19/2/2012 Derby Mini Soccer Under 9's Group 2
Codnor Boys 3-1 New Boulton Athletic
It was a lovely sunny winters day as Codnor played their first game for 3 weeks, because of the recent cold spell.
Codnor began the game lethargically and were soon a goal behind as a New Boulton corner was deflected into their own net off 2 Codnor players.
Codnor struggled to get into the game and it took an inspired substitution from manager Paul McCracken to change the game. Bradley Pearson and Ben Greaves were introduced and immediately Codnor began to improve. It was Bradley Pearson who equalised for Codnor after his first shot had been blocked. Soon Codnor were in front. Tanaka Muchechesi had a shot deflected into Ben Richards path and he finished neatly.
For the second half Colby O'Hare was replaced in goal by Liam Shelton. Codnor continued to pile on the pressure and were awarded a penalty as James Dean was bundled over. Unfortunately Bradley Pearsons penalty kick was well saved by the New Boulton keeper.
Codnor were not to be denied and James Dean soon popped up to notch his customary goal. New Boulton didn't give up and it took some resolute defending from Lewis Walker and Noah Wright to protect Codnor's lead.
It wasn't a vintage performance, but Codnor got the job done against tricky opposition and remain in second place in the league.
