Today's Match day squad was:
Bill Whittle GK, Chris Keirl, Graham Curry, Paul Beard (c), Will Barrett, Bill Heath, Steve Adcock & Tim Marsden.
The Group stage of the Cup commenced with 2 games: Hucknall to start and then Oakham.
Strollers v Hucknall WF. Both teams started well looking for opportunities to make a breakthrough. A quick one two between Paul & Steve enabled Steve to give Strollers the early breakthrough. Hucknall were working hard to try and find a way around the Stamford defence and a half chance resulted in a great save from Bill W. Some good interplay and a shot from Graham brought the score to 2-0 at half time to Strollers.
A bright start from Hucknall and a shot on the turn made the game 2-1 in the first minute - pressure building as Stamford lost their way for a few minutes & Hucknall continued to press. Eventually a smart ball through the middle and Steve's quick feet put Strollers 3-1 up, this was followed by another from Steve and complete his hat-trick. Stamford win 4-1. (Adcock 3, Curry)
Strollers v Oakham: A bright start and Stamford began to build and look for the killer pass & early goal. Eventually a ball through to Steve on the left of the penalty area and a shot on the turn made it 1-0. Stamford wasn't having it all their own way and Oakham had the odd chance to get a shot away. Steve managed to convert chance just before half time - so at last some breathing space for Strollers leading 2-0.
At half time Bill W wasn't feeling 100% so was replaced by Bill H in goals. The second half was really about game management and cutting out some errors. Oakham continued to press but were finding it difficult as Stamford controlled the ball and effectively the game. As Oakham pressed, another quality pass from Chris and then Graham and Steve was able to turn the defence to complete his 2nd hat-trick of the day. Strollers win 3-0. (Adcock 3)
The presentation of the League Trophy & Medals (see photo) took place after all the games today, along with the Leagues' Golden Boot award won by our very own Steve Adcock (14 goals) with Will Barrett finishing joint second with 9 goals. Whilst no award Strollers defence & Goalkeeper are worthy of a mention conceding just 2 goals in 10 games in the League & scoring a massive 35!!!
See photo of the Strollers Squad with their medals, League Trophy being presented to Paul, Golden Boot to Steve, and finally a cake to celebrate Will's call up to the England 65s WF Squad. Quite a day and now we look forward to a semi final .... against our old friends from Boston on St David's Day... where's my daffodil & leek!!!
The full squad who all played their part in WINNING the MIDLANDS LEAGUE were: Bill Whittle, Chris Keirl, Graham Curry, Paul Beard, Will Barrett, Bill Heath, Steve Adcock, Tim Marsden, + (Paul Blakemore & John Hutchins not in photo above)
