Ian Adcock’s boys recorded an important win on Saturday afternoon with Gibbins, Harris and Weatherly amongst the goals in Rothwell.
Saturday 25th February
UHLSPORT UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE – RESERVE DIVISION
ROTHWELL CORINTHIANS RESERVES (1) 1 COGENHOE UNITED RESERVES (1) 3
Rowell;
Lloyd 25
Cooks;
Gibbins 30
Harris 63
Weatherly 89
ATT; 22
The Reserves travelled to Rothwell Corinthians in desperate need to win their first league game since the fine display on 3rd December, a 6-1 win at home to Kempston – seems like a lifetime ago!
A very strong start saw a completely dominant first 25 mins, that included good chances for the lively Bailey Weatherly & Mirzan Noka, and also a missed penalty from Connor Gibbins after he had been felled by the home goalkeeper when getting to a loose ball first.
It was on 25 mins, however, when the earlier missed opportunities cost us, as a back pass from Kyle Ansell to James Hine was attempted to be returned by the Cooks No. 1, but he got it wrong and it went straight to their striker, who squared the ball for his onrushing teammate to crash home. 1-0 Corinths.
A quick response was needed for heads not to drop and we got it. On the half hour mark, some good interchange play down the left, involving the impressive first start for Noka, saw a cross go in and Gibbins rose and worked a fine header into the corner. 1-1.
HT: Corinths 1-1 Cooks
The second half started similar to the first, dominance with the ball and very good chances for the front players once again, but the missed opportunities were starting to make us feel like it was going to be another one of those days.
The game changed on the hour though when a coming together saw Luke Andrews tangled with a Corinths player on the floor and the referee saw a flicked kick out from the Cooks captain for the day and duly produced a red card.
The need for keeping the ball for longer periods was more important now with one less player and the game now in the balance, so changes were needed. The decision to bring on Charlie Ferguson & Mason McIlwraith together in midfield meant one less body at the back but hopefully retained the midfield dominance with tidy play. Dylan Carlin & Sam Harris we’re to make way, but moments prior to making those changes, Sam Harris found himself in the left wing area and once inside the box, produced a Bergkamp-esque finish into the top far corner! 1-2 Cooks.
The changes were then made, along with the other 3 subs at staggered stages and it was an impressive half hour that followed – measured and controlled with the ball, solid defensively despite having a body less.
In the final moments of the game, Corinths continued to look to play long and an over hit through ball saw Hine gather impressively at his feet and sent Weatherly clear with a quick clearance. The latter shrugged off the only defender and went through on goal where he slotted it past the home keeper. 1-3 Cooks.
FT: Rothwell Corinthians Res 1-3 Cogenhoe United Res
Pleasing to get our first league win for some time and even more pleasing for such a dominant display, with a third of the game a player short. A mention to the home keeper who had an excellent game and it could have been 6 if it wasn’t for his outstanding performance.
Report supplied by Ian Adcock, photo gallery by Finbarr Carroll.
Cooks; 1. James Hine 2. Dylan Carlin (sub 15. Mason McIlwraith 65) 3. Morgan Harrison 4. Luke Andrews © 5. Kyle Ansell 6. Bruce Tsinosis 7. Mirkan Noka (sub 17. Sam Giddens 80) 8. Sam Harris (sub 14. Charlie Ferguson 65) 9. Connor Gibbins (sub 12. Lorenco Soulollari 75) 10. Bailey Weatherly 11. Kieron Mobbs (sub 16. Tom Mitchell 70).
Red card; Andrews (60) Violent conduct.
