control let him down and his half hit shot was gathered comfortably by Marshall. A poor defensive header fell to Peel but his effort although well struck was way off target. Josh Thornton cut in from the right but his shot on the run was straight at Nurse, who gathered comfortably. Byrne’s fine run down the left set up Peel, his whipped in ball was deflected across the face of the goal and the resulting corner was well defended by the visitors. McDonald did well to control a long ball but Nurse was out bravely to thwart the Carlton number 10 in what was the last real action of the game.
With both sides committed to play football, this was a far more entertaining game than the previous one and Quorn deserved to come out on top. For the visitors Deon Meikle and Massiah McDonald were the pick, Sam Wood and Chris Gray were prominent for Quorn with Tom Byrne showing glimpses of getting back to his best after his long layoff but my nomination for MOTM was Rob Lyall who produced a dominant performance at the heart of the Quorn defence.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, A.White, Smedley, Lyall, Gray, Robinson, Wood, Byrne, Turner, Peel.
Subs Almond, Marriott, Marshall.
Quorn 0 Stamford 1 (22/03/11)
Nearly a bore draw
What an appalling game, there were fewer missiles fired in Lybia last night ! The only time the ball was on the ground was the three times it was fetched from the garden center. Oh and Quorn gave away a penalty in the 89th minute and next minute contrived to miss a sitter at the other end. Things can only get better ??
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, Marshall, Smedley, Marriott, Gray, Richards, Robinson, Byrne, Turner, Peel.
Subs Almond, A.White, Wood.
Glapwell 3 Quorn 0 (19/03/11)
Quorn well beaten
With Kris Nurse joining the injury list, Andy Almond, who replaced him on Tuesday, started in his place and Tom Byrne and Sam Wood also were included amongst the substitutes after lengthy spells on the side lines. Dan Marshall also returned to the starting line-up after missing the last 3 games. With Jay Smedley and Rob Lyall still absent, Anthony Marriott continued alongside Kris Mathews in the centre of defence for the visit to Hall corner, which is always a difficult place to go.
Quorn started similar to last Tuesday when a series of Ash Robinson long throws were well defended by the home side. Glapwell, using the slope to their advantage, were playing balls over the top and soon had Quorn in trouble, Ian Holmes springing the offside trap, racing clear, his attempted chip was saved by Matt Nurse, the keeper palmed the effort down and Mathews completed the clearance but in doing so suffered a hamstring injury, He continued after treatment but was clearly in discomfort. Quorn had a great chance to take the lead when Chris Gray’s free kick was headed across the face by Shawn Richards but the forwards were slow to react and the danger passed.
Almond then headed on to Liam Turner but his effort failed to trouble home keeper James Lindley. A Quorn corner was palmed away by Lindley under pressure but Glapwell responded and another ball over the top saw Quorn vainly appealing for offside as Holmes received the pass to fire past Nurse.
Quorn again were unlucky when a fine defence splitting ball by Marriott was met superbly on the run by Russell Peel, who beat Lindley with his well struck effort but the ball cannoned off the far upright and to safety. With Mathews struggling, another long ball caught out Quorn but Matt Telling blazed his effort high and wide when clean through. Adam Walker then got clear on the left, chose to shoot early but Nurse again palmed the effort away. Just before the break, Peel whipped over a fine cross but Turner was just shy of making contact. Mathews was unable to continue after the interval, to add to Quorn’s woes and Wood came on to replace him and the rejigged back line were soon exposed as Holmes fired over when well placed.
Quorn again were undone with the long ball and Nurse was exposed 1 on 1, the keeper made a superb stop but was beaten by the follow up but fortunately Marriott got back to clear off the line. Quorn were struggling to put together any meaningful attacks and conceded a 2nd goal just on the hour following a harsh and hotly disputed free kick just outside the box, for handball. Michael Harcourt firing past the wall, Nurse managed to get a hand to it but the pace of the strike carried it over the line.
Despite playing with the slope, Quorn were having to defend an awful lot and Telling set up Holmes to fire a first time effort that Nurse brilliantly parried one handed, to save his side. Minutes later he was again called upon to rescue Quorn when Damian Magee stepped up to take a penalty after a trip in the box but Nurse made a fine save with Magee firing the rebound well over. Quorn had a brief period of attacking with the introduction of Byrne but the home side always looked in control. Harcourt completed the scoring again with a disputed goal, the striker appeared to handle the ball with the Quorn defence stopping for a free kick that never came and the number 10 was allowed to go on and tuck past Nurse. Despite the nature of 1 or 2 goals, the home side fully deserved their victory and Quorn have to thank MOTM Matt Nurse for keeping the score down.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, Marshall, Marriott, Mathews, Gray, Richards, Robinson, Almond, Turner, Peel.
Subs Byrne, Goold, Wood.
Loughborough Dynamo 2 Quorn 1 (15/03/11)
Quorn run ends
Quorn made one change to the starting line-up, Kris Nurse returned from injury to replace Andy Almond who dropped down to the bench, Tom Byrne was amongst the substitutes making a welcome return to the Squad for the first time in three months. Quorn were hoping to continue their recent form against a Loughborough side, who like ourselves lack the consistency to push on for a play-off spot despite competing with the top sides.
Quorn took the game in the early stages with the home side having to defend against a series of long throws by Ash Robinson, but defend they did and did it well, although Russell Peel was disappointed he couldn’t find the target when the ball landed to him in space at the edge of the box. A diagonal ball by Emidio Chiavetta nearly played in Nurse but the former Loughborough front man was marginally offside. The home side replied when Jacob Blackwell escaped his marker but pulled his shot wide of the near post. Robinsons cross was headed wide by Liam Turner and at the other end a timely intervention by Kris Mathews cleared up a dangerous situation. Chiavetta then crossed for Shawn Richards but he couldn’t direct his header on target.
Slack marking by Quorn saw Matt Langham find space on the right but he too dragged his shot wide, this time past the far post. Nurse had a recurrence of his hamstring problem and Almond came on to replace him with just 20 minutes gone. Almond was soon in the action, going down in the box but the referee was unimpressed, the ball eventually reached Peel but his effort was straight at Laurie Pearson. Peel then turned provider, breaking clear on the left following a sweeping move, he whipped in a first time cross to Turner in space but Pearson pulled of a tremendous double save, parrying the initial effort before reacting to block the follow up. This let off was to prove vital as the home side took the lead moments later when Luke Edwards neatly played in Langham who slid past Matt Nurse. Quorn were rocked by this reverse and Edwards broke free from the halfway line but wasted the opportunity by firing wildly off target.
Almond then failed to find the target at the other end when the ball reached him in space on the edge of the box. Will Grocott then made a determined run down the left skipping past his marker before crossing, Nurse got a hand to the ball and Peel completed the clearance as the home side grew in confidence after weathering the early pressure by Quorn. Five minutes before the break there looked no danger as Blackwell received the ball outside the box but he all too easily went passed his marker before firing his effort off the inside of the near post, aided by a faint deflection.
After the break the game continued in the same vein with both sides committed to attack, a poor Dynamo free kick set up a Quorn breakaway, Turner going clear in space but like Edwards in the first half failed to capitalise. Dan Marshall replaced Chiavetta and Quorn applied a bit more pressure and should have had a penalty when Peel was upended by Pearson as he got on the end of Marriott’s reverse diagonal ball in the box but the Referee, who I thought had an excellent game, ignored Quorn’s claims. Quorn took off a defender and brought on Byrne in an effort to save the game but it was the home side who went close to increasing their lead when Danny Gibbons headed against the bar following a set piece, Marshall reacted well to clear the loose ball and Quorn escaped.
Loughborough continued to exploit with the extra man up front and Langham struck a first time effort well but wide off the mark. With five minutes remaining Quorn were handed a glimmer of hope as Richards weaved a bit of magic in the box, eluding 2 or 3 tackles before shooting left footed, Pearson blocked the effort but Byrne got to the ball and forced home to reduce the arrears. This set up a nervy last few minutes but it was the home side who had a couple of late opportunities, a free kick just outside the box went high and wide before just at the death, substitute Richard Lonsdale fired well wide with a snapshot from the edge of the box.
All in all an entertaining game with the home side getting the breaks, Loughborough’s goals although both taken well, left a question mark against some of Quorn’s defending but in contrast I thought the home back line were outstanding all night, superbly marshalled by the impressive Danny Jenno, who gets a share of my MOTM alongside Chris Gray, who once again gave a Captains performance for Quorn.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, Chiavetta, Marriott, Mathews, Gray, Richards, Robinson, Nurse, Turner, Peel.
Subs Almond, Byrne, Marshall.
Carlton Town 0 Quorn 0 (12/03/11)
Quorn in stalemate
Quorn fielded an unchanged starting 11 but were strengthened by the return of of Kris Nurse and Sam Wood, who both started on the substitute’s bench. The home side, still looking to cement a place in the play-offs, were soon in control with the wind behind them and Quorn were finding it difficult to cope with the pace of the front men and nearly went behind when Josh Thornton cut inside before firing across Matt Nurse but his effort struck the base of the post and Quorn escaped.
The home side continued to dominate and quick feet by Jermaine Hollis produced a snap shot that Nurse did brilliantly to turn over the bar. Once again Nurse was exposed by his defenders not being at the races and a tremendous double save kept the score line blank. Hollis again tested Nurse but the keeper was equal to the task. Finally Quorn managed an attack of note and Russell Peel’s persistence set up a shooting chance for Liam Turner but his effort was wide of the mark. Nurse had to be alert to gather a high ball following another swift raid but the keeper gathered easily from a free kick just outside the box taken by Ryan Goward. Deon Meikle headed over from a corner and at the other end Andy Almond did likewise following an Ash Robinson corner.
Another corner to Quorn was cleared quickly and caught the visitors out as Massiah McDonald burst clear but his effort was poor and Nurse gathered comfortably. The same player again got clear but his unselfish ball was well defended by Kris Mathews. Carlton finished the half in the same vein and Meikle fired low but Nurse again gathered with ease.
After the break it was a different story with the home side under the cosh for long periods, Shawn Richards linked well with Turner to set up Peel who turned well but fired just past the far post with keeper Danny Marshall beaten. Quorn were coping better with the swift counter attacks of the home side and as the game wore on looked to be the side most likely to break the deadlock. Nurse came on for Quorn and was quickly involved, collecting Chris Gray’s through ball and feeding Richards who in turn teed up Turner but his effort went just the wrong side of the post.
Gray’s free kick was headed narrowly wide by Mathews and another fine ball by the Quorn skipper picked out Nurse who sidestepped the defender and curled his shot inches wide. A Quorn free-kick was headed back across the face by Mathews and Nurse rose to head goalwards but his effort was headed away from under the bar. The home side survived a double penalty appeal as Richards weaved his way in the box and as time ran out the home side had a penalty appeal turned down as Gray made a critical tackle to concede the corner.
A game of two halves ended goal less and with the home side missing probably the easiest of the chances in the opening 20 minutes, Quorn were well satisfied with a point. For Carlton, Ashley Kitchen was the pick and although a bit of a spectator 2nd half my MOTM goes to Matt Nurse, who early on kept his side in the game.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, Chiavetta, Marriott, Mathews, Gray, Richards, Robinson, Almond, Turner, Peel.
Subs Nurse.
Quorn 3 Spalding United 0 (08/03/11)
Quorn home victory
Quorn were forced into just one change to the starting line-up, Anthony Marriott returned from suspension to replace the injured Jay Smedley, for the visit of bottom of the table Spalding United who are approaching every game like a cup final, only narrowly losing by the odd goal in three to League leaders Barwell on Saturday.
After a tentative start by both sides, it was Quorn who were first to show when Russell Peel burst past two challenges into the box and poked the ball past the oncoming Nathan Thackery, but Gary Pawson was on hand to clear near the line. Moments later Peel had another effort on goal but his shot was always rising. A long cross field ball was met on the volley, wide on the left, by Josh Nodder but although struck sweetly was never going to trouble Matt Nurse from that distance.
Emidio Chiavetta joined the attack down Quorn’ s left and burst into the box but his right foot shot went the wrong side of the post. Peely’ s snapshot was blocked and just before the interval Quorn got the decisive first goal, Ash Robinson’s corner fell at the feet of Liam Turner whose effort was half cleared but Sam Buckingham forced the ball home from close range for his first goal for the Club.
The 2nd half saw Quorn step up the pace and show the sort of form that destroyed Belper on Saturday, although not before the visitors had a couple of early attacks, Chris Gray making a timely intervention as Spalding looked to have men over after a poor Quorn corner led to the break. Nodder had a sight of goal but from distance fired wide. A neat interchange led to Robinson trying a chip volley that dipped over Thackery but also over the bar. A rare miss-placed ball in midfield presented a shooting chance to Jake Outram but again his effort was off target.
The last half hour saw Quorn totally dominate proceedings and several chances went a begging before a superb interchange of passes and movement involving Chiavetta, Peel and Shawn Richards ended with the later firing low past Thackery to double the advantage. Chiavetta and Peel again combined well and the former crossed low into the box but Pawson read the danger and put the ball behind for another corner to Quorn. Robinson did well to win the ball before working a shooting position but his effort went tamely wide. With time running out and Quorn well on top, Peel broke clear and ran unopposed from just inside the Spalding half and fired past Thackery to complete the scoring.
The Spalding players could not be faulted in terms of effort and in a close first half were a little unlucky to find themselves behind but 2nd half Quorn dominated for long spells and were well worth their victory and could and should have added to their score. MOTM, Pawson and Curruthers impressed for the visitors, for Quorn, Robinson, Peel and Richards were always involved going forward but my nomination goes to Chris Gray who led the side superbly.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, Chiavetta, Marriott, Mathews, Gray, Richards, Robinson, Almond, Turner, Peel.
Subs Easson.
Belper 1 Quorn 5 (05/03/11)
Quorn go nap
Quorn made two changes from the last game, Andy Almond made his first full start up front in place of the injured Kris Nurse and Emidio Chiavetta replaced the unavailable Dan Marshall at left back. Belper opened quite brightly and took the game to the visitors with Rubin Wiggins-Thomas prominent on the right hand side, his cross found Jon Frogatt who allowed the ball to roll before unleashing a left foot strike that rattled the Quorn crossbar before bouncing down into the grateful arms of Matt Nurse.
Quorn soon came out of their shell and after the opening ten minutes began to threaten at the other end with Almond’s aerial ability causing the home side problems. Almond latched on to a ball from Russel Peel and linked well with Liam Turner who released Peel to strike but his effort was blocked straight into the path of Ash Robinson who struck sweetly from just outside the box past Alessandro Barcherini to put Quorn ahead after 20 minutes.
12 minutes later Quorn doubled their lead , Turner and Almond involved again following a Robinson throw, Shawn Richards finding himself in the box unmarked, he shaped to shoot but unselfishly squared the ball to Peel, in oceans of space, who fired low past the stranded Barcherini. Quorn continued to threaten and the home side conceded a free-kick outside the box, Peel’s well struck effort cannoned of the bar with Barcherini beaten again. Belper recovered a bit of composure and got back into the game and it took a timely intervention by Jay Smedley to thwart the danger as Andy Rushbury combined with Frogatt as half-time approached.
The 2nd period began with the home side marginally on top, this changed dramatically around the hour mark as Quorn scored twice in as many minutes, the first of which was the goal of the game, Peel and Almond combined before Chris Gray and Peel neatly interchanged before the Quorn skipper curled a superb effort from the edge of the box past Barcherini into the far corner. Almond was fouled unceremoniously in the box and Richards stepped up to fire past Barcherini to put the visitors 4 nil up.
Quorn then switched off and paid the price as the home side broke with an extra man , Wiggins-Thomas converting easily with time to spare. Worse nearly followed as Frogatt fired narrowly over the bar following a poor defensive header. Chris White came on for Smedley , who suffered an hamstring injury and Quorn turned the tide again with a fifth goal and again it was courtesy of another gifted penalty as Barcherini barged into Kris Mathews after the ball had left his head. Richards stroked home the resultant spot kick, sending the keeper the other way with less than a quarter of an hour left.
Quorn played out time bringing on Easson for Almond and handing a debut to youngster Kalern Thomas, with Richard’s making way. Quorn ran out worthy winners with the hosts only showing resistance in patches, most unusual for a Belper side who looked like we did a few weeks ago, lacking in confidence and cohesion. For the home side Jon Frogatt never gave up fighting Ruben Wiggins-Thomas showing up in flashes. For Quorn, Smedley and Mathews continued to cement their partnership, Almond and Turner complemented each other with Richards also continuing his good form. Robinson and Skipper Gray also had fine games but my MOTM to Russell Peel , who scored one and had a hand in the other two, to put Quorn 3 nil ahead.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, Chiavetta, Smedley, Mathews, Gray, Richards, Robinson, Almond, Turner, Peel.
Subs Easson, Thomas, C.White.
Quorn 1 Rushall Olympic 0 (01/03/11)
Quorn clean sheet
Quorn were still without Sam Wood as well as long term casualties Tom Byrne and Rob Lyall, Joe Shaw joined the injury list and Anthony Marriott served the first of a two match ban but recent additions Russell Peel and Jay Smedley made their first full League starts with new signing Andy Almond also including on the bench along with the fit again Chris White.
With the pitch drying out since Saturday, conditions although heavy, were quite good. Both teams showed their intentions early on with early chances, first Quorn went close when a Ash Robinson throw was partially cleared into the path of Chris Gray who struck a first time effort that Chris Gemmell parried brilliantly but only into the path of Kris Nurse who slammed home only for the Assistants flag to curtail the celebrations then Rushall responded when Mitchell Tolley, looking suspiciously offside got clear but Matt Nurse clawed his effort away at full stretch. Quorn should have gone ahead minutes later when a smart move saw Shawn Richards lay a neat ball into the path of Nurse who fired straight at Gemmell.
Richards jinked his way into the box and his chip was headed goal wards by Nurse but Gemmell again made the save. Again Tolley was offside but Chris Morris broke down the right and his cross found Tolley who had become active but not penalised, but fortunately Nurse smothered his half hit shot low down with no harm done. The game continued end to end, Richards and Nurse combined to set up Liam Turner, his first time effort brought anther superb save from Gemmell who couldn’t hold, the rebound fell to Peel but his first time effort went over.
Robinson then fired wide after a quick break stretched the visitors back line. Morris then fired in an angled snapshot that bounced awkwardly but Nurse dealt with comfortably at the finish. Robinson again failed to trouble Gemmell after good link up play between Richard’s and Peel. Turner then volleyed wide after doing well to create the opportunity chesting down a poor clearance. A Nurse free kick got a slight deflection and struck the base of the post after Peel was upended just outside the box.
After the break the game continued to flow with both sides playing their part, Peel’s run and cross saw the ball reach Turner but his goal bound effort was blocked. A poor clearance by Quorn left them outnumbered but Morris’s well struck effort just cleared the crossbar. Robinson’s cross was won by Nurse into the path of Peel and his turn and shot was gathered low down by Gemmell as Quorn looked to be on top. Back came Rushall and following a well flighted free-kick, Morris again flashed his effort narrowly over the bar. Nurse again was foiled by another superb save low down by Gemmell and moments later fired just wide left footed, after good work by substitute Almond. Peel then pulled back for Nurse to fire a superb effort left footed that rattled the woodwork with Gemmell just a spectator.
Rushall then caused a few anxious moments for the home side without troubling Nurse, Kris Mathews producing 2 or 3 timely tackles to thwart the visitors. With the visitors committing men forward in an effort to win the game Quorn broke from deep with men over, Peel gathered in his own half and ran unopposed to the corner of the box before unleashing a thunder bolt that flew past a startled Gemmell to break the deadlock with just minutes remaining. Quorn ran out time for a deserved victory in what was a very entertaining game played in great spirit by both sides with the Referee also playing his part in allowing the game to flow.
For the visitors the impressive Chris Morris took the eye on more than one occasion and Chris Gemmell was in superb form all night, for Quorn the lively Shawn Richards was a constant threat, the back four all had sound solid games with Jay Smedley having a fine debut alongside Kris Mathews but my MOTM goes to Chris Gray who for 70 minutes ran his socks off despite feeling unwell before the game.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, Marshall, Smedley, Mathews, Gray, Richards, Robinson, Nurse, Turner, Peel.
Subs Almond, Easson, C.White.
Hinckley 0 Quorn 1 (22/02/11)
Quorn through to Westerby Final
Quorn were made to fight all the way for victory in this Westerby Cup Semi-Final against a determined Hinckley fc. Fine saves by Matt Nurse and opposite number Carl Muggleton ensured a goal-less first half, with Quorn lucky not to be behind. A change in formation saw Quorn control the 2nd half and Kris Nurse tapped home the goal to seperate the teams.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Marshall, Gray, Mathews, Buckingham, Robinsom, Marriott, Nurse, Richards, Peel.
Subs Chiavetta, Easson, Smedley, Turner, C.White.
Quorn 0 Shepshed Dynamo 0 (12/02/11)
Honours even
Quorn’s miserable League form continued with a lacklustre performance against Local rivals Shepshed Dynamo, who like ourselves are struggling at the wrong end of the table. With Kris Nurse picking up a hamstring injury in midweek, Liam Turner was recalled to the starting line-up, Anthony Marriott also returned with Emidio Chiavetta rested.
Quorn started the more confident and Ash Robinson got free on the right and managed to get in a strike on goal but Gavin Saxby gathered cleanly. A spot of head tennis in the visitors box following a corner led to a Sam Wood volley that drifted wide. Joe Shaw then slipped a neat ball inside to Wood, who advanced through the Shepshed defence and forced Saxby to turn away his fierce effort at full stretch. Robinson’s dipping cross was fumbled at the near post by Saxby but Turner could only find the side netting with the loose ball.
Shepshed then broke and with the Quorn defence all over the place, Aidan Brady found himself in acres of space but chose to shoot early and Nurse collected easily. A needless free-kick given away by Quorn set up Rob Norris to strike but his effort cleared the bar. Robinson’s throw was knocked away into the path of Wood but his strike was gathered low down by Saxby. A Shawn Richards flick on looked promising for Quorn but the visitors got back in numbers to snuff out the threat. Quorn were giving away needless free-kicks in dangerous areas, with silly challenges, and from one such kick Gregory Smith glanced the top of the bar. At the other end Robinson’s long throw was partially cleared into the path of Chris Gray , his well struck effort struck a defender and was hacked away to safety.
Quorn were getting crosses into the box but timid headers lacked the cutting thrust to break down the resolute Shepshed defence. Just before the break a long ball saw Richards threaten to go clear but Jordon Fairclough reacted well to end the threat. Not a thrilling half but Quorn were marginally the better side.
Quorn were first to show after the break when Turner showed good control before laying off to Richards who played a 1-2 with Wood before his cross was put behind by Ian Screaton. The resulting corner fell to Wood but his well struck effort just cleared the woodwork. Quorn made a couple of changes and the substitutes linked up as Ben Easson’s lay back was sliced wide from the edge of the box by Chris White. Sloppy play at the back by Quorn saw them surrender possession but as danger threatened Kris Mathews timed his tackle to perfection and the danger passed.
Both teams were then guilty of poor passages of play with promising moves breaking down with poor passes. A Quorn move broke down and the visitors broke quickly to allow Dean Oliver a shot on goal but like so many others during the game it failed to trouble the goalkeeper. Quorn were all over the place at the back again allowing possession to the other side but Norris this time failed to take advantage and fired into the side netting. At the other end Richards nearly profited from the visitors hesitancy but he lost control and fired wide.
In truth not the best local derby I’ve seen and probably a draw was a fair result with neither goalkeeper unduly tested, especially in the second half.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Marshall, Buckingham, Mathews, Gray, Richards, Marriott, Turner, Wood, Robinson.
Subs Chiavetta, Easson, C.White.
Quorn 3 Barwell 2 (08/02/11)
Quorn through to semi-final of Westerby Cup
Quorn won through to the Semi-Final of the Westerby Cup with a thrilling 3-2 extra- time victory over EvoStik Division 1 South Leaders, Barwell. After some rather poor performances of late, Quorn finally produced the sort of form that they are capable of. With the return of the influential Sam Wood in midfield, Quorn took the game to the visitors and neat interchange between Shawn Richards and Kris Nurse, saw the home no 9 shoot low but straight at Liam Castle, who gathered cleanly. Quorn took the lead with only 9 minutes gone, but it was a poor defensive header that set up the chance, Richards latching on to the sloppy back pass before coolly chipping the advancing keeper.
Barwell quickly responded but Luke Barlone just failed to reach the through ball and Matt Nurse gathered comfortably. Richards then looked to have played in Nurse but a timely intervention by Scott Hadland prevented the breakthrough. A dangerous cross was punched away by Nurse under pressure from Barlone and again Nurse did well to repeat the action following a well flighted free- kick. Richards’s cross was well read by former Quorn player Scott Lower who put the ball behind for a fruitless corner. A poor clearance by Castle fell to Ash Robinson who flashed his effort just wide as the keeper scrambled to get back.
Quorn continued to have most of the play and neat work between Wood and Richards, created an opportunity for Nurse but his effort was well blocked. The visitors responded and Kris Mathews did well to head behind following a swift raid down the right hand side, Lee Greenaway planted his header wide from the resulting corner. Robinson then launched a long throw into the visitor’s box, Nurse touched on to Richards, but Barwell defended well before he could get his shot away, as Quorn finished the half the stronger.
Quorn began the 2nd period where they left off and Wood’s delicate chip was headed goal wards by Nurse forcing Castle to re-adjust to gather under the woodwork. Castle then made a hash of a clearance, slamming the ball into the back of a defender and was relieved to see the rebound roll just past the near upright. Quorn were well on top and a stunning volley by Robinson, straight from Wood’s corner was inches away from the far post with Castle rooted to the spot. Wood then laid a delightful through ball to send Nurse clear but the out of sorts striker wasted the guilt edge chance . Robinson again fired in from outside the box but Nurse was adjudged to be offside.
Nurse was in action at the other end clearing well in the six yard box as Barwell threatened. The resulting corner again saw Nurse attempt the clearance, this time though, the unfortunate striker deflected past brother Matt, to give the visitors an undeserved equaliser. Back came Quorn and another fine through ball by Wood freed Richards but Castle pulled off a fine stop to deny Quorn. Emidio Chiavetta then played a superb ball to free Nurse, but again the striker wasted the opportunity by firing wildly over with only Castle to beat.
Barwell then got back in the game, Kevin Charley heading over following another well flighted free-kick from Adam Wykes. Robinson fed Richards, whose great turn and cross caused danger but again was well defended by the visitors. A rapid counter attack saw the surprisingly quiet Jamie Towers get a strike in on goal but it lacked the power and direction to test Nurse. Back came Quorn and a superb ball by Dan Marshall saw Kris Nurse finally convert past Castle to restore Quorn’s lead. A missed clearance presented Charley with a strike on goal but Nurse confidently saw the ball wide of the upright. As full time approached, Quorn’s play became a little scrappy and they seemed to lose their shape and were punished for not taking their chances as a spot of head tennis in the Quorn box ended with the ball dropping to substitute Jerome Murdock who fired past Nurse from close range. Quorn should have won it in the dying seconds when Jos Shaw’s superb cross was met by the head of Nurse but cleared the bar. With the last kick Richard’s then flashed a first time 25 yard effort wide of the post to send the game into extra time.
Anthony Marriott struck through a crowd of players, following a corner, but Castle again got down well to save at full stretch. Quorn should then have retaken the lead when Marriott picked out Nurse, his lay off saw Substitute Ben Easson in acres of space but with only Castle to beat, the youngster snatched at the ball and fired just past the angle of post and bar. Nurse then latched onto a through ball and rounded the keeper only to see his angled shot cleared off the line. Richards then nicked the ball of a hesitant defender before advancing into the box and laying the ball into the path of Liam Turner, he wasted no time in rifling the ball past Castle to put Quorn back in the lead. Matt Nurse raced out his box to launch a clearance that forced opposite number Castle to back pedal and gather under the bar. Barwell then caused a bit of panic in the Quorn box but the Referee waived away their penalty appeals as Charley went to ground.
The 2nd period of extra time saw both sides tire somewhat and the best chance fell to Nurse who found the legs to get free on the left but shot early and Castle saved low down. This was a much better performance from Quorn, who deservedly won the game but they should have won it far more comfortably and convincingly over 90 minutes had they taken half their chances. All round the pitch there were much improved displays, Dan Marshall and Sam Wood both had excellent games but my MOTM goes to Shawn Richards who had his best game in a Quorn shirt.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Chiavetta, Buckingham, Mathews, Marshall, Richards, Gray, Nurse, Wood, Robinson.
Subs Easson, Marriott, Turner.
Stamford 1 Quorn 0 (05/02/11)
Quorn
The Quorn team were strengthened by the return of Kris Mathews , Dan Marshall and Liam Tuner, and were looking for a change of fortunes against a Stamford team who, like ourselves, are having a bit of a stop start season. Quorn started the brighter of the two sides with Ash Robinson the main threat when his quick throw set Kris Nurse free but his first time attempt to lob home keeper Chris Wright sailed way over the bar. The blustery conditions were making life difficult for both teams and it wasn’t a day to expect free flowing football.
Robinson’s long throw caused a bit of panic at the back for the home side and Paul Malone’s attempted clearance struck the post with a relieved Wright looking on. Dan Cotton showed for Stamford, but his speculative 30+ yarder was no trouble for Matt Nurse, who gathered cleanly. With less than a third of the game gone, with Quorn having most of the play, Stamford took the lead, Cotton picking up a loose ball and darting through a chasm in the Quorn back line and finishing superbly past a bemused Nurse. An Anthony Marriott free kick that failed to trouble Wright, was the best that Quorn could offer in return in a disappointing first half.
From the restart Marriott won the ball in midfield and picked out the run of Nurse, his whipped in cross was just too far in front of Turner, Ben Easson was introduced to inject a bit of pace up front and was straight in the action, Nurse teeing up the youngster, but his effort lacked the power to trouble Wright who gathered easily. Quorn were caught square and Tony Battersby broke through but Nurse read the situation and raced out to clear. As the 2nd half wore on both sides were unable to put together any attacks worthy of note until the very last minute when substitute Nick Goold crossed but Easson dragged his shot wide with Wright’s goal at his mercy.
Another disappointing result for a Quorn side that’s looking devoid of confidence at the moment, but on the plus side, with 3 players returning today and no further injuries, with 1 or 2 players not far off from returning, hopefully things will soon start to improve. No one really stood out as MOTM but Mathews and Marshall were the pick for Quorn, with Malone, Cotton and Miles Chamberlain catching the eye for the home side.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Chiavetta, Gray, Mathews, Marshall, Richards, Marriott, Nurse, Turner, Robinson.
Subs Easson, Goold.
Quorn 0 Leek 1 (01/02/11)
Quorn slip to another defeat
Quorn’s injury and illness list continued to grow and although skipper Chris Gray returned, Kris Mathews and Liam Turner were both late withdrawals though illness, joining Rob Lyall, Sam Wood, Chris White and Tom Byrne on the side-lines. Steve Purton and Dan Marshall were included on the bench but both will be short of match fitness. Phil Miller, Rich Lonsdale and Steve Evans have all departed and the Squad is looking very thin at the moment.
The visitors took an early lead when with an individual effort from Devon Gibson, who all too easily beat his man before cutting inside the box and firing past Matt Nurse. Quorn responded when an Ash Robinson throw caused confusion for the Leek rear-guard with the ball only partially cleared to Shawn Richards but he couldn’t keep his first time effort down. Richards then skipped clear of the Leek defence, Goalkeeper Danny Roberts managed to force him wide but he still managed to cross to the unmarked Kris Nurse, but his goal bound first time effort was blocked and the chance was gone. Sam Buckingham headed wide from Robinson’s corner as Quorn fought to get on level terms.
Dan Cope headed wide from a good position after Quorn gifted the chance after sloppy play in front of their own box. Anthony Marriott then found Richard’s to set up a shooting chance but he didn’t connect as well as he would have liked and Robert’s comfortably held low down to his left. The first half came to a halt with both sides guilty of poor passing leading to promising attacks breaking down prematurely.
The 2nd half began poor and deteriorated and the quality shown from both sides was equally dire, over hit, under hit and some downright shocking passes the ’feature’ of the half. The visitors deserved the three points by virtue of the fact they scored and Quorn didn’t. Following Saturday’s improved performance, this was in stark contrast and even allowing for the weakened team, this was still a disappointing performance by Quorn.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Chiavetta, Gray, A.White, Buckingham, Richards, Marriott, Nurse, Robinson, Goold.
Subs Muggleton, Purton.
Goole 2 Quorn 1 (29/01/11)
Quorn denied
Quorn were without skipper Chris Gray for the trip to Goole, but Anthony Marriott returned unexpectedly from injury and took Gray’s place in midfield, Sam Buckingham was also selected, with Sam Wood dropping in at full back in place of Joe Shaw. The home side too had enforced changes in the centre of defence. Quorn started the brighter and forced two early corners, the 2nd of which saw Ash Robinson go close with a first time effort. Kris Nurse then got free on the left and his cross was scrambled away by the home defence. A long throw nearly caught out Quorn, Marriott unwittingly deflecting the ball into the grateful arms of Matt Nurse.
At the other end Marriott’s low drive was held low down by Leigh Walker, Marriott’s long ball then put Nurse through but his lob just cleared the crossbar. Rob Ludlam then tried a speculative effort from 35 yards but straight at Nurse who gathered comfortably. Good football from Quorn saw Marriott and Nurse combine with Emidio Chiavetta but the full backs cross went over the bar. Marriott again played a fine ball to send Nurse clear but his left foot shot on the run was held well by Walker low down. A 25 yard free-kick by Michael Price was fielded comfortably by Nurse, diving to his left. From the clearance Kris Nurse again worked a shooting position, his first effort was blocked and from the rebound his left foot effort just cleared the bar with Walker struggling.
Quorn were then dealt another blow when Wood picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Shaw. With half time approaching Quorn conceded a needless free-kick and were made to pay as Simon Spencer's floated effort getting the mearest of deflections by Vill Powell to put the home side ahead.
The 2nd period began with Quorn on the front foot but a miss-placed pass sent Goole on the attack but Powell fired wide of the mark. With only 3 minutes gone Goole increased their lead, Powells hand ball setting up the striker to fire past Nurse with the Referee apparently unsighted, waiving away Quorn’s protests. Shawn Richard’s then did well to set up Nurse but his left foot strike was straight at Walker. Ludlam then all too easily beat his marker but his cross was too close to Nurse who gathered cleanly. Quorn sacrificed a defender in an effort to save the game, Nick Goold came on for Ash White and was soon in the action combining well with Chiavetta. A neat flick by Liam Tuner set up a chance but Nurse couldn’t take advantage, with his effort just clearing the bar. Gavin Allott then went on a run which saw him go clear but Nurse was alert and cleared the danger.
The game was flowing from end to end and it was a case of who would score the next goal and with 20 minutes left it was Quorn, Nurse did well to charge down a clearance on the left before crossing to Turner, his fine first time lay back into the path of Marriott saw the midfielder fire low past Walker from the edge of the box to give Quorn a deserved life-line. The home side responded and Allott again looked dangerous but a superb covering tackle by Mathews conceded a corner that came to nothing. Back came Quorn and Turner swivelled away from his marker and fired first time but unfortunately his audacious effort just cleared the post with Walker beaten. Another snap shot, this time from Ash Robinson, struck the hand of a defender in the box but Quorn’s appeals were ignored by the unsighted Referee, with the near side linesman unable to give the decision.
Quorn continued to press and the equaliser looked on the cards as Nurse turned his man to shoot past Walker but the ball agonisingly struck the post and Goole scrambled the ball to safety. Goole responded but with Quorn stretched, Powell struck his effort well wide. Goold and Chiavetta combined well for the latter to whip over a fine delivery which was met first time by the head of Tuner but Walker produced a fantastic reflex stop on the line to deny Quorn a deserved equaliser. Goold then fired in another fine cross that was forced behind. Nurse then struck a fierce 30 yarder that just cleared the woodwork as Quorn finished the match well on top.
A thoroughly entertaining game ended pointless for Quorn but showed a vast improvement from the previous Tuesday at Brigg and with 1 or 2 decisions going against them things could have been so different as they, at the very least, deserved a share of the spoils. A good all round performance with everyone playing their part but my MOTM goes to Anthony Marriott.
Quorn Team
Nurse, White, Chiavetta, Wood, Mathews, Buckingham, Richards, Marriott, Nurse, Turner, Robinson.
Subs Goold, Muggleton, Shaw.
Brigg Town 4 Quorn 0 (25/01/11)
Quorn well beaten
Quorn made the long trip to Brigg with more injury worries, Tom Byrne’s earlier than expected return on Saturday aggravated his injury and also absent were the injured Chris White and the unavailable Steve Evans, Ash White came in at the heart of the defence for his first start of the season, Liam Turner returned to partner Kris Nurse up front and Sam Wood also was passed fit to play.
For nearly an hour Quorn’s depleted side gave a good account of themselves but once the 2nd goal went in Quorn’s resistance subsided with the home side dominant in the 2nd period. After a quiet start, with both sides unable to breech 2 solid defences, the home side took the lead on 20 minutes with Andy Holt finding space to shoot from the edge of the box and aided by an uneven bounce beat Matt Nurse for his first goal of the season. Quorn replied and Sam Wood freed Liam Turner whose 1st time cross was fired just wide by Kris Nurse. The half ended with both sides unable to add any finishing touches in the final third.
Daniel Buttle easily beat his man 10 mins after the break and crossed superbly for Paul Grimes to head past an helpless Nurse. Quorn replied immediately but Woods effort went just the wrong side of the post. Buttle continued to cause problems down the left hand side but Quorn defended well under sustained pressure. The killer goal came by way of an unfortunate penalty, a Quorn attack broke down on the left and Brigg quickly reversed the situation and as the ball was played to Grimes, Ash White inadvertently clipped his trailing foot just inside the box, Buttle blasted the spot kick past Nurse and with the game virtually over the home side relaxed and started to play some excellent stuff. Wood then put Nurse clean through but his left foot shot went agonisingly past the far post with the home keeper beaten.
Oliver Chappell compounded Quorn’s misery, firing home after Nurse had made two fine stops in quick succession. Quorn did produce a late rally and went close on a few occasions, the closest of which, when Nurse headed narrowly over from a Wood corner. Brigg saw out time to complete the double over Quorn and thoroughly deserved their victory although the 4 nil score line was a bit harsh on the visitors, who are going through a bit of a sticky patch at the moment, missing key players through injury and lacking a bit of confidence.
For the home side, Grimes showed his quality on more than one occasion. Wood and Shawn Richards both worked hard for Quorn in what was, despite the score line, a better all round performance than Saturday but my MOTM goes to the home no 11 Daniel Buttle.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Chiavetta, A.White, Mathews, Gray, Richards, Wood, Nurse, Turner, Robinson.
Subs Buckingham, Marshall.
Quorn 1 Sheffield 3 (22/01/11)
Yet More defensive howlers
With Anthony Marriott added to the ever growing injury list, Joe Shaw retuned to the starting Line-up. Dan Marshall also returned with Tom Byrne included amongst the substitutes. Even allowing for the enforced changes of late there can be no excuse for a very poor first half performance from Quorn, with diabolical defending the cause of the 1-3 half time deficit. With Sheffield in recent poor form, on paper this looked a good chance to consolidate Quorn’s mid table place but a series of defensive blunders saw the visitors take a commanding lead.
It was the home side first to show but a timely intervention by Jamie Hadfield halted the Shawn Richard’s after the Quorn no 10 was put through by Chris White. At the other end the home side were all over the place and Callum Harrison took full advantage to open the scoring on six minutes with a superb strike that flew past Matt Nurse into the top corner. The visitors should have increased their lead when James Gregory found himself totally unmarked but screwed his shot past the far post.
Yet more awful defending after 15 minutes saw Gregory beat his man before crossing to the unmarked Brian Cusworth, a desperate lunge by Kris Mathews only succeeded in deflecting the ball past a stranded Nurse. Quorn tried to get back in the game and a poor tackle on Chris White resulted in a free kick to Quorn but only a yellow card for the defender. Retribution was swift however when following the lengthy delay, Evans’s free-kick was headed superbly by MATHEWS past the despairing dive of Dan Whatsize to reduce the arrears on 25 minutes.
Mathews then headed on Ash Robinson’s long throw but Whatsize made a smart catch as Richard’s threatened. The struggling White was replaced by Tom Byrne and was swiftly in the action combining well with Robinson before being crowded out in the box. With Quorn now looking to get back on level terms, more terrible defending saw Cusworth fire in a shot that Nurse looked to have covered but the unfortunate Mathews inadvertently diverted past his own keeper to put the visitors 3-1 ahead with just over half an hour gone. Shaw fired wide left footed after a promising attack but half time came with the visitors in control.
After the break Quorn did start to apply a bit more pressure and it took a great reflex save by Whatsize to keep out a Kris Nurse header. From the resulting corner Whatsize gathered confidently under pressure. Nurse then broke clear and when past the keeper but was forced wide but still got in a left foot strike that was cleared off the line. As time wore on Sheffield were content to sit back and play out time , this they did with consummate ease deservedly took the points. Apart from the three goals Nurse had very little to do and likewise Whatsize wasn’t unduly troubled at the other end. A poor game was decided in the first half with Quorn contributing to their own downfall in a game best forgotten.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Chiavetta, Gray, Mathews, C.White, Robinson, Evans, Nurse, Richards, Marshall.
Subs Byrne, Turner, A.White.
Quorn 3 Kidsgrove 3 (15/01/11)
More defensive howlers
Quorn made three changes for the visit of Kidsgrove Athletic, with Steve Purton and Sam Wood joining the injury list, skipper Chris Gray and Steve Evans returned to the starting line-up and up front Liam Turner replaced Phil Miller who dropped down to the bench. Quorn had the better of the opening exchanges despite the windy conditions and Ash Robinson tested the safe hands of debutante keeper Steve Hodgson following a corner won by Shawn Richards. Quorn continued to mount a series of attacks that invariably broke down in the final third. Robinson's long throws were causing concern for the visitors and Turner headed wide from one.
Robinson's quick thinking and throw from just inside the visitors half saw Kris Nurse scamper clear and finish smartly past the advancing Hodgson to give Quorn the lead midway through the half. From the restart Quorn nearly doubled their lead when Anthony Marriott picked out Nurse again who got clear, with defenders in hot pursuit the striker hit his left foot shot past Hodgson again but the post came to the visitors rescue and they scrambled the rebound to safety. Chris White won the ball in midfield and played in Turner but his shot was saved low down by Hodgson.
Following their early domination Quorn then began to lose their way and Kidsgrove broke clear but were thwarted by the offside flag but moments later poor marking allowed Karl Charlton room to fire past Matt Nurse. After being in total control, instead of being 3 nil up Quorn found themselves 1-2 down as just before the break Nick Ward ran half the length of the pitch totally unmarked calling for the ball from a free kick out wide and with still nobody near him scuffed his header past Nurse from 8 yards. I've witnessed Quorn concede some sloppy goals but I cannot remember one that was softer than this.
Quorn won an early corner after the break and a terrific volley by Robinson flew just past with Hodgson stranded. At the other end Charlton should have put his side further ahead but struck the post when well placed. It didn't matter much because Dave Walker did increase the lead firing past Nurse from close range from a seemingly offside position. The introduction of Joe Shaw and Dan Marshall seemed to pep things up for Quorn and play reverted mainly to the visitors half, Robinson again went close after good work by Emidio Chiavetta had set up Richards to cross. Turner's head down to Nurse saw the striker's shot blocked then a similar effort was again thwarted following good work by Richards.
The visitors only response was a 22 yard strike by Tom Sanders that was well wide as Quorn again dominated. A free-kick to Quorn was painful for Kris Mathews has he received a kick to the face at head height in the penalty area – at the very least it was dangerous kicking – Play on said the Ref with Mathews laid out ! However minutes later Quorn were awarded a free-kick just outside the box, it looked a bit harsh but Nurse took the kick and rifled his low drive into the far corner past a startled Hodgson. The keeper then denied Nurse his hat-trick, saving the strikers left foot effort low down to his right after Dan Marshall picked out the Quorn no 9. Phil Miller came on for Quorn and neatly played in Richards who was fouled with just a couple of minutes normal time remaining, the spot kick saw Nurse blast past Hodgson to level the match.
After being in control for all the game aside for ten minutes either side of the break, this was a case of points dropped and Quorn need to cut out these sloppy goals that are conceded on too regular a basis. Ash Robinson had a fine game for Quorn and deserves a share of the MOTM along with 3 goal Kris Nurse.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Marriott, Chiavetta, Gray, Mathews, White, Robinson, Evans, Nurse, Turner, Richards.
Subs Marshall, Miller, Shaw.
Quorn 2 Sutton Coldfield Town 1 (11/01/11)
Tale of two halves.
Still without Rob Lyle and Tom Byrne, Manager Dougie Keast at least had leading scorer Kris Nurse, Dan Marshall and skipper Chris Gray available again but Liam Turner and Sam Buckingham were late withdrawals. Nurse replaced Turner and Chris White started as a straight swop for Buckingham. Gray and Marshall were included on the bench.
A quickfire start from the visitors put the home side under tremendous pressure in the opening 15 minutes but a mix of poor finishing and desperate defending by Quorn meant the scoreline remained blank. Prolific scorer Mark Bellingham in the thick of the action for the Birmngham side but Matt Nurse twice thwarted the number 10. Quorn eventually managed an attack of note which resulted in a free kick on their left hand side, Sam Wood's effort palmed away for a corner by Lee Clark in the visitors goal. The visitors continued to have more than the lions share of the play but without Nurse called into serious action. Emidio Chiavetta got forward for Quorn and forced Clark to go low down to gather well. Marshall replaced the injured Steve Purton just before the break and Gray came on at half time for Phil Miller.
With White pushed into midfield, Gray slotted into the centre of defence and the reshuffle improved the balance of the side but it was the visitors who grabbed the lead, after sloppy defending from a corner saw the ball reach defender Brendon Kelly who fired through a crowd of players past Nurse. This setback seemed to galvanise the home side and the equaliser nearly came as Ash Robinson's deflected volley struck the crossbar following Wood's corner, the ball rebounded to Nurse whose first time effort also struck the woodwork with Clark beaten. The visitors responded and Chiavetta did well to block Craig Owen's strike and from the rebound Harry Harris fired low but Nurse gathered comfortably.
Just past the hour mark, Quorn's marked 2nd half improvement saw the home side equalise. Marshall found space on the left from Marriotts long ball and his deep pin point cross was superbly headed past Clark, into the far corner by Robinson from 15 yards. With the first half very much behind them it was a different Quorn team and it was the visitors who were forced onto the back foot as Quorn sensed what was an unlikely victory 15 minutes earlier. Chiavetta's fine cross was well defended by Jake Murrall as Nurse waited to pounce. The introduction of Gray at half time galvanised the Quorn rearguard and Sutton's attacks lacked the earlier threat as the home side began to dominate.
Nurse and Robinson combined neatly to set up the former to strike but the ball was deflected for a corner, Wood's kick reached Robinson, whose first time effort was gathered cleanly low down by Clark. Kelly's whipped in cross caused concern but Kris Mathews headed behind under pressure. With 3 minutes of normal time remaining Quorn stunned the visitors when Matt Nurse spotted the run of brother Kris and drilled his clearance into his path, the striker held off a challenge before firing past the advancing Clark to put his side ahead. 4 minutes of added time passed with little or no threat to the scoreline at either end and Quorn took the points.
Quorn's 2nd half show was in stark contrast to the first 45 minutes and the visitors were left to rue the missed opportunities in the first period when they could have effectively sowed the game up but goals win matches and Quorn won with two superbly taken efforts. Kelly worked tirelessly to inspire his side and Craig Marshall along with Bellingham and Harris caused all sorts of problems for Quorn first half , Goalkeeper Clark like counterpart Nurse, both gave faultless displays without really having to do anything spectacular. Gray and Mathews were commanding after the break but my MOTM goes to Emidio Chiavetta, who continues to improve with every game.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Marriott, Chiavetta, White, Mathews, Robinson, Richards, Wood, Nurse, Miller, Purton.
Subs Gray, Marshall, Shaw.
Rainworth Miners Welfare 1 Quorn 2 (08/01/11)
Quorn scrape a victory
Quorn made their first ever visit to Rainworth Miners Welfare with a growing sick list but still had enough to defeat the home side, although Quorn's first half dominance was nearly cancelled out by the League newcomers 2nd half revival. With top scorers Kris Nurse and Tom Byrne both sidelined, Phil Miller partnered Liam Turner up front and it was Turner who opened the scoring after just 7 minutes, tapping home from close range after Mark Hales could only palm Sam Wood's well struck free-kick on to the crossbar. Quorn looked to increase their lead, Wood's free-kick only half cleared into the path of Miller, his shot was blocked and from the rebound Turner's effort was deflected for a fruitless corner. With the home side unable to get going, Quorn's passing was better than of late and a fine move saw Steve Purton cross to set up Turner but his first time flick failed to trouble Hales.
Anthony Marriott's deep cross was met first time by Miller but his well struck effort went into the side netting. A rare attack from the home side saw the ball go in the net but the whistle had already blown for a foul on Kris Mathews. A neat passing move finished with a well struck 25 yarder from Ash Robinson but his effort went the wrong side of the post. Hales gathered cleanly under pressure from a cross by Marriott and Barry Alberry made a timely intervention as Shawn Richard's looked to break clear. Wood's corner was headed behind as Mathews lurked at the far post and the 2nd flag kick was headed over by Mathews again at the far post as Quorn finished the half well on top.
The 2nd period was a different affair with the home side at last stringing decent attacks together and Quorn were forced to defend in numbers. A well struck volley from 20+ yards by Matt Roberts went close but Nurse looked comfortable as it sailed past the post. Good work by Purton set up Marriott for a long range strike but his effort too was wide of the mark. Rainworth went close to grabbing the equaliser but Nurse saved bravely at the feet of Craig Mitchell after slack marking by Quorn allowed the chance. Quorn should have increased their lead when first Miller headed goalwards following a quick free-kick but Hales's reflex parry fell to Mathews who headed against the bar but was adjudged to be offside anyway.
A well struck effort by Mark Camm was gathered cleanly by Nurse low down to his right but the home side should have reached parity moments later as poor defensive work by Quorn saw Ant Lynam race clear but Nurse spread himself well and deflected the strikers effort past the far post. With time running out, Nurse's long clearance caught out the home back-line and Richards held off the last defender before slipping the ball past Hales to double his sides advantage to seal his sides victory. With virtually the last kick of the game Mitchell fired past an exposed Nurse but it was a case of too little too late for the Home side and Quorn took the points.
Quorn just about deserved the victory but the 2nd half performance failed to match the quality of the first and at the finish were grateful to hang on for the three points. For the home side, the overworked defence all performed well in the first half but had it rather more comfortable after the break but never the less defended well overall Turner and Miller worked hard up front for Quorn mostly chasing lost causes 2nd half, Wood and Robinson too both had good first halves but my MOTM goes to Kris Mathews.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Marriott, Chiavetta, Buckingham, Mathews, Robinson, Richards, Wood, Miller, Turner, Purton.
Subs Evans, Shaw, White.
Quorn 2 Romulus 3 (03/01/11)
Defensive blunders so costly.
Quorn lost their third consecutive game, defensive frailties the key as goals from Kris Nurse and Liam Turner, not enough to defeat 3 goal Romulus.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Marriott, Chiavetta, Gray, Mathews, Evans, Richards, Wood, Nurse, Miller, Purton.
Subs Lyall, Robinson, Turner.
Barwell 3 Quorn 2 (01/01/11)
Much Improved Display goes unrewarded
Goals from Debutant Shawn Richards and Phil Miller were not enough to gather any points against the League leaders, despite a much improved performance that deserved at least a share of the spoils.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Marriott, Chiavetta, Gray, Mathews, White, Richards, Wood, Miller, Turner, Purton.
Subs Buckingham, Evans, Lonsdale.
Quorn 1 Lincoln United 2 (14/12/10)
Woeful Display
Following the enforced lay off, injuries and suspensions depleted the Quorn side but this was no excuse for a very poor performance, lacking in passion and determination and very little in the way of cohesion against a battling Lincoln side who were smarting from a heavy defeat on Saturday.
Quorn started brightly enough and Tom Byrne forced an early breakthrough to threaten down the left but Stuart Reddington made a superb tackle to end the danger. The visitors responded when Kallum Smith on the overlap, crossed for Brendan McDaid to volley narrowly over the bar. Joe Shaw and Steve Evans then combined to set up Byrne in the box but he was crowded out. The visitors took the lead on 17 minutes when Scott Coupland's first time effort was deflected past Matt Nurse. At the other end, Byrne just failed to divert Evans's shot and Lincoln cleared their lines. An error at the back by Quorn let in Sam Mullarkey, who crossed to Sam Wilkinson but his effort was just wide of the mark.
Quorn responded when a similar error gave Liam Turner possession, his lay back gave Byrne a shooting chance but the effort was blocked back into the path of Turner who crashed the ball home from an acute angle but the celebrations were cut short by the linesman's flag, although quite who was offside remains a mystery. Quorn were having the majority of the attacking play but the visiting defence were holding firm. 10 minutes before the break Lincoln went down to ten men when Reddington was shown a straight red as he handled a through ball to stop Byrne going clear. Sam Wood's free kick was palmed away at full stretch by Craig Turner and Byrne's run and cross threatened danger until Smith made a timely interception as Quorn pressed for the equaliser. Despite having the extra man, Quorn were left wanting when Coupland found himself unmarked to race clear and fire past Nurse to put his side further ahead, three minutes before the break.
Quorn almost reduced the arrears at the re-start, Steve Purton's ball gave Turner a run in on goal but he was crowded out at the expence of a corner which came to nothing. A poor back pass put the Lincoln keeper in trouble but his hurried clearance was inadvertantly knocked straight back to him by substitute Phil Miller to spare the defenders blushes. Byrne, Purton twice and Miller all had disapointing efforts that failed to trouble Turner's goal but it was the visitors who went close to killing the game when Coupland fired wide. Nurse then saved well from Smith's effort as Quorn looked more and more ragged.
Substitute Emidio Chiavetta crossed for Byrne to head home but it was a case of too little, too late and Lincoln could have sealed the game moments later but Nurse made the parry before, just at the death Chiavetta flashed a ball across the face of Lincoln's goal. All in all a pretty abject performance by Quorn and no surprise that the MOTM comes from the visitors ranks with Bredan McDaid getting my vote just ahead of Terry Fleming and Kallum Smith.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Marshall, Evans, Buckingham, White, Wood, Gray, Byrne, Turner, Purton.
Subs Chiavetta, Easson, Miller.
Bardon Hill Sports 0 Quorn 5 (24/11/10)
Westerby Cup triumph
Quorn won through to the last eight of the Westerby Cup against a determined Bardon side, who were still in the game until three goals in 4 minutes, just past the hour mark, sealed the victory for the visitors. To their credit the East Midlands Counties side gave a good account of themselves with Andy Simpson called into action several times in the first half, although it was his opposite number Ryan Murphy, who was the busier of the two, pulling off several fine stops to limit Quorn to a single 16th minute goal, courtesy of Steve Purton's strike, following a fine move.
The first 15 minutes of the 2nd half were fairly even with the lively Alex Bolt showing well for Bardon, but a mix up at the back by the hosts, allowed Rich Lonsdale to nip in and double Quorn's lead in the 61st minute, Steve Evans then threaded a through ball for Lonsdale to go on and get his 2nd before a fine run and shot from 25 yards by Keiron Whalin clipped the top of Simpson's crossbar. Quorn responded immediately and Ash Robinson drilled his shot into the bottom corner, finishing off a cross from Lonsdale. A superb ball by Purton set up Liam Turner but Murphy produced a fine tip over to prevent the fifth goal.
Murphy again saved from Turner before at the other end Simpson tipped over a fine effort from Carl Benson. Quorn looked to increase their lead and finally got the fifth when Chris White picked out Purton in space to fire past Murphy 5 minutes before the end. MOTM – for the home side Ryan Murphy had a fine game, with Bolt and Martin Fox also showing well, Evans, Robinson and Purton were always in the thick of it for Quorn but my vote goes to Chris Gray, returning to the Club where he first started out – all those years ago !! Superbly marshalling Quorn's young back line.
Quorn Team
Simpson, Shaw, Chiavetta, Gray, Buckingham, Marriott, Lonsdale, Evans, Miller, Robinson, Purton.
Subs Lyall, Turner, White.
Quorn 3 Goole 3 (20/11/10)
Quorn throw it away
In an eventful match, Quorn surrendered a 2 goal lead to allow Goole a share of the spoils. Dan Marshall and skipper Chris Gray returned to the starting line-up and Phil Miller also came in for his first start of the season. An early error by Quorn should have been punished but Vill Powell screwed his effort wide, when clean through. This acted as a wake up call and a fine run and pull back by Tom Byrne was only inches away from the toes of Miller. Sam Wood then broke from midfield and fed Gray, who played in Kris Nurse to cross but Goole defended well to concede the corner.
Wood's flag kick was handled as Chris White looked to have a free header and the penalty was awarded. Nurse stroked the ball past Jamie Ward to give his side the lead with just 11 minutes gone. A fine move involving Joe Shaw, Gray and Byrne led to Wood putting over a fine ball to Miller who completely missed his kick when well placed. A great ball by Gray looked to have freed Miller but Goole got back to defend. With Gray again involved, Byrne and Wood combined to set up Nurse with time but his effort was palmed away at full stretch by Ward, Wood's corner struck the base of the post and Goole cleared their lines. A fine header by Rob Lyall saw Byrne ride a foul challenge but his through ball to Nurse saw the striker just offside.
Quorn were completely in control and Marshall, Byrne and Nurse combined to set up Miller but his header just cleared the bar. Miller then outstripped the defence to set up Nurse but again Ward produced an excellent save but could do nothing as the resulting corner was nodded down to Nurse who thumped the ball into the roof of the net to double his and Quorn's tally, just past the midway point of the half. Quorn momentarily switched off and Adrian Hammond found himself clear but shot over the bar. A Liam Davies corner then found the head of Steve Wilkinson but his effort sailed over. Ward then produced another fine save from a Nurse snapshot. Goole defended well from a couple of corners before Byrne broke clear but was thwarted again by Ward. Nurse then fired wide after great work by Miller had set up the chance. Quorn finished the half well on top and were left to wonder why they hadn't at least doubled their score, Byrne again burst through on the left, before firing past Ward but also the far post.
The visitors started the 2nd half in more determined fashion and Nurse was called into action with two saves but wasn't unduly troubled. Quorn were having to defend a lot more this half and were doing it well but surrendered possession far too easily and Goole dominated the first 15 minutes. A corner to Quorn saw Lyall have his shot blocked before a terrific run by Shaw from deep, saw him break into the box and lay the ball on a plate for Miller but inexplicably he fired wide. Marshall's run and cross was well defended by Goole. The visitors were then handed a lifeline with a poor decision by the Referee who awarded a penalty against Marshall, who clearly tried to get his hand away from the ball crossed from close range. Powell fired home the spot-kick to reduce the arrears on 67 minutes.
Two minutes later Quorn restored their 2 goal lead, Nurse and Miller combined to set Byrne racing clear and he made no mistake firing past Ward into the far corner. Goole responded and Nurse had to be alert to palm away a strike from Hammond and Marshall completed the clearance. With less than twenty minutes to go Quorn made a double substitution at the back and within 3 minutes had conceded two poor goals. First Simon Harrison took advantage of some sloppy defending to finish well past Nurse and then Powell got ahead of Lyall, who dragged him down in the box, to not only concede the penalty but also saw red for the challenge having already been booked. Powell again expertly tucking away the kick.
Down to ten men it looked ominous for Quorn but it was the visitors who were defending in numbers and Ward produced a string of saves to deny Miler twice and another from Nurse, with another couple of efforts hacked off the line as Quorn attacked at will. Another poor decision went against Quorn when Miller burst clear but offside was given against Nurse,who had turned back towards his own goal. Gray's fine ball was fired wide by Nurse with Byrne waiting for the pass before Goole responded through Wilkinson, whose shot from distance caused Nurse to re-adjust. An Anthony Marriott throw caused panic in the visitors box and somehow Ward cleared the ball off the line.
Quorn were left to rue not converting a host of chances and the MOTM not surprisingly goes to visiting keeper Jamie Ward, pick of a decent Quorn team effort was returning skipper Chris Gray who gave a captains performance, Phil Miller ran his socks off up front but occasional defensive lapses and some wayward finishing cost Quorn two points.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Marshall, Lyall, Mathews, White, Gray, Wood, Nurse, Miller, Byrne.
Subs Evans, Marriott, Purton.
Sheffield 2 Quorn 2 (13/11/10)
Points shared
Quorn made the trip to the Worlds Oldest Football Club, minus the services of suspended skipper Chris Gray and the unavailable Steve Evans but Dan Marshall returned to the Squad with a place on the bench, as did Phil Miller, who came in for his first action of the season following injury. Joe Shaw replaced Sam Buckingham at right back and Emidio Chiavetta gaining valuable experience as he continued to deputise for Marshall.
Quorn were soon out the blocks and a neat headed flick by Anthony Marriott sent Kris Nurse clear but opting to shoot early he screwed his effort wide. Marriott was involved again when he linked with Tom Byrne, his cross giving Nurse another chance, his left foot strike beat home keeper Dan Whatsize but struck the foot of the post and away to safety. Against the run of play and in their first serious attack the home side took the lead, Chiavetta blocked the initial effort but from the resulting corner Brian Cusworth, left completely unmarked, powered his header into the bottom corner, Matt Nurse got his hands to it but couldn't prevent the ball from crossing the line.
Although shocked to be behind Quorn continued to take the game to the home side but were met by resolute defending and several last ditch blocks prevented the equaliser as Quorn forced a number of corner kicks. Quorn again were nearly caught out but Rob Lyall made a superb covering tackle to end the danger. Quorn then scrambled clear from the resulting corner, then Byrne threatened at the other end before Marriott's corner was also scrambled clear. Sloppy play in midfield saw the home side break and although Kris Mathews blocked the first effort, Jamie Hadfield was on hand to fire past Nurse to give his side an unlikely 2 goal cushion fifteen minutes before the break. Quorn then lost their way and the play became scrappy and the half time whistle came as a relief.
Quorn again started the brighter and following a corner Lyall laid the ball back to Nurse who again fired wide. The introduction of Substitute Rich Lonsdale saw a better shape to the side and Quorn began to dominate, although the eager Sheffield forwards still had to be watched. A Sam Wood volley from 25 yards was straight at Whatsize but with Quorn dominating play, a goal seemed inevitable and Byrne's trickery on the left was causing problems and from his cross Mathews side footed home to reduce the arrears just after an hours play. Byrne then struck a fierce low shot from 25 yards following Wood's free kick, but Whatsize went full length and made a fine save at the foot of the post.
Sheffield then broke with men over, but Jordan Turner fired well wide on the run. With Quorn pushing forward they were caught on the break and Cusworth went clear but wasted the opportunity and shot tamely straight at Nurse. Back came Quorn and a fine ball to Liam Turner was held up and then laid back to Byrne who cut inside before firing into the bottom corner of the net to give the visitors a deserved equaliser with 15 minutes remaining. Both sides then had a chance to win it, Quorn defended well after a quick attack by Sheffield and then Whatsize made a spectacular catch from Byrne's shot-cum-cross that was deflected, taking the sting out of the goalbound effort as Miller waited to pounce.
With both sides content not to concede, the game petered out and at the finish both were grateful for a point. For the home side Brian Cusworth led the line well and was always an aerial threat but my MOTM goes to Rob Lyall.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Chiavetta, Lyall, Mathews, White, Wood, Marriott, Nurse, Turner, Byrne.
Subs Marshall, Miller, Lonsdale.
Quorn 2 Glapwell 3 (06/11/10)
Quorn lose at home
Quorn's indifferent spell continued with a disappointing home defeat at the hands of Glapwell and found themselves a goal down after Thirteen minutes when a deep cross picked out the unmarked Ian Brown who had time and space to control before stroking the ball past Matt Nurse. Tom Byrne cut in from the left past two defenders and his shot brought out a fine save from visiting keeper James Lindley, his parry bounced awkwardly for Kris Nurse and was scrambled away from the danger zone. Chris Gray then worked his way into the box and fed Anthony Marriott who looked like he was impeded but Quorn's appeals were waived away. A quick free kick by Marriott was fed back to him by Nurse but his left foot effort was wide of the mark.
Quorn's midfield were lacking any cohesion and generally getting in each others way with no width either side and the visitors found it easy to set up attacks although Nurse remained untroubled in a poor first half that finished with a cross by Sam Wood that Lindley re-adjusted to tip over, Emidio Chiavetta's in swinging corner was watched carefully by the keeper as it landed on top of the net.
An early cross by Chiavetta caused concern for the visitors but they defended it well. Following a spell of poor passing to squander possession, Quorn suddenly got it right and Wood's cross was flicked on by Nurse to Byrne at the far post but Lindley produced a fine save but the loose ball was cleverly stroked past the defenceless keeper from the edge of the box by Nurse for the equaliser with barely 10 minutes gone of the 2nd half. A Chris White effort from distance was way off target and a clearance by Quorn saw Byrne neatly lay back to strike partner Nurse who tried a speculative volley from inside his own half but Lindley gathered comfortably.
Quorn then lost their way again and pass after pass went astray with no urgency or passion in evidence, not so the visitors who deservedly regained the lead with a slick move that was made easier by Quorn backing off and Ian Holmes had a fairly simple task to prod past Nurse. Holmes could and should have increased the lead when a simple headed pass sent him clear but his shot on the run was too high. Substitute Adam Walker was next to go close but he fired wide as Quorn's packed midfield continued to be too close to each other to engineer any momentum. A Byrne snap shot out of the blue was straight at the goalkeeper but generally incidents were few and far between at the Glapwell end. The visitors again ripped through the middle and Brown wasted the opportunity by firing over the bar. Glapwell players looked like they wanted it more and deservedly went 3-1 ahead in the 83rd minute when Conor Higginson finished off a well worked move as Quorn looked on.
Quorn at last showed a bit of urgency and Byrne did well on the left before firing in a cross that Lindley spilled but was able to recover to collect. With three minutes left, Wood's cross was headed on by Nurse to Byrne who fired past Lindley to set up a nervy finale for the visitors. Substitute Rich Lonsdale then had a shot from distance that was blocked but just before the end Brown again broke clear but Nurse forced him wide and he shot into the side netting. Nurse had no chance with either of the goals but despite Glapwell's dominance of the proceedings, he wasn't called into any serious action. MOTM goes to the Visitors number 8 Matt Telling.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, Marshall, Lyall, Mathews, White, Wood, Gray, Nurse, Marriott, Byrne.
Subs Chiavetta, Lonsdale, Turner.
Quorn 0 Carlton Town 2 (02/11/10)
Quorn Exit League Cup
Quorn gave a debut to Emidio Chiavetta in this League Cup R2 game, Manager Dougie Keast also took the opportunity to rest some senior players and also give fringe players a good 90 minute work out, Carlton too also rested 1 or 2 players notably Saturday's four goal hero Antwon Bonnick, although the striker was named among the substitutes. Quorn nearly drew first blood when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the right hand side of the box, with all players jostling for position for the cross, Anthony Marriott spotted a gap and drilled a low shot that struck the foot of the near post with goalkeeper Neil West struggling to get there.
The opening 15 minutes were pretty even but Quorn's young defence got in a bit of a tangle and conceded a needless penalty when Nicholas Langford was upended, but had a lucky let off when Terry Hawkridge thundered his spot kick against the bar and from the rebound the ball was fired wildly over. Quorn responded with a smart move and Turner turned well but his left foot shot was easy for West. Langford then fired wildly over from an acute angle as the visitors countered. Joe Shaw and Rich Lonsdale combined to pick out Steve Purton who whipped his cross past the face of the goal with no attackers able to get the vital touch. A thundering first time effort on the run by Purton was brilliantly tipped over the bar by West to prevent the opener.
As the half hour mark approached, Carlton took the lead, helped by poor defending by Quorn, wasting several opportunities to clear the ball before a cross reached the unmarked Langford who side footed past Matt Nurse to give his side the lead. Quorn responded immediately when a Purton free-kick reached Rob Lyall at the far post, his half volley forced West into a reflex save with his feet to prevent the equaliser. Kris Nurse then let fly from just outside the box and West needed two touches to complete the save. A Chiavetta long throw caused a bit of panic in the box but the visitors scrambled the ball clear.
Another quick counter attack by the visitors resulted in Langford winning another Penalty but although tackled from behind, it looked a bit of a dive and the Referee paused before deciding it a was a foul, Langford took it himself this time and made no mistake to increase his sides lead. Quorn looked a bit shell shocked to be two behind when perhaps they should have been in front and Hawkridge nearly made it three with a great strike but Nurse rose acrobatically to palm away. Just before the break West again pulled off a terrific reflex save after Marriott's cross was met with a superb volley by Nurse.
The 2nd half started with a series of mis- placed passes and headers that handed the imitative to the visitors and play became rather scrappy. A number of substitutions further unsettled the play till both sides got organised. Chiavetta's cross caused concern for the visitors but Daniel Fletcher eased the pressure by conceding the corner, Purton's delivery was good but it flashed across the face of West's goal and to safety. Ash Robinson's throw was glanced on to Turner in space at the far post but he wanted an extra touch and was snuffed out. The same player then shot tamely at at West before at the other end Curtis Shaw scuffed his effort wide after finding space. Quorn were caught out by a swift break and needed several last ditch tackles and a brave save by Substitute keeper Andrew Simpson to prevent a third goal.
The game petered out and we wish Carlton every success in the next round and the positives from the game were that the younger players got a bit more experience and fringe players got much needed playing time. MOTM was a bit difficult to pick but with key saves at vital moments, Neil West the visiting keeper gets my vote.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Chiavetta, Buckingham, Lyall, White, Lonsdale, Marriott, Nurse, Turner, Purton.
Subs Evans, Robinson, Simpson.
Quorn 2 Belper Town 0 (30/10/10)
Nurse at the double
Quorn welcomed Belper Town for the 2nd meeting between the two sides in 5 days, following the visitors narrow victory in the Presidents Cup on Tuesday. With Dan Marshall still unavailable, Anthony Marriott dropped in at left back with Chris White returning into midfield, Sam Buckingham also returned to fill the right back berth. Both sides had early chances, a superb ball by Steve Evans was equally dealt with by Mark Barnard and moments later Alessandro Barcherini saved well from Tom Byrne but it was the visitors who should have opened the scoring when a poor ball in the last third by Quorn saw the visitors break quickly and Ruben Wiggins-Thomas crossed to set up Daryl Thomas but fortunately for Quorn his effort struck the base of the post with Matt Nurse beaten.
Quorn responded with Evans crossing for Byrne, his overhead kick struck a defender and Kris Nurse laid off the loose ball to Chris Gray but his effort was blocked. Sam Wood then linked well with Evans before feeding Byrne who burst past two defenders before crossing to the unmarked Nurse who had the simple task of tapping home from close range to give Quorn the lead on thirteen minutes. The opening 15 minutes could have seen a 2-2 scoreline as both teams looked to be in good attacking form. A Wood free kick was headed back across the face by Rob Lyall to give Byrne the chance to increase his sides lead but Lyall's header was adjudged to be from behind the goal line. The same player then struck the bar, rising well to direct his header over Barcherini, following a cross by Evans.
The visitors were largely quiet up front but just before the break, a corner by Luke Federenko presented Matthew Plant with a free header but Nurse was perfectly positioned to tip over the bar. Another corner to the visitors was half cleared but when the cross came back in Thomas headed narrowly over, although Nurse had it covered. The interval came as the visitors looked to be getting back into the match but Quorn deserved their slender half time lead.
Early in the 2nd half Quorn were guilty of some sloppy play, Wiggins-Thomas nearly profiting, but his cross fizzed across the face and soon after a deep cross from the right was headed tamely wide by Jon Froggatt. As on Tuesday night the introduction of Rich Lonsdale saw a switch in the match and his cross was just palmed away from the head of the inrushing Nurse by the ever alert Barcherini. Wiggins-Thomas then threatened to break at the other end but a superb tackle by Kris Mathews ended the danger. Quorn went 2 nil up when a superb cross by Lonsdale picked out Nurse, who drilled his shot past Barcherini to double his and Quorn's tally.
This seemed to deflate the visitors and Quorn looked to add to their score, another cross by Lonsdale was headed back by Nurse into the path of Wood but his effort was deflected wide of the target. Marriott then had to defend well to thwart Frogatt but Quorn came close to adding a third when Barcherini was forced to pull off a superb save from Substitute Liam Tuner, after Mathews's superb header set up the chance. Barcherini then nearly undone his good work with a sloppy throw that Wood lobbed back first time but the effort was just too high. Byrne might have done a bit better when Wood's cross fell invitingly for him but the ball fell to him on his weaker foot and his effort went just wide.
Quorn then eased off the gas and substitute Paris Simmons had a shot deflected wide as the home side defended in numbers before from the resulting corner Nurse had to be alert to deny former Quorn man Russell Peel but was awarded a free-kick in any case. Lonsdale then broke down the right with men over in the centre but Barnard got back to prevent the cross. The last action of the game saw a good run from deep by Marriott, who set up Lonsdale but his goal bound strike was palmed away low down by Barcherini.
Quorn exacted deserved revenge following the previous reverse and with several fine individual performances, notably Kris Nurse looking more like his normal self but my MOTM goes to Rob Lyall, who has settled back to form a solid defensive partnership with Kris Mathews.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, Marriott, Mathews, Lyall, White, Gray, Wood, Nurse, Evans, Byrne.
Subs Lonsdale, Shaw, Turner.
Belper Town 2 Quorn 1 (26/10/10)
Presidents Cup Defeat
Quorn made half a dozen changes to the starting eleven from the previous game, for the visit to Belper for this Presidents Cup 1st round game against the Holders of the Trophy. Two early chances for Ruben Wiggins-Thomas went a-begging, Tom Byrne forced a parry from Alessandro Barcherini but Kris Nurse slipped at the vital moment upon reaching the loose ball. Marriott then fired high and wide before an error at the back presented the home side with the opening goal on 28 minutes, Daryl Thomas getting the final touch past Matt Nurse. Thomas then wasted a great chance to double the lead before a Quorn free-kick was deflected to Nurse who couldn't keep his effort down.
Nurse then fired wide following good work by Steve Evans and Joe Shaw. Nurse again went close but Barcherini made a good save. A ball over the top saw Jon Froggatt two yards offside but was allowed to go on by the official and the striker took full advantage with a superb finish, 12 mins before the break. Quorn responded and Sam Wood tested Barcherini,who again saved well. Poor defending by Quorn saw Thomas get free but his effort was into the side netting. The home side finished in control and Matthew Plant fired a snap shot just over the bar.
The 2nd half started with Quorn again in disarray but Nurse made a smart catch to ease the pressure, Quorn made a substitution on the hour and it immediately changed the run of play with a more balanced formation. Within 3 minutes Wood had reduced the arrears, firing past Barcherini after Nurse had flicked on. Wood again forced a good save from Barcherini but Nurse forced the ball home only for the offside flagged to be raised. The home side were under constant pressure, Evans crossed for Rich Lonsdale to head on and Nurse rose to head goal wards but Barcherini made a superb reflex tip over to keep his side in front.
Barcherini again saved brilliantly from a shot by Wood, after Evans created the chance, the keeper then raced out to clear as Quorn broke. Lonsdale then burst through on the right and his cross fizzed across the face with nobody able to get the final touch. A nice touch by Evans set up a Purton pile driver from 30 yards that went narrowly wide. Quorn were pushing forward in an effort to get on level terms but it was the home side who nearly made it three, when a mis-hit effort cleared Nurse but Rob Lyall hooked the ball to safety. A Quorn attack was partially cleared but Marriott fired in a 25 yard effort that just cleared the near post. With time running out Lonsdale crossed to set up Wood but he fired well over when well placed.
For the first hour of the match the home side looked in control but Quorn totally dominated the last half hour and Belper had to thank MOTM Barcherini for their safe passage into the next round. The two teams meet again this Saturday in a League match at Farley Way.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Purton, Gray, Mathews, Lyall, Marriott, Wood, Nurse, Evans, Byrne.
Subs Buckingham, Lonsdale, Turner.
Spalding United 1 Quorn 1 (23/10/10)
Yet Another Stalemate
Quorn made the trip to Lincolnshire still looking for their first victory at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field and came away with a point with a marginally better performance than their previous 3 visits there. It started quite brightly with Jamie Brassington the busier of the two keepers, Tom Byrne weaving his way into the box before hitting a shot that the keeper got his body behind and held well. Dan Marshall advanced down the left and crossed but again Brassington caught cleanly. Kris Mathews made two excellently timed challenges to thwart the threat caused by the powerful running of the home striker Tony Onokah. The home side then broke through Quorn's midfield with ease and Marshall rescued Quorn as Jonathan Jones combined with Onokah to threaten danger.
A fine flowing move by Quorn ended with a thundering drive from 25 yards by Sam Wood that beat Brassington but rattled the woodwork and the Tulips survived. Chris Gray's hurried clearance struck Mark Webb who nearly profited but Matt Nurse was alert and reached the loose ball first to make the clearance. Quorn were caught again by a quick fire raid by the home side and again Nurse was on hand to save. Play switched from attack to defence as a wild cross field ball by Quorn set up Andy White to burst through on the left but his cross was just in front of Onokah and the chance was lost.
Again Quorn were guilty of being too casual as they lost possession just outside their own box but Onokah's resulting left foot shot failed to trouble Nurse who gathered cleanly. The unmarked White then broke into Quorn's box and as Nurse advanced, the number 11 chipped over him towards the goal but Mathews had got back to cover and headed over the bar to prevent the opener.
The 2nd half started again with sloppy play nearly causing their own undoing but Nurse saved low down comfortably. A quick break involving Sam Buckingham and Rich Lonsdale saw the latter cross but Wood's first time effort was blocked by Simon Ashton for a corner. The flag kick was half cleared to Byrne who took a touch sideways before firing low past Brassington but to Quorn's dismay the woodwork again saved the home side. Not long after, Wood fired over the bar with a free-kick that was always rising.
Spalding then won a corner that Quorn failed to defend properly and Daniel Westwood looped his header past an unsighted Nurse to put his side ahead with 20 minutes remaining. Quorn responded with another strike by Wood but Brassington saved well. A quick break by Quorn was halted by a superb intervention by Mark Gray as Quorn searched for the leveller. Nurse found Byrne with a long free kick and he crossed to Liam Turner who fired narrowly wide when although well placed was off balance. Mathews then headed narrowly over from another long free kick by Nurse. Ash Robinson them launched a long throw which was headed out to Byrne but his first time effort was straight at Brassington.
Just when it looked that Quorn had ran out of time, Wood found space inside the box and although he struck his shot well it needed a huge deflection off the unfortunate Ashton to wrong-foot Brassington and creep over the line to earn Quorn a deserved point. With seconds remaining the home side nearly regained the lead but Nurse held on at the second attempt. As per the three previous visits, Quorn were not at their best and in the end were grateful for a point. MOTM for Spalding - Simon Ashton and for Quorn, Kris Mathews - another solid performance.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, Marshall, Gray, Mathews, White, Lonsdale, Wood, Turner, Lyall, Byrne.
Subs Easson, Robinson, Shaw.
Newcastle 1 Quorn 1 (19/10/10)
Another Stalemate
Quorn were without Rob Lyall for their first ever trip to Newcastle Town Fc and with both sides having suffered defeat in Saturday's FA Trophy games, both were keen to pick up 3 points from this encounter. The good news for Quorn was that skipper Chris Gray made his return after a lengthy lay off through injury, he replaced Lyall and the only other change was that Steve Evans came in for Ash Robinson.
A tentative first half saw both defences on top despite the slippery conditions and apart from one superb save by Matt Nurse, neither goalkeeper was unduly troubled. Newcastle winger Jordan Johnson fell victim to an unfortunate late challenge by Sam Buckingham and the injury looked to be serious when the stretcher was called for but fortunately, it was later diagnosed as a badly bruised ankle and hopefully the lad will be back playing soon. Half chances at either end came and went and overall the home side shaded the half.
After the break things continued on a tit for tat basis with again both back lines remaining solid but it took a tremendous save low down by Nurse to keep the scoreline blank. This let off seemed to give Quorn a wake up call and with just over an hour gone a superb through ball by Sam Wood sent Tom Byrne racing clear, he rounded the out coming keeper but took one touch too many and a covering defender got back to clear off the line. The resulting corner saw the home custodian drop the ball and Kris Mathews was on hand to stab the ball home to give Quorn the lead.
The home side stepped up a gear but couldn't break down the Quorn rearguard superbly marshalled by Mathews. Quorn sat too deep and seemed content to hoof the ball as deep into the opposition half as possible bypassing Wood and Evans and inevitably the visitors were soon defending all over again. With both sides evenly matched defensively we reached the last 15 mins with Quorn looking like they were going to hang on to the points but a promising attack broke down needlessly and a swift counter attack saw substitute Louis James get on the end of the cross and fired past Nurse to level the scores.
The remainder of the game saw both sides looking like they might break the deadlock but both defences held firm for probably a fair result and my nominations for MOTM are Defender, Paul Donnelly for Newcastle and for Quorn and overall Kris Mathews.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, Marshall, Gray, Mathews, White, Lonsdale, Wood, Turner, Evans, Byrne.
Subs Marriott, Purton, Robinson.
Chorley 1 Quorn 0 (16/10/10)
Quorn lose in FA Trophy
Quorn faced a difficult trip to the Evo-Stik division 1 north leaders Chorley fc and with skipper Chris Gray still not fit, leading scorer Kris Nurse serving a three match ban and the news that Kris Mathews was unwell before the match didn't bode well for Quorn's chances. Chris White was preferred in midfield to Steve Evans and Sam Buckingham made his full debut at full back. The home side were soon on the attack and Matt Nurse did well through a crowd of players to punch clear following a free kick. Quorn responded and Sam Wood found Liam Turner with a fine ball, he in turn laid the ball wide to Dan Marshall and his cross caused concern in the home back line and Tom Byrne was inches away from getting the vital touch.
Quorn made a mess of a corner and were stretched as Shelton Payne broke clear but fired wide when well placed. Another Quorn corner broke down and Jack Dorney broke away but was stopped illegally and the free kick was easily dealt with by Quorn. The pace of the home forwards were causing Quorn problems and Payne again got clear on the left, however his cross was headed wide by Dorney and Quorn breathed a sigh of relief. A misplaced ball in midfield saw Dorney advance but his shot failed to trouble Nurse. Ash Robinson’s throw was headed down to the feet of Rich Lonsdale who crossed to the near post but Aaron Grundy made the save with his feet to relieve the danger.
An early deep cross had Quorn in trouble but Rob Lyall was alert and cleared superbly. Dorney's cross was latched onto by Tom Ince forcing Nurse to make the save but Quorn were awarded a free-kick anyway. Dorney tested Nurse with a great shot from distance but Nurse was equal to it and palmed away at full stretch. Yet another corner was wasted by Quorn and the home side again broke with men over, Payne blasted goal wards but Nurse again rescued Quorn with a superb stop. All the energy we saw in the last couple of games in midfield was nowhere in evidence as the home side remained on top, the speedy Payne again firing in a cross but the resulting shot was poor and Quorn survived.
It took the home side just three minutes to take the lead after the break, a well rehearsed set piece from a disputed free-kick saw the ball headed back towards the near post, Marshall looked favourite to clear but failed to make contact and Jordan Stepien raced in to knock past Nurse from close range. Quorn responded and good work by Wood set up a chance for Turner but the offside flag was raised long before he fired past Grundy. Quorn were still having to defend in numbers and Mathews and Lyall were both in constant action. The introduction of Steve Purton nearly paid dividends when he robbed his opponent and advanced as Chorley backed off but his right foot drive was just wide of the mark. Back came the home side and Payne skipped past two challenges and with men in support Quorn looked stretched but Lyall read it superbly and cleared unceremoniously. Stepien was a yard offside but allowed to go on but Lyall and Nurse combined to force him wide and concede the corner. The resulting flag kick caused concern but Mathews rose well to concede another corner.
Payne again beat two men but Mathews made a great challenge to end the threat. Another in-swinging corner caused a problem for Quorn but this time it was Lyall who headed over his own bar to save Quorn. Payne then fell to the ground as if he'd been shot, the Ref bought it despite no contact, the no 11 made a miraculous recovery and fired in a great free-kick from 25 yards but Nurse rose superbly to tip over the bar. Stepien then broke down the left but showed too much and Mathews conceded the corner. With just over 20 minutes to go Evans came on for Quorn and immediately Quorn began to get more in the game, a 72 minute corner was flicked on at the near post and Lyall forced home the loose ball, the Referee saw no infringement but the assistant saw the home keeper impeded and the goal was chalked off, had the sun not been in the assistants face he may have seen it was a Chorley defender who collided with his own player.
Purton again went close with a left foot drive from White's pass before at the other end Payne's pace again sent him clear but Mathews made a timely intervention. Evans and Wood combined to free Purton his cross was lobbed by Lyall, but just over the bar as Quorn at last showed glimpses of their recent form. It was Chorley's turn to defend in numbers as Quorn threatened the equaliser and substitute Ben Easson looked to strike but great defending by the home side snuffed out the danger. The resulting corner again caused concern but the home side scrambled clear. Byrne who had been well shackled throughout was then clobbered from behind on the Referees blind side but recovered after treatment. As time was running out a free-kick to Quorn was nervelessly defended by the hosts and Buckingham unmarked at the far post had a chance for glory but he got underneath it and couldn't keep it down.
Quorn can point to a perfectly good goal not given but in truth the home side did more than enough to earn their place in the next round. MOTM, for Quorn, Wood worked tirelessly and Lyall and Mathews had to be on top form in an overworked back four along with keeper Nurse but my vote goes to Shelton Payne - despite the dive.
For Matt's saves, Chorley's winner and Quorn's 'Equaliser' visit YouTube - Chorley v Quorn
Quorn Team
Nurse, Buckingham, Marshall, Lyall, Mathews, White, Lonsdale, Wood, Turner, Robinson, Byrne.
Subs Easson, Evans, Purton.
Quorn 3 Romulus 0 (12/10/10)
Quorn progress in League Cup
Quorn brought back Anthony Marriott and Rob Lyall into defence and Steve Evans made a first start alongside Ash Robinson and Sam Wood in midfield. It was the home side who made all the early attacking with the visitors forced to defend in numbers. Tom Byrne went down in the box but the Referee waived aside the Quorn appeals. In their first meaningful attack, Romulus won a free-kick 25 yards out, Ashley Jackson curled his effort just wide of the far post with Matt Nurse keeping a watchful eye. His opposite number Lewis Exall could only palm away Wood's deep cross for a corner that the visitors defended well and likewise to deal with a cross from Byrne following his mazy run from deep. Byrne then combined with Wood to send over another dangerous cross that was hastily cleared. Robinson had a first time strike charged down as Quorn continued to dominate and another fine move between Wood and Rich Lonsdale set up Evans but he couldn't keep his effort down. Lonsdale then crossed well but it went just behind Liam Turner and his effort went over.
In a rare attack James Pugh got in a shot but it was deflected off a team-mate and Nurse collected easily. Quorn's quick throw was picked up by Byrne who crossed to the unmarked Turner but his header cleared the bar. A long clearance by Exall was headed on and nearly caught out Quorn but Lyall beat Naveed Arshed to head back to Nurse. Quorn were close to opening the scoring when Byrne created a shooting opportunity for Lonsdale but his well struck effort on the run was well saved by the feet of Exall. A Ryan Williams free-kick failed to trouble Nurse before Quorn went straight down the other end and scored. Wood looked to have been fouled but remained on his feet to slip a fine ball for Byrne to run on outpace the defender before placing the ball past Exall with 32 minutes gone. Lonsdale's fine cross was inadvertently turned back to Exall and the defender was harshly penalised with Quorn given a free-kick some 8 yards out but with so many bodies on the line Quorn couldn't force a way through and the shot was charged down and cleared.
Another great strike on the run, this time a goal bound effort by Wood, was saved again by the feet of Exall as Quorn continued to probe for the 2nd goal. Evans slipped a fine ball to Lonsdale whose run and cross fell invitingly to Turner but his effort again cleared the woodwork. A poor clearance by Exall was seized upon by Lonsdale but the keeper atoned for his error by palming his shot away to safety. All Quorn's hard work was nearly undone when Pugh whipped a fine cross over but skipper Kris Mathews was on hand to head over his own bar. The resulting corner saw poor defending by Quorn, Jackson's cross was headed downwards by Shaun Link but Nurse read it well and palmed the effort away. A late tackle on Mathews saw Quorn down to ten men for the last couple of minutes of the half but it was the home side who finished the stronger with Lonsdale's fine run and cross picked of the toes of Turner by Exall.
A different and more determined Romulus came out after the break with Quorn on the back foot but that suddenly changed as Wood fired in a shot that was deflected for a corner, Lyall rose highest to head goal wards but Romulus cleared off the line. Marriott was caught the wrong side of his man but Arshad wasted the opportunity and it was to prove costly as a quick break saw Lonsdale free on the right his superb cross was forced home by the inrushing Byrne with just over 30 minutes left. Two minutes later Quorn struck again, Byrne was sent clear with two defenders in close pursuit, the striker cleverly stopped before switching the ball from his right to his left foot, flat-footing both defenders and keeper before chipping his shot into the unguarded net to complete a superb hat-trick.
Mathews nearly added a fourth, heading narrowly over from another fine cross by Lonsdale. A flurry of substitutions by both sides followed and this saw the visitors briefly threaten the Quorn goal, a bout of ping-pong in the area ended with Marriott making a great block and clearance to relieve the pressure and another great cross by Lonsdale should have given Quorn a four goal cushion but Turner's finish was poor. Jackson fired in another free-kick which wasn't far away but again Nurse was untroubled. Substitutes Purton and Easson combined for the latter to go close but Exall was equal to it and produced a fine save. As the game petered out Jackson produced a good run and cross but Nurse gathered comfortably.
Another good all round team performance by Quorn, with a number of players looking a lot more confident than a few weeks ago Lonsdale looking more impressive every game, Robinson also having a fine game, Sam Buckingham came on for his 1st team debut and for twenty minutes looked very comfortable but their can only be one MOTM and that is Tom Byrne.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Marriott, Marshall, Lyall, Mathews, Evans, Lonsdale, Wood, Turner, Robinson, Byrne.
Subs Buckingham ,Easson , Purton.
Quorn 4 Loughborough Dynamo 1 (09/10/10)
Fine Home performance
Quorn welcomed near neighbours Loughborough Dynamo, fresh from a emphatic victory over Lincoln United in midweek. Ash Robinson, Paul Smith and Liam Turner returned to the starting 11 with Steve Evans, making a welcome return, included on the bench. The opening 5 minutes were a bit cagey but the game burst into life when Rich Lonsdale sped clear on the right and his cross, although getting a defenders touch, fell invitingly for Tom Byrne to open the scoring, slotting home past the helpless Laurie Pearson.
The visitors attacked from the restart but Quorn broke through Kris Nurse who tried to play in Turner but the ball was a shade too strong. Luke Edwards broke down the left for the visitors causing Matt Nurse to leave his goal but his cross was just over hit and Quorn cleared to safety. Good work between Turner and Lonsdale set up Nurse but his strike was just past the post. Edwards again found space on the left but when his cross came in, Kris Mathews was on hand to safely put it behind for a corner which Quorn defended well. A Smith free-kick cleared the cross bar and a snapshot by Lonsdale suffered the same fate but a second free-kick by Smith forced Pearson to tip over the bar before Karl Noble hit a well struck volley from 35 yards that was straight at Nurse, who gathered cleanly.
Dan Marshall picked out Turner with a fine ball, his first time chip cleared Pearson but unfortunately was just wide of the mark, Turner again went close when Robinson played him in but his effort was deflected over the bar. Mathews picked out Byrne with a fine long ball but his cross from the left was just too quick for Nurse and Lonsdale.
The visitors equalised out of the blue, when Sam Wood got the wrong side of his man and was adjudged to have fouled his opponent and the Referee awarded a spot kick. Neil Morgan confidently despatched the penalty to level things up, just past the half hour mark. Edwards then forced Nurse to save low down to his left, before at the other end, first Nurse and then Lonsdale was adjudged marginally offside as they broke clear of the visiting back line. A fine move involving the same pair set up Turner who struck his effort well but Pearson pulled off a fine save at the expense of a corner. At the other end Mathews did well to clear as Morgan threatened and from the resulting corner Danny Jenno headed over when well placed. Quorn came close to restoring their lead when Wood's free kick hit the post and Turner knocked the rebound against the other post with Pearson beaten. The half closed with Jenno's deflected free-kick tipped over the bar by Nurse.
Straight after the break Quorn were nearly punished after a defensive error but Morgan put his effort wide. Ash Way looked clearly off side as he broke but was allowed to continue, Nurse forced him wide but he managed to get a strike in but Marshall cleared his effort and was injured in the process but recovered after treatment. Evans, on for the injured White, picked out Lonsdale who cleverly fed Nurse but Pearson reacted well to make the block. Quorn restored their advantage when a fine long ball by Smith played in Lonsdale who headed past Pearson into an unguarded net.
Quorn nearly increased their lead when Robinson fed Nurse, who in turn released Byrne, his short cross was met by Robinson but his effort was deflected wide. With Quorn again left appealing for offside, Edwards advanced, but struck his shot well wide of Nurse's left hand post. Shortly after, Way got free down the left but his cross was comfortably gathered by Nurse. Smith again played a delightful chip into the path of Robinson but his effort was off target. With 15 minutes remaining Quorn did increase their lead, Byrne went on a run, skipped past one defender, managed to stop on his feet as he rode one foul but was upended as he entered the box and Smith fired home the spot–kick to put his side 3-1 up. The visitors responded and Way's well struck free-kick was deflected over the bar.
A quick break by Quorn saw Byrne beat his man and give Turner a golden opportunity to seal the win but his left foot effort went wide. Quorn continued to dominate and Byrne's cross to Lonsdale saw him flash his shot across the face. Marshall chipped a fine ball to substitute Purton and his well stuck effort was just over. Way again looked to be offside but Nurse retrieved the situation anyway and play quickly switched back to the other end, Purton picking out Byrne who set up Turner in space with only Pearson to beat but the Keeper saved with his feet. Purton's corner was headed over by Turner.
Way's dangerous looking free-kick was headed clear by Evans and Robinson's long ball was inadvertently headed into the path of Turner, who this time made no mistake to fire past Pearson, to effectively kill off the visitors with less than ten minutes remaining. Wood's strike following a quick free-kick was blocked before likewise at the other end, Smith defended well to deny the threat posed by Way's quick break. Purton's cross came off a Dynamo head into the grateful arms of Pearson and Quorn finished with Purton blazing wildly over, after a good move saw Evans and Wood combine to set up the chance.
An entertaining match saw Quorn take a well deserved three points with everybody playing their part but my MOTM goes to Tom Byrne, who was a constant threat, particularly in the 2nd half.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Wood, Marshall, White, Mathews, Smith, Lonsdale, Robinson, Nurse, Turner, Byrne.
Subs Evans, Lyall, Purton.
Sutton Coldfield Town 1 Quorn 1 (04/10/10)
Point gained
Quorn were forced to make one change to the line-up, Rob Lyall returned from injury to replace the unavailable Paul Smith. The opening 5 minutes saw Quorn produce three quick fire attacks that had the home side back peddling with Steve Purton involved making good runs from deep but the final ball didn't match the quality of the break. Sutton responded and Kris Mathews had to be alert to thwart the hosts, safely shepherding the ball back to Matt Nurse. Quorn broke again and Rich Lonsdale's cross was well cut out by home keeper Karl Lewis as Kris Nurse closed in.
Mark Bellingham nearly carved out an opening at the other end but Quorn defended well, but two minutes later the prolific striker pounced on a defensive error and rifled the ball past Nurse to open the scoring. Quorn responded when Dan Marshall found Nurse with a good ball but the home side snuffed out the threat. A ball over the top saw Bellingham again threaten but his first time effort drifted wide. Matthew Dodd picked up a loose ball in midfield and made ground as Quorn backed off but the shot, when it came, was way over the bar.
Quorn were nearly made to pay for some sloppy play, losing possession far too easily, Dodd took advantage and his cross was met by the head of Harry Harris, Nurse was beaten but Mathews made a superb goal-line clearance to rescue Quorn. Purton's cross for Quorn was just a whisker away from finding the unmarked Nurse. Lyall and Bellingham got in a tangle and fell to the floor as the striker looked to break free, but no foul was given either way. A slick move by Quorn should have brought the equaliser, Lonsdale's run and cross was cleverly touched on by Tom Byrne into the path of Nurse but his well struck goalbound effort, cannoned off a defender with the keeper nowhere.
Dodd replied for the hosts but his whipped in cross eluded everyone as it flashed across the face of the goal. Sam Wood threaded a through ball to set Lonsdale free but Lewis was alert to the danger and raced out to clear. Nurse again failed to get the vital touch after more good work by Byrne and Lonsdale. Marshall freed Lonsdale who fired first time past Lewis but unfortunately the wrong side of the post. The half finished with a free kick to the home side that was headed wide.
Quorn began the 2nd half in slumber mode and the hosts threatened time and time again with the Quorn midfield lacking in ideas and as quickly as the visitors cleared any danger back it came again but despite the constant defending goalkeeper Nurse was untroubled. Around the hour mark Quorn made a couple of substitutions and Wood was pushed into his more familiar midfield role and gradually Quorn came back into the game. Wood's ball to Liam Turner was laid back to Byrne who fired first time just past the post with Lewis scrambling to get there. Dodd looked threatening for Sutton but mis-controlled the ball but was allowed to get in his cross as Quorn backed off, the ball fizzed across the face with again no takers.
Turner and Lonsdale combined to set up Nurse but his effort was blocked at the point of impact. Wood cleverly chipped through but Turner was just unable to reach the ball and it ran through to Lewis as Quorn began to chase for the equaliser. With time running out a long free kick reached the far post and a home defender handled, the eagle eyed assistant saw the offence and Quorn were awarded a life-line, Kris Nurse stepped up and fired the spot kick past Lewis, moments later the striker had a chance to bag all three points but had to hit his effort first time off balance and Lewis made the stop.
For long periods of the game Quorn were overran by their opponents mainly due to their inability to pick out their own men and at the end were grateful for a point, MOTM, for the hosts, Mark Bellingham always showed his class and Matthew Dodd was a handfull all game but Kris Mathews for the 2nd game running put in a five star show at the back for Quorn and gets my vote.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Wood, Marshall, White, Mathews, Lyall, Byrne, Marriott, Nurse, Lonsdale, Purton.
Subs Robinson, Turner.
Quorn 0 Newcatle Town 0 (28/09/10)
Another Stalemate
Quorn made one enforced change from Saturday's draw at Grantham and one tactical, Steve Purton replacing the injured Rob Lyall and Rich Lonsdale was preferred up front to Ricky Muggleton. Ash Robinson returned with a place on the bench but Chris Gray and Joe Shaw were still unavailable.
The unbeaten League newcomers were making their first visit to Farley Way and looked to continue their free scoring form, averaging over 3 goals per game since joining the Evo-Stik League. Both teams started the game on the front foot with end to end football the net result. Although chances were at a premium, it was an entertaining first 45 minutes, however neither goalkeeper was seriously tested. Tom Byrne and Anthony Marriott both went close but the half finished without a goal.
After the break the tempo increased even more and Quorn should have gone in front when Kris Nurse had a great chance but Danny Reade saved with his feet. Lonsdale was proving an handful with his strong running and his run and cross teed up the incoming Purton but his left foot shot was wide of the mark. Play switched to the other end and it was Quorn who had a let off as Alan Naggington round Matt Nurse but skipper Kris Mathews rescued the home side with a superb tackle. Quorn were caught on the break again and Nurse looked to be caught in two minds and again Mathews saved the day.
A defensive error presented a chance to substitute Lassana Sidibe, but his effort was way off target. Quorn replied with Nurse going close following a cross by Byrne but Ryan Dicker headed over his own bar to save his side. A fine ball by Byrne to Sam Wood saw the latter pick out Marriott but his effort drifted wide. Byrne again did well to feed Nurse, who beat his man but Reade made a splendid save to deny the striker.
The Referee must have been enjoying it, playing a good ten minutes overtime, unfortunately for Quorn, two minutes before the end, Kris Nurse got involved by the far touchline and was shown a straight red card for his indiscretion and Quorn finished having to defend the free-kick with ten men. They held out and were left to rue the earlier missed chances that should have sewn the game up.
MOTM goes to skipper Kris Mathews not just for his goal line clearances but for leading the back four who coped very well with the goalscoring threat posed by the visitors.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Wood, Marshall, White, Mathews, P. Smith, Byrne, Marriott, Nurse, Lonsdale, Purton.
Subs Robinson, Turner.
Grantham 1 Quorn 1 (25/09/10)
Share of the spoils
Quorn stuck with the same starting eleven that played the previous match, hoping to continue their recent good form. The blustery conditions ensured the game was never going to be a classic encounter and so it turned out, with the home side rueing missed chances and also having key decisions go against them.
The game started a bit slow with the wind being a crucial factor as both teams struggled to get into any sort of rhythm. A cross by Dan Marshall brought a miscued clearance from the home side but Kris Nurse couldn't make any contact as the ball swirled over his shoulder. Quorn were caught on the break after their own free-kick was charged down and Gareth Pritchard's shot brought out the best from Matt Nurse and Kris Mathews got back to block the follow up effort from Lee Potts. A free-kick to the home side cleared the wall but lacked the power to trouble a well positioned Nurse who made an easy take. A good move by Quorn saw Anthony Marriott link well with Marshall to set up a shooting position for Ricky Muggleton but his effort from outside the box was always rising and cleared Rob Murray's crossbar.
Poor marking by Quorn from a corner, gifted the home side the lead as the unmarked Matt Glass struck the post with the initial effort, Quorn failed to clear and Pritchard forced the ball home in the 22nd minute. Another poor delivery from a free-kick saw the home side break quickly and Glass struck his shot just over the bar, although Nurse looked to have it covered. Sam Wood and Marriott combined and the latter's cross gave Rob Lyall a chance, but he couldn't keep his header down and Murray was untroubled. Marriott and Muggleton then interchanged neatly to set free Nurse on the left but his dangerous cross was well cleared by Alistair Asher as Muggleton closed in. Wood's cross was headed away but Nurse caught the ball on the volley to send it goalwards but Lyall was unable to force the ball over the line and the chance was lost. A deep cross from Grantham's right found the head of Glass but he couldn't generate enough pace to trouble Nurse who made a simple catch.
It was the home side who should have increased their lead early in the 2nd half as the ball reached Glass who was totally unmarked but his shot on the turn went over the bar. Again Glass got clear in space , Nurse was quickly out and looked to have conceded a penalty just inside the box but luckily for Quorn, nothing was given. These two early let offs combined with the introduction of Substitute Rich Lonsdale saw the visitors cause the Grantham back line moments of concern and it was Lonsdale who picked up Chris White's through ball before firng towrds the bottom corner but Murray saw it all the way and took cleanly, low down.
With less than twenty-five minutes to go Quorn equalised, Byrne controlled a long ball and beat his man before being brought down just inside the box, quite rightly the penalty was awarded and the home protests were centered around the penalty not awarded at the other end. Nurse blasted home the spot kick to level the scores. Quorn were exposed at the back again soon after and it took the faintest of touch's by Nurse to prevent the home side restoring their lead. Byrne again tricked his way into the box but his final delivery was cleared by Matt Millns. Wood found Lonsdale with a neat ball and his swift turn and shot was brilliantly tipped round the post by Murray as Quorn sensed an unlikely victory.
Back came the home side and Nurse was forced to leave his goal as Glass advanced, he knocked his effort past the keeper but Marshall was on hand to hack the ball away. Glass crossed from the left but Pritchard couldn't direct his header past a well positioned Nurse who gathered comfortably. Grantham skipper Ian Robinson was dismissed following a 2nd yellow card offence but it was 10 man Grantham who carved out the last meaningful chance of the game but again the free header failed to trouble Nurse who made an easy take.
The home side certainly used the conditions better than Quorn, playing balls for their willing front two to chase and with a bit better finishing should have taken all three points. Don't want to be too critical of Quorn's performance because the wind caused problems for both sides and with the home side adapting better we are grateful for a point. MOTM, I wouldn't argue with Grantham's own choice of Gareth Pritchard but his strike partner Matt Glass couldn't have been far behind.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Wood, Marshall, Lyall, Mathews, P. Smith, White, Marriott, Nurse, Muggleton, Byrne.
Subs Darby, Lonsdale, Purton.
Quorn 2 Barwell 1 (21/09/10)
Battling performance seals win
Quorn were without injured skipper Chris Gray, but welcomed back Kris Mathews who went straight back into the side for the 2nd visit this season of League leaders Barwell. With Joe Shaw also unavailable, Anthony Marriott, Chris White and Ricky Muggleton came into the starting eleven with Brett Darby and Liam Turner dropping down to the bench.
Quorn started the game in a lively fashion and took the lead in the 2nd minute, Muggleton forced a corner on the left and Paul Smith got a head to the ball and Rob Lyall was at the far post to nod past the visiting keeper. A great cross by Sam Wood looked to pick out Marriott but Nick Green just managed to get a touch and the ball cannoned off Marriott's face to safety. Barwell responded and Kevin Charley latched on to a through ball but Mathews made a splendid covering tackle at the expense of a corner which came to nothing. Green again headed a dangerous cross away when a superb long ball by Smith freed Tom Byrne on the right.
A deep cross from Barwell's left found the head of Scott Lower, Lyall half cleared but as the ball was played back in it took a brave effort from Matt Nurse to complete the clearance. Wood's cross from the right picked out Dan Marshall but his header went the wrong side of the post. Christopher Hollist made a good run for the visitors, evading tackles but his shot from outside the box went tamely straight at Nurse. The game continued on a tit for tat attacking basis but with both defences in fine form, neither keeper was seriously tested.
Barwell came out after the break on the offensive and Nurse had to be alert to block Matthew Bailey's free header following a free-kick. Muggleton looked to work himself into a shooting position but the visiting rearguard closed him down, at the other end a first time effort by Bailey went over the bar without troubling Nurse as Barwell stepped up the pace, helped by Quorn giving the ball away far too cheaply. Lyall did well under pressure to head behind for a corner that was defended well by Quorn.
Quorn continued to dilly-dally in midfield with players getting caught in possession instead of laying a simple ball and a free-kick was needlessly conceded 10 yards inside their half. Adam Wykes superbly flighted ball, was met by Francino Francis who glanced his header past Nurse to level the scores, just past the hour mark. A good move by Quorn saw Wood pick out Kris Nurse, his cross was headed goal-wards by Muggleton but Castle made a comfortable stop. A great move by Barwell saw Charley go clear but his effort was parried away by Nurse and Smith completed the clearance.
A rare mix-up at the back for the visitors saw Byrne nip in and steal the ball before rounding Castle and then walking the ball into an empty net to restore Quorn's lead, with less than 20 minutes to go. Substitute Jamie Towers cut in from the right and tested Nurse who palmed the ball behind and Francis was only inches away from reaching another cross from the right as he ghosted in unmarked. Steve Purton came on for Quorn and made an immediate impact with a cross-come shot that Turner just failed to reach. Purton's deep cross was well taken by Castle and again Purton did well down the left before forcing Castle into another splendid take from his whipped in cross. The last ten minutes was all Quorn, mainly from the left and it took a brilliant parry again by Castle to prevent the third goal as Purton's strike thundered in, Nurse was just wrong footed and couldn't capitalise on the rebound and Barwell scrambled the ball away.
Just like the first meeting there was very little between the sides but this time the fortunes went the way of the home side, both teams defences were in determined mood and goalmouth action was at a premium but never the less it was still an entertaining game. MOTM was difficult with both sets of defenders hardly putting a foot wrong but Francino Francis of Barwell gets my vote.
Quorn Team
Nurse, White, Marshall, Mathews, Lyall, P. Smith, Marriott, Wood, Nurse, Muggleton, Byrne.
Subs Darby, Purton, Turner.
Shepshed Dynamo 1 Quorn 1 (18/09/10)
Disappointing result
Quorn looking for their 3rd straight victory made 1 change from the side that won well in midweek, new signing Paul Smith replaced Anthony Marriott in the heart of the defence. Quorn started brightly against a subdued Shepshed side, still reeling from the loss of their Manager, who resigned in midweek due to ill health, everyone at Quorn along with our Shepshed counterparts hope that he makes a swift recovery.
Brett Darby and Tom Byrne continued their recent form, taking the game to the opponents and Darby's free kick set up a Rob Lyall header that rattled the woodwork before the home side cleared the rebound. Byrne's run from deep caused problems, forcing Rich Holmes to concede the corner that came to nothing. Sam Wood's dangerous cross was cleared well by home skipper Iain Screaton before Gavin Saxby confidently gathered the corner. Darby's cross from the right was just a fraction behind the inrushing Kris Nurse as the home side were kept on the back foot. Liam Turner had a shooting opportunity but it lacked the power to trouble Saxby who gathered cleanly. Nurse again was unable to make a clean connection to another Darby cross and Smith nearly marked his return with a spectacular free-kick from inside his own half that struck the crossbar, with Saxby beaten.
Byrne wriggled free for Quorn but Dan Starbuck got back to make a fine tackle to end the danger. Shepshed finally produced an attack of note when Matt Langham superbly turned his marker but Quorn got back in numbers and snuffed out the threat. Smith's free-kick from outside the box forced a superb one handed save by Saxby as he tipped the effort round the post. Quorn were made to pay for not converting any of their earlier chances when 3 minutes before the break a Shepshed corner eluded the Quorn defence and Holmes stole in at the far post to plant his header past Nurse to give the hosts the lead. Quorn immediately responded and Darby's cross found Byrne but his effort was brilliantly turned onto the bar by Saxby to prevent the equaliser.
Quorn started the 2nd half much the way of the first and Byrne cut inside before striking the woodwork for a fourth time as Shepshed rode their luck. Smith's superb long ball was met by Darby who took it in his stride but Saxby again parried the goal-bound effort, Wood struck the rebound first time but couldn't keep his effort down. Nurse profited from a lucky rebound but his left foot shot went wide. Nurse again went close following Smith's free-kick but Richard Brewer made a superb block. Shepshed's infrequent attacks broke down before their forwards could conjure any real danger. Nurse again had a chance but Brewer made a timely intervention. Darby's cross was headed wide by Nurse and just like the first half Quorn were nearly made to pay when Rob Norris forced Nurse into a superb save low down with the rebound put wide under pressure from Lyall's challenge.
Jean Biansumba produced a mazy run that gave him a chance but his effort failed to trouble Nurse as Shepshed grew in confidence. Skipper Chris Gray had to leave the field with what looked like a serious ankle injury as he went over awkwardly and was replaced by White. Nurse rescued Quorn again following a quick break from the home side and the visitors frustration showed as their play became ragged and the hosts enjoyed their best spell of the game, indeed they should have sealed the game when a cross from the right produced a free header but Nurse made an easy catch from the tame effort.
This time it was Quorn who made their opponents pay as shortly afterwards, Byrne's cross was met by the head of substitute Ben Easson, Saxby produced another great reflex save but was powerless to prevent Nurse's follow up effort that crossed the line to level the scores. Brewer nearly restored Shepshed's lead but Nurse produced another fine stop from his goal-bound effort. Wood went close but his shot was blocked for a corner, Nurse headed goalwards following the flag kick but Easson's effort on the turn went over. Byrne threatened again with a run from deep but Brewer made an excellent challenge to block the shot. A very sloppy back pass nearly gifted Shepshed the victory in the dying seconds but the Substitute, just on, failed to capitalise and Nurse easily gathered the tame strike.
MOTM for Shepshed , Brewer and Screaton looked a solid partnership and soaked up a lot of pressure with assured authority, Norris worked tirelessly but Gavin Saxby gets it with a string of important stops, particularly the one from Byrne just before the break. Quorn's MOTM was Paul Smith, with Matt Nurse not far behind, also producing vital stops. This was a match Quorn should have won but could so easily have thrown away.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Marshall, Lyall, P. Smith, Gray, Darby, Wood, Nurse, Turner, Byrne.
Subs Easson, Marriott, White.
Market Drayton 0 Quorn 2 (15/09/10)
Fine Away Win
Quorn made just one change, Brett Darby replacing Chris White in midfield. On a damp night in Shropshire it was Quorn who sped out of the blocks carving through the home defence at will and created enough chances to have the game sewn up in the first 15 minutes but a mixture of poor finishing , desperate defending and fine Goalkeeping, saw the scoreline remain blank. The home side then enjoyed a spell of pressure as Quorn were left wondering why they were not comfortably in front.
Tom Byrne was the home sides chief tormentor with surging runs down the left, Andrew Pryce the home Keeper saved well from Kris Nurse and repeated the feat after Byrne's effort on the run brushed the far post. On the other flank Darby was also causing problems and his corner was met by Liam Turner who struck the bar after Pryce did well to deny Anthony Marriott. Sam Wood and Byrne combined and the former brought out another fine save from Pryce. A corner at the other end brought relief and Matt Nurse had to be alert to deal with a free header. Back came Quorn and another Darby corner found the head of Rob Lyall but Pryce again held well.
Byrne's cross was met by Liam Turner but his effort was cleared off the line. A quick break by the home side saw Nurse into action as he bravely fielded the cross under pressure. Having weathered the storm Market Drayton then enjoyed some attacking success, Nurse tipping over a shot out of the blue by Simon Gregory and from the corner Nurse again did well to hold under pressure, his early clearance paved the way for Quorn to take the lead as Darby latched on to the long ball, beat his marker before crossing to Byrne who had an easy tap in 15 mins before the break. Nurse was then forced into a splended save at full stretch and again was called into action as the home side responded to going behind.
Back came Quorn and another mazy run by Byrne was halted at the expense of a corner. Turner then released Darby, his cross was knocked back by Nurse to Turner whose first time effort was hacked off the line with Pryce beaten. Dan Marshall's corner fell to the feet of Lyall who took a step and was tripped, the spot kick was rightly awarded and Nurse sent Pryce the wrong way, to double his sides lead two minutes before the break.
After half time the home side responded with Quorn forced on the back foot but it was Byrne who carved out the best opening beating his man before firing a shot across the face of the goal. Byrne again did well to get his cross in but the home defence cleared. The hosts then exerted their own pressure as Quorn lost their shape with the back four sitting too deep. Nurse reacted well, as Lyall lost his footing, to make the block from Martyn Davies but wasn't seriously tested despite the home side being on top.
The last twenty minutes saw play switch back to the other end as Pryce pulled off a series of fine stops, foiling substitute Ricky Muggleton twice, either side of another good stop from Kris Nurse. Steve Purton fired well over following another Quorn corner and just before the end the home side were denied a consolation goal curtesy of a visiting defender, when Nurse clawed away from the top left hand corner as the attempted clearance flew goalwards.
MOTM for the home side was easy with Skipper Andrew Pryce having a fine game, Quorn's was a bit more difficult with a fine attacking team performance particularly in the first half but individualy, Matt Nurse was excellent when called upon and Tom Byrne and Brett Darby both in good form but my vote goes to a Captains performance by Chris Gray, both going forward and when called upon to defend.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Marshall, Lyall, Marriott, Gray, Darby, Wood, Nurse, Turner, Byrne.
Subs Purton, Muggleton, Lonsdale.
Quorn 3 Rainworth Miners Welfare 1 (07/09/10)
Quorn earn first win
For the third game in a row Manager Dougie Keast was able to start with the same side, hoping for more consistant individual performances to go with the improved team efforts. An opening spell of pressure saw a series of unproductive corners, before a free-kick to the visitors eased the pressure with Matt Nurse called into action to tip over the bar. The corner produced another scare as the ball zipped across the face of the goal with no decisive touch from either side. Back came Quorn and Kris Nurse worked himself into a shooting position but fired into the side netting.
A mix up in midfield presented the visitors with a chance to break and Barry Alberry shot on the run, which Nurse parried before collecting the loose ball. A swift attack by Quorn saw Tom Byrne's effort blocked for another fruitless corner before a neat interchange of passes between Nurse and Liam Turner set up Byrne but his effort went over. Quorn continued to press but with no end result and were made to pay when a long ball was headed past Nurse by his own defender, to leave Julian Topliss a simple chance to fire home the loose ball into an empty net with 3 minutes remaining before the interval. Quorn immediately responded with a Sam Wood 20 yard free kick that was heading for the top corner but Rainworth keeper Mark Hales pulled off a superb save to prevent the equaliser.
Quorn showed intent from the off after the break and Wood won the ball and his neat turn and pass gave Nurse a chance but his effort drifted wide. Quorn were caught on the counter and Ant Lynam skipped past two lame tackles but his finish failed to trouble Nurse. Quorn then began to dominate with he visitors unable to get out of their own half as corners and free-kicks rained in to the visitors box. Wood's corner was hacked off the line and Substitute Brett Darby failed to trouble Hales after a neat move. Nurse's cross was well defended by Jermaine Hollis.
A fine ball by Rob Lyall found Joe Shaw, who in turn fed Darby who whipped in a great cross that found the head of Nurse but his goalbound effort struck a defender as Quorn wondered just what they had to do to score. The answer was soon in coming as a slick passing move started by Wood saw Nurse and Turner combine to set up Byrne who swivelled neatly before firing right footed into the bottom corner past Hales. The onslaught continued and Darby's chip struck the crossbar before being hacked away but a minute later Quorn deservedly went ahead, the visitors failed to clear Wood's inswinging corner and Nurse lashed home the loose ball.
Lynam responded for Rainworth but his effort was comfortably held by Nurse. Efforts by Byrne and Turner were not far away before Anthony Marriott picked out Nurse with a fine ball and his right foot shot forced Hales to produce a fine tip-over. It was all Quorn now, Wood firing just wide and Nurse setting up substitute Ricky Muggleton but Hales made a comfortable catch. Another fine ball by Marriott picked out Muggleton but his effort was wide of the mark and likewise Nurse was off target after a fine ball by Chris Gray. A rare attack at the other end caused concern but Marriott made a superb clearance under pressure.
Quorn made the game safe with a terrific third goal, Muggleton won the ball superbly before picking out Nurse who curled an unstoppable right footer past the despairing dive of Hales into the top corner from 25 yards. The visitors had no answer to a very good 2nd half team performance and the Quorn MOTM was Chris Gray - so he told me !
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Marshall, Lyall, Marriott, Gray, Wood, White, Nurse, Turner, Byrne.
Subs Darby, Muggleton.
Kidsgrove 2 Quorn 1(04/09/10)
Quorn mixed bag
Quorn kept the same side that started the previous game with Steve Purton returning on the bench after being unavailable for the Barwell fixture and Ricky Muggleton also included in the Squad. The home side started quietly considering their unbeaten start to the new campaign and Quorn were desperately unlucky not to take the lead when home keeper Steve Intihar was stranded on the edge of his box, as a clearance was volleyed goalwards first time, by Kris Nurse from 30 yards, it seemed a goal all the way but bounced on the six yard box and reared over the bar to prevent the home side conceding for the first time this season.
The let off stung Kidsgrove into action and Dave Walker latched on to a through ball to go clear on the left but his cross was too deep and Quorn cleared. Walker again broke clear but Matt Nurse this time parried his cross away for a corner. A whipped in cross from the right was superbly headed away by Joe Shaw under pressure as Kidsgrove stepped up the pace.
Quorn replied with pressure of their own but the home defence coped well. A sloppy ball in midfield saw Quorn exposed and Ricky Bridge broke clear, Shaw tackled him just inside the box and was adjudged to have made no contact with the ball and Walker smashed the resulting spot kick past Nurse with 25 minutes gone. Walker then robbed Anthony Marriott but Nurse was quickly out the blocks to save at the strikers feet superbly. The rest of the half saw the home side defend in numbers as Quorn tried desperately to get back on level terms without causing Intihar many problems.
The 2nd half saw periods of pressure at both ends with the home side always looking the more dangerous, Liam Shotton denied by the covering Shaw after too easily beating 2 players. At the other end Tom Byrne cut inside on a couple of occasions and shot but Intihar got his body behind both efforts and saved comfortably. Shotton again easily beat his marker and forced Nurse to pull off a fine save low down to his left. Aiden Matranga then fired wide after Shotton and Walker combined superbly to set up the chance.
Byrne again tested Intihar, who was equal to the task before a quick break following another fluffed clearance, saw Walker's superb cross fired past Nurse by Tim Sanders to put the home side 2 up just past the hour mark. Quorn's reply was instant as Byrne forced a corner on the left, Woods inswinger was flicked on at the near post and Rob Lyall forced the ball home to give the visitors a lifeline. Manager Dougie Keast threw on Mugleton and Brett Darby in an effort to get something out of the game a spell of pressure ensued with Byrne just unable to force Muggleton's superb cross, past Intihar.
A moment of panic in the home box saw the ball fall to Darby but a superb tackle blocked his shot with the goal at his mercy. Kidsgrove nearly took advantage as Quorn left themselves exposed at the back as they went in search of an equaliser but Nurse made another fine stop to tip-over Shotton's strike. Quorn finished with a flourish but couldn't penetrate the Kidsgrove reargaurd. MOTM, for Kidsgrove, Dave Walker just pipping Liam Shotton and for Quorn Joe Shaw got my vote.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Marshall, Lyall, Marriott, Gray, Wood, White, Nurse, Turner, Byrne.
Subs Darby, Muggleton, Purton.
Quorn 1 Barwell 2(30/08/10)
More like it
After Saturdays dismal showing, Manager Dougie Keast rang the changes and the team responded with a fine performance against a very strong looking Barwell side that included 5 former Quorn players in the squad. Tom Byrne put Quorn ahead in a whirlwind start that seemed to shock the visitors, however it took them less than ten minutes to fashion an equaliser through Kevin Charley.
Somewhat against the run of play, Barwell forged ahead when Jamie Towers cut in and blasted home a finr finish. Quorn battled for an equaliser that never came but although pointless, the performance deserved at least a share of the spoils.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Shaw, Marshall, Lyall, Marriott Gray, Wood, White, Nurse, Turner, Byrne.
Subs Lonsdale, Robinson.
Gresley 4 Quorn 0(28/08/10)
Another dour performance
The Quorn team that started the previous game were given another chance to gel but left manager Dougie Keast wondering where the pre-season form has disapeared to, as a much below par performance, in total contrast to the home side, saw an early exit in the 2010/11 FA Cup.
The home side showed their intentions early on with crosses into the Quorn box as the visitors started sluggishly. It was no surprise when Brian Woodhall opened the scoring after 15 minutes, shrugging off three challenges before firing past Matt Nurse. Quorn looked subdued as Woodhall again fired in an effort that forced Nurse to save low down. Quorn at last responded and Dan Marshall's effort was seized upon by Brett Darby but home keeper Gary Hateley was alert to collect the loose ball.
Poor defending saw first, Carl Slater go close and then Woodhall again tested Nurse before at the other end Tom Byrne combined with Kris Nurse before the latter brought out a diving save by Hateley. The resulting corner saw the ball fall to Byrne but Hateley again made a comfortable stop. 5 minutes before the break Hateley's long punt upfield was inexplicably missed by the Quorn defence and Woodhall seized the chance to blast past Nurse.
Despite Quorn making changes at the break the home side continued to dominate, but the final ball didn't match the approach play. A corner to Gresley saw Tom Land rise high at the far post to head goalwards but Nurse made a brilliant relex stop, before at the other end brother Kris flicked on for Byrne to chip just over the bar. Mickey Lyons struck the post with a snapshot before Nurse gathered the rebound safely. Ash Robinson was dismissed after a skirmish near the touchline and the reshuffle saw Quorn threw caution to the wind with 3 at the back and Rob Spencer nearly made them pay but shot just past the post.
Another counter attack carved open the Quorn defence and Nurse looked to have made the save but was adjudged to have fouled the attacker and Woodhall completed his hat-trick firing home the penalty with just 3 minutes remaining. Spencer put the icing on Gresley's cake with a late finish to complete a dismal day for the visitors. MOTM was Brian Woodhall with Liam Hebbard not far behind. Matt Nurse was the pick of the Quorn side, which tells its own story.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Wood, Purton, Marshall, Lyall, Gray, Darby, Robinson, Nurse, Turner, Byrne.
Subs Marriott, Lonsdale, White.
Romulus 3 Quorn 3(24/08/10)
Late show earns point
Tom Byrne, Rich Lonsdale, Joe Shaw and Sam Wood all returned to the squad after being unavailable for Saturdays opener, with Byrne and Wood brought into the starting 11. Both sides started tentatively after suffering opening day defeats but it was the home side who looked the most dangerous with Leo Brown and Mykel Beckley testing the Quorn back line. A defensive error after 25 minutes gave the lead to the Birmingham side with Marcus Brown converting the resulting Penalty at the 2nd attempt, after Matt Nurse had brilliantly parried his first effort.
Quorn responded well and both Kris Nurse and Liam Turner had good chances to level the scores but neither was taken. It looked like another defeat was looming when Romulus increased their lead through James Pugh, after another defensive error had gifted him the chance, which he converted well 10 minutes before the break.
Quorn started the 2nd half brighter and Nurse again went close, lively attacks at both ends failed to provide the end product for either side and Quorn brought on Marriott and Lonsdale to pep things up. Shortly after, a Wood corner deceived the home keeper and Marriott headed home unchallenged. The home side replied within 4 minutes and substitute Marvin Johnson outpaced the Quorn defence to slip the ball past Nurse to restore their two goal advantage.
Quorn rallied and took the game to the hosts and were rewarded when Wood's free-kick was glanced home by Nurse as time was running out. Quorn pressed for the equaliser and deep into injury time another free-kick was half cleared to Wood who volleyed superbly past Liam Flynn to level the scores. Soon after the restart the Referee blew the final whistle but not before a home attack caused concern but Quorn defended well.
The home side could feel agrieved at letting a two goal slip but all in all both sides had their moments and a draw was probably a fair result. Men of the Match, Mykel Beckley for Romulus and Tom Byrne for Quorn.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Wood, Purton, Marshall, Lyall, Gray, Darby, Robinson, Nurse, Turner, Byrne.
Subs Marriott, Lonsdale, Shaw.
Quorn 0 Brigg Town 3(21/08/10)
Quorn made a miserable start to the new campaign with very little in the way of creation with the Brigg keeper having a very easy 90 minutes.
The visitors took the points with a first half opener from Philip Jackman and two second half goals from substitute Ryan Paczkowskia and Daniel Buttle.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Marriott, Hallows, White, Lyall, Gray, Darby, Robinson, Nurse, Turner, Purton.
Subs Arnold, Easson, Marshall.
PSF - Belper Town Reserves 0 Quorn Reserves 1(10/08/10)
Quorn were the better side for the first 45 minutes and could have been 2 or 3 goals ahead at the break but only had a well taken goal by Ben Easson to show for their efforts.
The 2nd half was a bit more even with chances created at both ends, the Home keeper having a fine match, not to be outdone Andy Simpson, showed excellent handling when called upon. Sam Buckingham was the pick of the Quorn side having a fine game in the centre of defence with young Ben Easson at the other end putting in a fine non stop performance.
Quorn Team
Simpson, L.Smith, Matharu, Buckingham, Chiavetta, Love, Moran, Richards, Goold, K.Smith, Easson.
Subs C.Johnstone, G.Johnstone, Baker.
PSF - Quorn 0 Chasetown 0 (07/08/10)
Newly promoted Chasetown were the visitors in this latest pre-season encounter and the first 45 minutes were keenly fought with both sides creating chances, Quorn had the slightly better of these and on two occasions should have opened the scoring, Sam Wood also struck the woodwork with a well taken free kick.
The 2nd Period was less free flowing due to the usual steady stream of substitutions, A hotly disputed Penalty awarded to the visitors should have broken the deadlock but Matt Nurse guessed right and diving to his right parried to safety.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Wood, Hallows, Lyall, Marriott, Gray, Arnold, Robinson, Nurse, Turner, Purton.
Subs Darby, Marshall, K.Smith, Love, Easson, Simpson.
PSF - Saffron Dynamo 4 Quorn Reserves 3(05/08/10)
Quorn's youngsters were soon up against it against a strong looking Home side and with 30 minutes gone had conceded 4 goals but despite the scoreline they persevered and but for a tremendous save by the home keeper and some wayward finishing may well have reduced the arrears.
With the pack reshuffled at the break, Quorn soon pulled a goal back with an excellent finish from Kyle Smith. Brett Darby had a lively 20 minute spell on his way back to fitness and his two pinpoint crosses saw Quorn reduce the deficit, young George Johnstone rose unchallenged to head powerfully home for the 2nd Goal, Ben Easson getting the vital touch to get the third. Darby and Smith made their returns from injury and made vital progress before being withdrawn as a precaution.
Quorn Team
Wright, Buckingham, Matharu, Saye, Goold, C.Johnstone, Niemz, Calver, Muggleton, Richards, Easson.
Subs L.Smith, K.Smith, G.Johnstone, Baker, Darby.
PSF - Quorn 1 Tamworth 2 (03/08/10)
Gary Mills brought a strong squad of players to Farley Way for this lively encounter, the Conference side naturally having the lions share of posession but the visitors had to thank Denzill Hamilton for a superb double save from Kris Nurse and then Liam Turner to prevent them falling behind as half time approached.
Both sides made changes for the 2nd half, but it was Tamworth who made the breakthrough with two goals in quick succession from Neil Mackenzie and Aaron Farrell. Quorn respomded well and a superb move saw Turner reduce the arrears when Nurse laid the ball back from a cross by Rich Lonsdale. The hosts then had to endure a long spell of pressure that saw Andy Simpson pull off a string of fine saves. Quorn survived and came back stronger with efforts by Lonsdale, Nurse and Robinson all going close.
Quorn Team
Simpson, Wood, Purton, White, Lyall, Gray, Byrne, Robinson, Turner, Nurse, Marshall.
Subs Mathews, Hallows, Lonsdale, Burton, Arnold, Easson, Wright
PSF - Quorn 5 Harborough Town 0 (29/07/10)
Quorn fielded a strong side as they continued their pre-season campaign and dominated procedings straight from the start, forcing a string of corners that saw the Harboro' side defend in numbers, Kris Nurse went close and a Ash Robinson strike was also wide of the mark. The home side continued to pressure the visiting defence but didn't make the break through until just before the break, when Nurse fired home following a neat move.
Quorn scored twice in the opening 5 minutes of the 2nd half, Robinson lashed home the 2nd before Kris Matthews guided Nurse's header over the line to add the 3rd to effectively seal the win. Further goals by Byrne, who sped clear before curling past the advancing keeper and Marriott completed the scoring with a vicious shot into the roof of the net despite being fouled from behind. Credit to Harborough who put up a determined reargaurd action but Quorn were well worth their victory.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Wood, Purton, Mathews, Lyall, Gray, Marriott, Robinson, Turner, Nurse, Marshall.
Subs Byrne, Hallows, Lonsdale, Simpson
PSF - Holwell Sports 4 Quorn 1 (27/07/10)
A very young Quorn team came unstuck against a very organised Holwell side who were good value for their 4-1 victory. Quorn looked disjointed from the off and to be only 3 nil down at the break was a flattering scoreline. The 2nd half was a bit more even but the "home" side still created the better of the chances, Nick Goold getting the consolation goal with Quorn's best move of the game.
Quorn Team
Wright, Buckingham, Matharu, Chiavetta, Collins, Hammond, Niemz, Weaver, Goold, Byrne, Easson.
Subs Richards, G.Johnstone, Calver, C.Johnstone.
PSF - Quorn 3 Hinckley Utd 3 (24/07/10)
A disapointing first half performance saw Quorn concede two sloppy goals, the first a glaring defensive error gave Hinckley an easy finish, the 2nd saw poor marking allow the visitors to cross and the unmarked striker side footed past Matt Nurse to put the Knitters in the driving seat. Another attack by the visitiors saw the Quorn woodwork rattled. Quorn responded and pulled a goal back before the break, Kris Nurse converting a spot kick after Liam Turner was fouled in the box.
Quorn began the 2nd half showing much better and a sustained period of pressure resulted in a superb strike from Ash Robinson levelling the scores. The visitors struck the woodwork for a 2nd time before Tom Byrne weaved his way in the box and crossed for Nurse to rise and head in at the far post to put Quorn ahead. Both sides had spells of attacking pressure that could have yielded more goals as the game opened up, Nurse was denied his hat-trick by a superb reflex stop by the visiting keeper. Just before the end Hinckley forced a corner and from the resulting kick produced a far post header to level the scores.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Wood, Purton, White, Lyall, Gray, Byrne, Robinson, Turner, Nurse, Marshall.
Subs Wright, Mathews, Marriott, Lonsdale, Weaver.
PSF - Quorn 2 Ellistown 1 (20/07/10)
Quorn overcame a determined Ellistown side in a lively encounter with goals from Tom Weaver and Richard Lonsdale. Quorn had Kris Nurse available for the first time and he linked up well with Josh Thompson, whose pace caused early problems for the visitors. This combination set up the first goal that Weaver stroked home with the outside of his left foot from the edge of the box. Nurse beat the keeper after a fine through ball by Will Richards but his effort was cleared off the line. Rob Lyall led the Quorn back line and his header, under pressure, averted danger.
Quorn had chances to increase their lead but it was the visitors who rattled Andy Simpsons crossbar as half time approached. The 2nd period saw Quorn make yet more changes and a bit of momentum was lost with several new players still getting to know one another. Nurse broke clear but the Ellistown keeper thwarted the striker but minutes later he had no chance when Lonsdale broke and finished superbly with a rasping right foot drive. Ellistown did manage to reduce the arrears but it was Quorn who should have wrapped things up spurning several good chances after good approach play.
Quorn Team
Simpson, Marriott, White, Lyall, Hallows, Thompson, Richards, Weaver, Peryer, Nurse, K.Smith.
Subs Wright, Lonsdale, C.Johnstone, Goold, Baker, Niemz, Collins.
PSF - Quorn 0 Doncaster Rovers 0 (14/07/10)
Quorn hold Doncaster
Following on from Monday night's performance, Quorn again put up a terrific fight against League opposition, this time Doncaster Rovers were the visitors and despite conceding long spells of possesion, the hosts were unfortunate not to have a half time lead, True Matt Nurse was the busier of the two keepers but without being seriously tested. In contrast at the other end Neil Sullivan the former Scottish International had a quiet time but was forced to palm away Steve Purton's shot from distance. Quorn had two real clean cut chances to take the lead but both went a begging.
The 2nd half saw the customary steady stream of substitutions from both sides and the visitors looked to have strengthened thier team to step up the pace as Quorn tired but the Quorn back line held firm and as the game wore on Quorn had what looked like a good penalty appeal for handball turned down.
Nurse saved well on a couple of occasions from long range efforts but in the main had a fairly comfortable time with the back four putting in some sterling work to keep the visitors out. New signing Chrissie Gray worked tirelessly throughout but once again this was a fine team performance against illustrious opposition who fielded no fewer than 15 players from the first team squad.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Wood, Purton, Mathews, Lyall, Gray, Darby, Robinson, Turner, Byrne, Marshall.
Subs Thompson, Holmes, Hallows, Lonsdale, Marriott, Richards, Simpson, White, K.Smith.
For a Doncaster view of the game visit www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk or www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/Football/Championship/Doncaster+Rovers
PSF - Quorn 0 Crewe Alexandra 4 (12/07/10)
Alex prove too strong
Quorn put up an excellent showing for the first 45 mins, and deservedly went to the break on level terms, Crewe were naturally always the classier of the two sides and although the home side defended in great numbers, it was far from being one sided and but for the experience of the visitors central defenders who both had fine games, Quorn's attacks may have been a little more fruitful.
Manager Dougie Keast rang the changes in the 2nd half, with Wednesday's game in mind and the visitors opened the scoring with an excellent finish giving Matt Nurse no chance, just five minutes after the break. Crewe then began to dominate but skipper Kris Mathews and new signing Rob Lyall remained solid in the heart of the defence.
Both sides made further substitutions with Crewe's Youngsters outshining their Quorn counterparts and as the game wore on, it became one sided but the visitors didn't manage a second goal until the 80th minute, by then Quorn had made no fewer than 9 changes . Late goals in the 87th and 89th minute took the gloss of a decent performance by Quorn and Manager Keast was more than happy with his side especially the first half showing.
With four new sigings bedding in nicely and 1 or 2 players still on holiday, Quorn look to have a better shape than most of last season and barring injuries should look to improve on the last campaign.
Quorn Team
Nurse, Wood, Purton, Mathews, Lyall, Gray, Darby, Robinson, Turner, Byrne, Marshall.
Subs Lonsdale, Thompson, Marriott, K.Smith, Easson, Richards, Hallows, C.Johnstone, Collins.
For a Crewe view of the game visit www.crewealex.net
In an entertaining small sided match, Sileby Stingrays narrowly overcame East Goscote Gunners before the main match and all the young players seemed to enjoy the occasion.
13/07/2010 ^^ top ^^