Nutwood County began the new league season with a dismal performance at old rivals Petrucci. The 4-0 defeat was partly explained by serious injuries to captain Werner Rotor and experienced midfielder Eric Boyd. Apart from those two blows it was one of those days when nothing went right. Things can only get better!!
Despite getting a favourable result from the other vital game in the league, Nutwood failed in their bid to be champions. Brighpool’s defence held firm against late Nutwood pressure and their first half goal proved decisive. Nutwood finished 4th but there were shocks in store in the qualifiers as both Brighpool and SmallAcorns lost their places in the league! This means four new teams will compete in the league next season.
Nutwood’s hopes of lifting the league title this season are still alive after their win over Small Acorns at Howard Park. An early strike by Sammy Jensen gave Nutwood some breathing space but it was six minutes from time before substitute Radboud Lagemaat scored to make the final score 2-0. Now Nutwood need to win next week at Brighpool and hope that the game between Chips Rangers and Concepts Contenders ends in a draw. If that scenario should occur then Nutwood would be unlikely champions.
Despite being already certain of relegation Sausage Rolls refused to be rolled over in their home match with Nutwood. Despite two first-half strikes from Ludwig Lerf and Basil Johnson, Nutwood failed to hang on to their advantage and were pegged back to 2-2 by the final whistle. This draw drops Nutwood to 4th in the table and makes promotion an even more unlikely event. A very disappointing weekend!
Nutwood’s dreams of winning the league this year took a severe blow when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Petrucci. Despite taking the lead twice through Crowley-Cribbin and Boyd, Nutwood were twice pegged back by the dangerous Petrucci attack. Probably a fair result but now Nutwood are relying on mistakes from Concepts Contenders to achieve their title dream.
2-0 down at half time to fellow title chasers CHIPS Rangers, Nutwood fans could be forgiven for fearing the worst. Rangers had control of the vital midfield area and things looked bleak for the away side. However, early in the second half, Basil Johnson scored to give hope to the travelling Nutwood support. 5 minutes from time Eric Boyd headed home to complete the comeback and secure a vital point to keep Nutwood at the top of the table. The downside was a serious injury to club legend Ollie Block which may keep him out for up to 3 weeks!
Nutwood County went to the top of the league last Sunday after a narrow victory over title-favourites Concepts Contenders. Contenders, perhaps with one eye on their forthcoming cup tie, put out their usual strong team but Nutwood managed to hang on to their two goal lead from the first half to come out on top despite a late fightback. Goals from Eric Boyd and Billy Siegler had established the advantage and proved to be decisive. A magnificent team performance against excellent oppositon.
As expected Nutwood lost their unbeaten league record in a 3-0 reverse at title-favourites Concepts Contenders. Contenders won the midfield battle and converted three of their chances to run out worthy winners. Werner Rotor did his best to inspire the team but to no avail. Nutwood should get back to winning ways next week with a trip to bottom club Spanish Pride.
Since the last report Nutwood have played three league games and the three victories have seen them surge to the top of the table. A routine 4-0 success at home to Sausage Rolls, two more goals for Ollie Block, was followed by an unexpected triumph at the ground of Petrucci. The 3-1 win was achieved thanks to goals by Crowley-Cribbin, Johnson and a first league goal by Daniel Wolfensberger. The top spot was maintained last Sunday with a 3-1 victory over Chips Rangers. Crowley-Cribbin was again on the mark and there were two goals from team captain Werner Rotor. Next match promises to be the toughest of the season as Nutwood travel to the very strong looking Concepts Contenders.
Ollie Block reached a significant milestone in his career in last Sunday’s hard-fought league win at SmallAcornsMightyOaks. Ollie became the first Nutwood player to play in 200 first team matches most of them league and cup games. After the stalemate of the previous week’s goalless draw against Brighpool, Nutwood had to work hard for their 2-1 victory. Goals by Albert Titus and Man-of-the-Match Werner Rotor earned the three points to take Nutwood into third place.
