COTGRAVE RESERVES MAKE IT A TREBLE OVER AFC PARABELLUM

 EUROSOCCER NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE: DIVISION TWO

COTGRAVE RESERVES 3 AFC PARABELLUM 2

Cotgrave Reserves were awarded the Eurosoccer Nottinghamshire Team of the Month for December 2025, yes 2025, let me explain whhy it has taken a while to do the presentation, during January I was on bedrest but come February, Cotgrave Reserves had three matches cancelled by a club that couldnt raise a side and has since folded.

Todays match saw the hosts sitting in third place, whilst their visitors who they had beaten twice already this season in the League Cup and league were sitting in second position, both with games in hand with the divisions leaders Wollaton Reserves, but still a lot of points to play for.

On arival, the manager filled mine and Hazels flasks up and soon the interview with him and the club chair took place, which can be seen on the Eurosoccer Nottinghamshire Senior League Facebook Page.

With both teamsheets in from todays referee Tyler Pickworth, the teams entered the pitch  and with Hazel taken the Cotgrave Reserves Team Photo for the league sponsors Eurosoccer, the match was soon on its way, as id borrowed a chair to sit near the halfway line in the beautiful sunshine.

The match started at a frantic pace with both teams playing fast football and producing chances, but after 22 minutes after a series of corners, o0ne from the right side found its way to THOMAS BACON whoo stabbed it away inside the six yard area to give the homesters the lead.

In the 27th minute, it was 2-0 when a long throw from the right side again found THOMAS BACON to finish.

Parabellum pushed forward and went close several times and the home keeper was in good form to keep them at bay, until the 39th minute, when a cross from the left wing fell to DILLON ROBERTS to reduce the arrears.

A minute later from the Cotgrave kick off, they poured forward and JOSH KIRK latched on to a 25 yard volley to restore his sides two goal advantage going in to half time.

The Second Half started fast but with drama, as a visiting player saw red for foul and abusive langague, to the anger of his bench.

With Parabellum down to ten men, they seemed to create more and on 72 minutes, there was a glammour of hope when DILLON ROBERTS pulled a goal back.

Parabellum pressed forward but this left gaps at the back, as  Cotgrave had a shot that the keeper did really well pushing on to the crossbar and then it bouncing on to the post before being cleared.

As the game headed in to injury time, Parabellum was caught out at the back and the keeper bought down the home attacker, who dusted himself down to take the penalty to make it 4-2, but the keeper had different ideas and pulled off a great save, but it wasnt to save the day for Parabellum.

News came through that Wollaton Reserves had lost today, so Cotgrave Reserves move to the top of the Division.

A good game in which when player went down after fouls, both sets of players got back up and shook hands or helped each other up.

The Charity Blog in aid of SAMS WORKPLACE, that aids people with special needs, with their farm and sweet shop/cafe, Id like to thank the kindness of COTGRAVE RESERVES who donated £20 and with the 5 goals scored at 25p per goal, takes the running total to a amazing  £3,218.57p. If anyone would like to make a donation, no matter how small, you do by bank transfer to me at

MR R HORNBY

Sort Code: 111324

Account: 00269688

To see the 90 photos at todays match, please click this LINK

PMG EXCEL WIN THE MATCH OF THE YOUNGSTERS

 EUROSOCCER NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE: DIVISION ONE

CLIFTON ALL WHITES RESERVES 1 PMG EXCEL 3

As many will know its been a awful few months for me health wise, only attending 4 matches in 4 months, but with the sun shining, I was feeling ok and went to Clifton All Whites Reserves to present them with Eurosoccers Nottinghamshire Senior League Team of the Month for February 2026, having a unbeaten record in the past 8 games, ssscoring good fair play marks from their opponents, but as usual when I turn up with the award, the curse strikes and so it did today!

On arrival, me and Hazel was met by the club chair's brother who kindly filled out flasks and then I did a video interview(for the Eurosoccer Nottinghamshire Senior League Facebook site. Before Hazel doing the honours of taking the home side's teamphoto before their last home game of the season.

Todays referee arrived James Spriggs and we had a quick chat as the teamsheets came in and he warmed up.

The match kicked off at a frantic pace with both sides attacking from end to end but no shots for either keeper to save in the bright sunshine, but on  23 minutes, a beautiful played long ball from the halfway line found NOAH TESFELEM to run on to just outside the penalty area and clip the ball over the outcoming goalkeeper in the Clifton net, to give the visitors the lead.

Clifton pushed forward and could well have been on equal terms when after 39 minutes, a ball played across the 6 yard box from the right side, saw the home forward just not to connect to the ball and the chance went amiss.

For the Second Half, Clifton made a change in tactics moving thier number 5 out of defence in to midfield and bring on a sub, but PMG seemed to up their game abit and several runs down the left side saw a few shot saved by the home keeper, but in the 55th minute, he could do little, when a corner from the left side, came to the middle of the penalty are for CHARLES CHIBUKIRA to produce a splendid overhead kick to make it 0-2 to Excel.

Lots of subs were made and both teams who must be the youngest squads in Division One, went from end to end again with both having good chances, with both keepers being in the thick of the action and some chances just going wide.

86 minutes on the clock and PMG put the game to bed, when from the left wing CHARLES CHIBUKIRA weaved in and out and in to the box before slotting past the home keeper at the near post to extend his teams advantage.

Clifton didnt give up and in injury time, a quick move down the left side, saw GEORGE BURROWS finish well, but it was too late for a come back.

A very good fast match played in the right sprirt by two very good young footballing teams, also a good performance by the referee James Spriggs.

After todays match, with the 4 goals scored at 25p per goal for SAMS WORKPLACE, which helps and supports young adults  with alsorts of special needs on the farm and in the cafe/sweet shop and games evenings etc, it takes the running total to a amazing £3,197.32p, in which other people have given or sent me donations, if yuou read on website, you will a list of clubs and people who have donated and a running total. If you or your club would like to make a donation, no matter how small, you can do by doing a bank transfer t

MR R HORNBY

Sort Code: 111324

Account: 00269688

To see the 172 photos taken from todays match, please click this LINK

CITY CONTINUE WINNING STREAK

 Eurosoccer Nottinghamshire Senior League: Division Three

CITY UNITED FC 6 EAST LEAKE ROBINS RESERVES 3

Having not been to a match for nearly a month, due to illness, I was greatful to get out and about and back of the side of a pitch. City United were chosen as January's 2026 Eurosoccer Nottinghamshire Senior League Team of the Month and with so many fixtures called off, they play on a 3g pitch on Glebe Lane at South Nottinghamshire Academy in Radcliffe on Trent.

On arival, I was greeted by the City's Chairman/player Damiloma Sanusi and did the team of the monthn video for the Notts Senior League Facebook Page and then the team photo.

I met the match referee Curtis Bowles and his match observer(who stood with me at pitchside throughout the match Adam Orchiston), also spoke to a chap who had caught 3 buses from Burton Upon Trent.

The match kicked off and it was City on the front foot, playing some fast football and after just 8 minutes, they made the breakthrough, when a cross from the right wing, came in to the box and OLABOYE ALEGBELEYE.

The Robins pressed forward but on 15 minutes were caught and OLABOYE ALEGBELEYE beat the offside trap to finish to put his side 2-0 up.

On 23 minutes, things got worse for the visitors, when OLABOYE ALEGBELEYE completed his hat trick.

Half time came and it was time to drink my flask of tea, before drinking it all and early in the second half, infact in the 49th minute EMMANUEL UYIOSA curled a lovely shot past the Robins keeper, but then from kick off East Leake lost the ball and Chairman/player of City United made it 5-0 with a low struck shot from 25 yards.

In the 57th minute, FRASER HOLDEN won the ball in his own half and sprinted down the left wing before netting his side in to a 6-0 lead.

I was wondering how many it would be, but to the visitors credit in the 63rd minute, REISE LILL tapped home from inside the six yard box. This seeemed lift the Robins as in the 65th minute, they scored again, when CAMERON ROBERTS scored after a scramble in the area.

East Leake then had several chances to reduce the arrears and a few dangerous free kicks thaat went wayward, but in the 87th minute from the visitors free kick, the home keeper spilled the ball and ZAC MADDEN was at hand to poke the ball home to make it 6-3 to City United.

A good game played in the right respectful manner and the referee in my opinion had a good game.

The Charity Blog is in aid of SAMS WORKPLACE which helps and supports young adults will alsorts of special needs, helping with work experiance, D of E, mixing with the community on local farms etc.

After todays match, the City United Chairman Damiloma found £5 on the pitch and the East Leake manager also agreed to donate it to the charity blog, so with the 9 goals scored, it now takes the Charity Blog's running total to a AMAZING £3,196.32p

If you would like to make a donation, no matter how large or small, you can do a bank transfer to

MR R HORNBY

Sort Code: 111324

Account: 00269688

To view the 102 photos from the match, please click the LINK

COLTS SHOOT IN TO TOP THREE FOR CHRISTMAS

 EUROSOCCER NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE: DIVISION ONE

MEDEN VALE COLTS FC 2 GRANTHAM TOWN RESERVES FC 0

Before todays match, the presentation of Eurosoccer Team of the Month for November was made to Meden Vale Colts FC,  who have been on a impressive run of form and discipline, this continued today and helped them climb in to the top three in the Division with a 2-0 victory over promotion rivals Grantham Town Reserves.

The game began very even with both sides cancelling each other out, with both young goalkeepers not really being forced in to action. The game altered when the visitors seemed to lose their discipline a bit and had their captain sent to the sin bin, closely followed by a sub and then their manager seeing red.

Whilst down to nine players, Vale got a corner on the right hand side that wasnt cleared and the ball was drove in by GEORGE CAMPS in the 36th minute, at this stage, Grantham had their backs to the wall, as the homesters pushed forward and the 17 year old keeper was in fine form pushing a few excellent efforts round the post.

The Second Half began with Town still down to play with 10 players for 3 minutes, but the Colts tails were up and pushing forward but Town were also pressing on the break, this left gaps at the back and  in 71st minute, they were punished when JOSHUA BRENTNALL fired home and wrapped up the points.

The game at times could have spilt over but the referee did a great job in controlling the game.

The Charity Blog is in aid of  SAMS WORKPLACE, which helps and supports all special needs youth, helping with work experiance, D of E, Help in the community etc. The running  total stands at a staggering £3,189.07p

If you would like to make a donation to the CHARITY BLOG for such a good cause, you can do via bank transfer to

MR R HORNBY

Sort Code: 111324

Account: 00269688

TO VIEW THE 69 PHOTOS FROM THE MATCH, PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK

COTGRAVE RESERVES LAST GASP DRAMITIC WINNER IN THE CUP

 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE FA SENIOR TROPHY ROUND THREE

AFC PARABELLUM 2 COTGRAVE RESERVES 3

Before the match, AFC Parabellum was presented with the Eurosoccer Nottinghamshire Senior League Team of the Month for October 2025, they were a few players short as some were still in Holland after watching Nottingham Forest play in Europe on Thursday evening. After a video with the two managers and the team photo and a chat with todays ref Andrew Sargent, I went over to the far siiide of the pitch to take photos before being  joined for the game by local hopper Martin McHale.

Botth team,s came in to the tie in good form but not played for several weeks due to the poor weather we have had and the pitch was very heavy going for the tie.

The game started off frantic with bith sides pressing forward, but after 7 minutes, a Cotgrave corner kick by JORDAN HOPKINSON from the right hand side eluded everyone and clipped the back post and bounced in to the net to give the visitors the lead.

Back pressed AFC with chances going astray and Cotgrave could well have in creased their advantage, when awarded a penalty on 10 minutes, but the penalty taker hit the ball that hard and high, Ive had as look in my back garden in Mansfield, but the ball isnrt there.

This looked like it may be costly to the visitors, when 3 minute later a mix up at the back saw the home number 9 take advanttage  and shoot from the edge of the box in to the corner to level things up.

Again both teams pressed two and fro and in the 2nd minute, the visitors somehow were back in front, when HARRY ADLAM WOOD got the ball on the left side of the halfway line and just seemed to belt it one towards the home sides area, the keeper seemed to have caught it, but then did a juggling act and dropped it in to his own net, but Harry didnt mind as he claimed the goal, by doing a lap of honour around the pitch.

Half time was edging closer and Parabellum got a corner on the right side that bounced round the area before the big NUMBER 8 volleyed home the equaliser from the 6 yard box.

The Second Half saw chance after chance missed by both sides and both trainers had to enter the pitch no end of times, some players were down with cramp, others injured and trying to run them off, so there was quite a bit of injury time, so on the 90th minute at 2-2 it looked like the dreaded penalties lottery was to happen, until 3 minutes in to injury time, Cotgrave won a free kick some 35 yards out and up stepped TOM  GODWIN who bent it hit and round the home wall giving the keeper no chance of reaching it.

A really fantastic tie played in the right spirit by both good teams and must give credit to the match official Andrew Sargent who let the game run where he used the advantage and pulled it back if not and had a superb match.

The Charity Blog is in aid of  SAMS WORKPLACE, which helps and supports all special needs youth, helping with work experiance, D of E, Help in the community etc. The running  total stands at a staggering £3,188.57p

If you would like to make a donation to the CHARITY BLOG for such a good cause, you can do via bank transfer to

MR R HORNBY

Sort Code: 111324

Account: 00269688

To view 79 photos from the tie, please click this LINK

VERSION OF GROUNDHOP DAY AT THE VINEYARD

 EUROSOCCER NOTTINGHAMSHIRE LEAGUE: DIVISION THREE

TRENT VINEYARD FC 1 -3 NOTTS CITY RANGERS

Att: 41 headcount

Not having seen much of the match, as we set the programme and badge stall under cover where pitch 2 was round several corners to find, I thought I would ask Hull based Groundhopper Dave Philipson to write about his day, so Id like to thank him and he has added a few photos on Facebook as well.

I will of course take back over the blog at the end of how much we raised and a running total for Sam's Workplace and if you would like to make a donation to the Charity Blog.

Trent Vineyard 1-3 Notts City Rangers, Nottinghamshire Senior League Division Three, Chilwell Olympia Sports Centre Pitch no 2, Bye Pass Road, Beeston, Nottinghamshire, 22/11/2025. Admission free, programme £2, metal badges (for both clubs) £4 each, 2025-26 match no 35, ground no 1,811.

The latest of Rob Hornby's excellent NSL Groundhop Days took place today, this time at Division Three side Trent Vineyard. On a damp, drizzly day, the trip didn't get off to the best of starts, with the train from Hull setting off 20 minutes late, meaning I missed my original connection in Sheffield. Changing at Sheffield and Derby, I arrived in Beeston around fifty minutes late, but still with enough time tto wandwr round Beeston, beforre making my way to the ground. The ground is part of the Chilwell Olympia Sports Centre, situated behind Chilwell School, and consists of around five football pitches. This game took place on pitch no 2, and was roped off on the far side, with hedges behind, whilst the rest was just grass standing. The game was very competitive, with both sides having chances on what was a fairly heavy pitch. It was the visitors who broke the deadlock after 25 minutes, with a fine headed goal from Connaire Seery. They doubled their lead in the 65th minute through Luke Hallam, before Trent Vineyard pulled a goal back with Samuel Ageyi scoring. However, the visitors made sure of all three points in the 75th minute , when substitute Ryan Robinson scored to give the viditors a 3-1 victory. An excellent day out, despite the weather, and thanks must go to my friend Rob Hornby for yet another well organised Groundhop Day.

Many thanks to Dave #hullhopper

The next Groundhop Day will be in a while due to my daughter having a baby around March time, so it will be next season no doubt before I choose a club to have their first ever programme and badge done.

With inks and paper taken out, the charity raised in total £81 but the running total for Sam's Workplace stands at a giant £3,187.32p, so can we hot the next target of £3,200 not too far away.

If you would like to make a donation, you can by making ba Bank Transfer to

MR ROBERT F HORNBY

Sort Code: 111324

Account: 00269688

Id like to thank everyone for their donations, no matter how small

GRIMS UNDONE BY MANBY FREE KICK

 BRIAN TODD JUNIOR CHALLENGE CUP - 1ST ROUND - FIRST LEG

GRIMOLDSBY FC 0 MANBY FC 1

Attendance headcount 24

With me and Hazel extending our midweek to a week break away, i looked in to Football Traveller for a match today and with this being a local derby, where the 2 villages actually run in to each other, though it may be a good cup tie to watch and a early finish due to the 1.30pm kick off. Whilst at Horncastle Town  FC last night I ran into the Grimoldsby Founder and Manager Rob.

The sat Nav was very good today and took us to the ground just short to the east of Louth, though did stop for breakfast in Louth at a cafe named Beverleys,  which after the match in the pub, found that one of the players mums owned it and of course served us.

The ground has plenty of parking at the front and back of the commuunity centre and houses the changing rooms and also a little room for teas and coffees.

After a minutes silence, the game kicked off and I was a bit worried that I may just see a landslide of goals, with the hosts close to bottowm, whilst the visitors sitting second in the table. I did mention that I couldnt see it going to extra time and penalties, then was told, it wouldnt as it was the first leg, so it was something different.

Last night at Horncastle, none of the keepers had to make a save, here that didnt last as the home keeper managed to push a shot around the post.

The teams were matching each other all over the pitch and reached half time at 0-0.

The Second Half both teams used subs and alter tactics to get a break through goal and both were in attack mode, but after 69 minutes, the visitors were awarded a free kick to the left hand side oif the halfway line that Luke Haagensen swung in to the home penalty and it fell to ELLIS BARKER to bungle home from inside the 6 yard box.

The homesters pressed forward and in the 78th minute, ttwo players went for the ball in the Manby penalty with the home team appealing strongly for a penalty but the young referee was having none of it and waved play on.

At Full Time, Manby FC knew they'd been  in a tough match and The Grims could well have been going in to the Second Leg on level terms, but it is advantage to Munby FC and result I will be looking out for.

The Charity Blog you are reading, if you click down to the bottom and click web version, you will see the running total and donators for SAMS WORKPLACE which supports and aid young adults with all special needs, if you would like to do a donation, no matter how small, you can do it via Bank Transfer

MR R HORNBY

Sort Code: 111324

Account: 00269688

To view the photos I took at the match, please click this LINK  Please use any of the photos or report if you wish.