Things didn’t go to plan at Nottingham today. Hartshill were a no show which left one of the groups short of a team. Rather than mess up the whole format of the tournament we suggested that teams with a sub form a ‘mixed’ team to replace Hartshill, especially as this was a friendly tournament. We had two subs and so offered up two players; Taff Lovesey (who skippered the mixed team) and John Phythian. This weakened our team in particular but we felt this was the right thing to do.
This left a Stamford squad, with no substitute on a very hot day, of;
Ian Cooke (capt), Trevor Oliver (gk), Steve Gates, Colin Kirby, Bob Farrell, Tony Laughton.
After a promising start with a 1-1 draw with Hucknall and a 0-0 with Chilwell the team went into self destruct mode, gifting three goals to a lively, and youthful, Oakham team, losing 4-1.
This put the lads in the Plate competition against old friends and rivals Boston. A tight game resulted in a 1-0 defeat.
Heads were down somewhat and bodies tired in baking heat for the 3rd/4th place play off. In fact the lads didn't realise there was a play off and had to be called back from the changing room to play. Not ideal as tired bodies were hauled back on the pitch resulting in a 0-3 loss to Bramcote.
Results:
Group Stage
D 1-1 v Hucknall (Steve G)
D 0-0 v Chilwell
L 1-4 v Oakham (Bob F)
Plate semi-final
L 0-1 v Boston
Plate 3rd/4th play off
L 0-3 v Bramcote
The mixed team, although not a Stamford team fared a little better and finished 3rd in the competition spearheaded by good performances from both Stamford players.
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