Mens 1s vs Uni of Nottingham M2

Coming off the draw with Norwich City in the derby match the week before, the 1s travelled to Nottingham to play a team top of the table and full of youth (literally) and expectations.

Magpies welcomed several debuts for the match with lower-than-normal availability. Tactically adjusted to support this and the opposition ahead of them. In the warm up some entertainment for the team as mixed responses for the yoga stretches but no injuries occurred so a winning combination. On a lovely blue on blue pitch the balls travelled well in the warm up and players getting some good touches in and some screaming shots being launched with words of save that for the game being echoed. Playing with the numbers and tactics, magpies set out to play 4 individual games on the day. Take each quarter as its own match up. With that in mind, magpies set out stall and went to work. Grafting a solid 17.5min coming out the first quarter 0-0 frustrating the University team.

Tiered heads, tired minds and a few sickness bugs started to kick in throughout the second quarter. Nottingham Uni started to pass the ball over larger distances at an increased speed to really move players. In tight areas, they then went a little route one smash ball and got a good touch deflecting the ball into the net for 1-0. Magpies continued to play to the game plan. A solid effort in tackling outside the D in the 2^nd quarter giving up only 1 PC (2 PC in 1^st half – really good work). Unfortunately, Nottingham Uni nailed the corner making it a 2-0. Lots of play and some good saves by magpies keeping this as the half time scoreline.

Down but not defeated magpies regrouped and discussed the match to date at the half. Slight adjustments to help team mates were given. New quarter, new game mentality. Reinvigorated and good intensity to execute the press and allow for some attacking play through stretching the pitch magpies came out and kept the University at bay for a long chunk of the 3^rd quarter. One period of high pressing rewarding magpies with some good pressure and attack opportunities. However, the University managed this well and with a gut punch scored from a PC with 2 mins of the quarter left. So close to that 2^nd mini match scoreline. Score now Uni 3-0.

Again 4 quarters 4 mini games approach, magpies went into the 4^th focused just on that quarter. Nottingham Uni intent on more goals really using all 16 players and rotating well to play a high intensity. Pushing early in the quarter got a PC and a re-award. On this, an unfortunate call for a stroke against the post player. Player claimed innocence but call would stand and stroke given. A calm take by the Uni player to the backboard height, attackers left or GK right (depending how you look at it). Magpies GK close to the save but just evaded the stick on the reach. Uni 4-0. Intent to score more came from the Uni, but magpies held well adding some good counter attacks and finishing the game off with the best passage of pressure winning a PC as well as sustained higher pressure. The PC was meant to be a straight flick, but the flicker got stuck on the blue turf allowing for a great give and go opportunity that so nearly paid off. Game ended 4-0 with a valiant effort under the circumstances by Magpies.

Big thanks to the travelling fans (parents for watching), to Nottingham University for the game, and the match officials. Congratulations to the debut players. Next up for the Magpies Men is a big away match vs Bedford. Season really heating up at the top and bottom.