Chief Sports Reporter: James B

Substitutes: Matt R, Jack M, Tom M

Following two successive league wins and a cup defeat, Beeston faced Premium Reserves who were sat just below them in the league. A few changes were made including Martin D being included as a full-back, Mark M replacing Dougie in midfield, Ant B being moved up into midfield as a winger, and Chrystian replacing Matt R on the wing.

The game was expected to be a difficult test for Beeston which became even tougher within the first 10 minutes of the game. Premium won a free-kick out on the right hand side of the pitch and sent a swinging free-kick into the penalty area which was nodded into the net from close-range. Unable to get a grip on the game, Beeston soon went two-down when a long ball by Premium evaded everyone in defence and was latched onto by a Premium player who had the time and space to take his chance well and put the home team two-goals up.

Beeston appeared to face an impossible task of over-turning a two-goal deficit but in the last 25 minutes of the first-half they produced some of their best football so far this season to do just that. Firstly Nick P who was excellent in midfield played a precise through ball for Oli H who had the time and space to pick his spot and take his chance. The midfield were doing an exceptional job of controlling midfield whilst the wingers persistently threatened to either set up or score further goals for Beeston. Oli had a chance to draw Beeston level but his goal-bound shot was cleared off the line by a defender.

Unable to cope with the pace Beeston had upfront, Premium were pegged back level. Oli cut in from the right before squaring the ball to Nick who passed across goal for Ant who dispatched a first-time shot into the bottom left corner of the goal. Still reeling from that goal, Premium allowed Beeston to take the lead in the game. Nick P passed the ball to Ant on the left of the penalty area who had the chance to shoot, but with hesitant closing-down and time on his side who played the ball inside the defender for Oli who close to the touch-line managed to squeeze the ball between the keeper's legs and into the net. Beeston had taken a 3-2 lead but were unable to add further goals before the end of the half.

At half-time Jack M replaced Martin D at right-back. After a fantastic performance by Beeston for the last 25 minutes of the first-half it was expected by everyone that they would carry this through into the second-half and secure a good result. But the large pitch seemed to take it's toll on a number of players as gaps began to appear between midfield and defence allowing Premium to have a number of opportunities to draw the game level. The defence did a good job of limiting chances but it was Pete in goal who made a sublime save to keep Beeston ahead. An inswinging corner led to the ball bouncing around in the penalty area before a powerful low drive from the edge of the area seemed to be flying into the net. But Pete managed to dive to his right and with one-hand stopped the ball before clutching it when loose.

However he was unable to prevent Premium's equaliser when another free-kick from the right was floated to the far post and a Premium player lashed the ball into the net. As the game petered out Beeston managed to get a foot-hold in the last few minutes with Tom M coming on in place of the (again injured) Shaun in midfield and Matt R replacing Chrystian, but were unable to fashion any further chances. The game ended 3-3 and in retrospect Beeston have only themselves to blame for allowing Premium to control the second-half.

Man of the match was Nick P who notched two assists and for much of the match made his passes in midfield count. Other contenders were Wes F and Mark P in the centre of defence who stood strong for much of the game whilst Pete G in goal should be delighted with his brilliant reflex save.

Chief Sports Reporter: James B

Starting Line-up: (GK) Pete G (CB) Mark P and Wes F (RB) James B (LB) Ant B (CM) Paul H, Shaun B & Dougie (RM) Nick P (LM) Matt R (CF) Oli H

Substitutes: Tom N, Greg L, Chrystian

Beeston.Biz made it two consecutive wins following a comprehensive win over a hard-working Top Spot. Changes to the team that beat AFC Hucknall included veteran Mark P replacing Martin D in defence and Dougie and Paul H returning into midfield in place of Mark M and Greg L.

On a chilly Sunday morning neither team asserted themselves in the opening 20 minutes of the game. Chances were far and few between for either team with Beeston unable to test the Top Spot keeper despite having a few shots which either went over or wide. Meanwhile Top Spot were unable to beat the Beeston defence, numerous balls sent over the top were dealt with effectively.

It wasn't until 25 minutes when the first proper chance of the game was created - and converted by Beeston. Paul found himself with the ball in the box close to the touchline but managed to dribble his way through a couple of players before squaring the ball for Dougie who scored his first goal of the season and possibly one of the easiest goals he will ever score.

The lead was short-lived though and poor defending led to a Top Spot equaliser. Beeston seemingly were unable to clear the ball from danger and were punished when a Top Spot player hit a well-struck shot from just outside the area. The ball went across Pete and into the far corner of the net. The goal seemed to spur Top Spot on who played some good football around the Beeston penalty box, but were unable to create any clear cut chances due to resilient defending by Beeston.

As the first-half wore on though, it was Beeston who finished stronger due to a commanding midfield and excellent wing-play by both Nick P and Matt R who constantly got past their men and threatened to create chances that would put Beeston back in the lead. No more goals were scored though and at half-time the scores were level. HT; Carlton Top Spot Reserves 1-1 Beeston.Biz FC.

After encouraging words by Tom and Andy, Beeston started the second-half with conviction and were awarded when Shaun's excellent through-ball sent Oli free of the Top Spot defence. Just managing to beat the keeper to the ball Oli touched it past him and into the net. It was just the start to the second-half that Beeston needed. What followed next is shrouded in mystery. A Beeston attack led to the ball to ricochet around the box after a save by the Top Spot keeper before Paul put the ball into the unguarded net. What seemed like a perfectly legitimate goal was disputed by the linesman who consulted the referee. The referee decided to award the goal regardless before changing his mind after further calls by the linesman and Top Spot players. The score remained at 2-1 to Beeston and an incident like that could have knocked back many teams but Beeston continued searching for another goal.

Chrystian came on for Shaun who had taken a knock and immediately stamped his authority on the game. Receiving a short pass from Matt R, Chrystian took one touch to control the ball and another to hit a low drive 25 yards from goal that hit both posts and left the keeper stranded before nestling into the net. It was inspired substitution by Andy and gave Beeston the momentum needed to finish the game strongly. Despite Top Spot searching for a way back into the game the experienced duo Wes F and Mark P were solid at the back and prevented the possibility of any shots on goal by Top Spot. Meanwhile James B and Ant B kept their opposite numbers at bay and stopped any crosses going into the box.

A further chance fell to Oli who struck his shot straight at the keeper but it wasn't long before Beeston scored another goal. A Beeston cross from the left was only half-cleared by the Top Spot defence and Paul hit a sweet half-volley from the edge of the box which swerved into the corner of the goal. Beeston had by this point finished off the game as a contest and were cruising towards their second league win of the season. Greg L replaced Matt R and Tom N was brought on in place of Oli H in a move to see out the game. In the final ten minutes Top Spot pushed for a second goal but were unable to work a way through the Beeston defence and midfield which stood firm. FT; Carlton Top Spot Reserves 1-4 Beeston.Biz FC.

Post-game it was clear to see that every player who had played had done an excellent job to command the second-half and secure another three points for Beeston. Pete in goal despite having little to do in the way of saves marshalled his defence and swept up well. Meanwhile the defenders were solid and kept things basic against an attack-minded team. The midfielders took the game by the scruff of the neck and dominated it throughout the second half whilst helping to attack and defend. The wingers supported Oli well and were excellent when attacking and solid when helping to defend. Finally Oli in attack didn't stop running all game and deserved his goal. Man of the match was close but Wes who led the defensive line with an excellent performance was just beaten to the award by Paul who worked tirelessly all game and proved decisive in both attack and defence as reflected by the score.

Chief Sports Reporter: James B

Starting Line-up: (GK) Pete G (CB) Martin D & Wes F (RB) James B (LB) Ant B (CM) Mark M, Shaun B & Nick Pe (RM) Matt R (LM) Greg L (CF) Oli H

Substitutes: Josh G, Tom N, Dayne L, Chrystian K

A week on from the now infamous 4-3 defeat Beeston faced AFC Hucknall looking to get their first points of the season. A trio of changes saw Wes and Martin making both of their league debuts for the club in centre-back positions whilst Greg L made his debut by playing on left-wing. Beeston started brightly with a couple of good passing moves on a slick surface which led to Oli being played in on goal a couple of times by Nick and Matt. However he hit one shot just wide and the keeper thwarted his other effort with a brave close-range save. Matt also had an opportunity after beating both centre-back and full-back to the ball but was unable to finish. At the other end Pete was tested with a close-range finish from the Hucknall number ten which he managed to push around the post.

As the first-half drew on it looked as if neither team would score a goal. Both defences were doing a solid job whilst the midfield tussled in an attempt to stamp some authority on the game. However with 5 minutes of the first half remaining Nick fed a ball through ball for Oli who dispatched an effort past the keeper and into the far corner of the net. 1-0 Beeston and it remained that way going into half-time as they saw out the remaining few minutes. HT Beeston.Biz 1-0 AFC Hucknall.

After a pretty dull first-half with few chances the second-half couldn't have been any more different. Greg who battled well during the first-half was replaced by Chrystian but few chances were created at the start of the second-half. With the score still at 1-0 Oli managed to fashion a few chances for himself after escaping the attentions of the Hucknall defence but was unable to finish. It wasn't until halfway through the second half when Beeston doubled their lead. A ball sent over the top from Mark saw Oli beat the onrushing keeper to the ball and score with a lobbed effort. Not long after though he was substituted due to a groin injury and replaced by Josh who moved into left-back with Ant moving forward to left-wing and Chrystian playing up top.

As the second-half wore on Hucknall began to assert heavy pressure onto Beeston who were resilient thanks to excellent sweeping by goalkeeper Pete, Wes and Martin winning every header that came their way, James and Josh who were halting attacks down the wing, and Shaun and Mark who both continually dropped into deep roles and helped to start launch counter-attacks. It was one of these counter-attacks that almost led to Beeston finishing off the game. James picked up a loose ball and ran half the length of the pitch beating a man before striking the ball low against the post and out. Further counter-attacks took place against a tiring Hucknall side with Nick, Ant and Matt pushing forward and sending balls through for Chrystian who was unable to add to the score.

With ten minutes to go though Hucknall pulled a goal back after a ball over the top was latched onto by a Hucknall forward who placed the ball past Pete and into the net. Further chances fell to Hucknall, Pete saved well from a free-kick and was also excellent in blocking a goal-bound effort. Looking to restore their two-goal advantage Beeston pushed forward and Shaun narrowly missed a near-post diving header from the corner. It was Chrystian though who scored Beeston's third as Mark's through ball was seemingly collected by the keeper only to be dispossessed by Chrystian who rolled the ball into the empty net. The game wasn't over though and with a couple of minutes to go Hucknall scored again with a low drive from just inside the box. Beeston held out though and recorded their first victory of the season against a decent Hucknall team. FT Beeston.Biz 3-2 AFC Hucknall.

There were good displays by everyone who played. The defence did a sterling job of limiting the chances Hucknall created, especially after the previous week's defeat; meanwhile the midfield dominated the centre of the park linking up well with the wingers and lone striker who all constantly threatened to score. Pete produced several good saves to keep Beeston ahead at times when Hucknall began to press for goals and was a contender for man of the match. However one man stood out against the rest, James B who worked tirelessly on the right-flank all game and won a number of tackles to keep the opposing attack at bay deservedly won the man of the match award. This was his first MOTM for Beeston.Biz and what a season the young lad is going to have.

Chief Sports Reporter: James B

Starting Line-up: (GK) Pete G (CB) Mark P & Paul H (RB) James B (LB) Ant B (CM) Mark M, Shaun B & Dougie (RM) Nick P (LM) Matt R (CF) Oli H

Substitutes: Josh G, Sam H, Tom M, Christian E

They say football is a game of two-halves and that phrase could certainly apply to Beeston's opening game of the new season. After promotion from the Senior Three division last season Beeston faced Bridgford Taverners, a team that had finished in 5th position in the Senior Two division the previous season. What followed a dominant first-half by Beeston was a poor second-half which saw Beeston capitulate to their opponents.

Against established opponents Beeston sped into the lead in the first five minutes. A ball knocked over the defence by new signing Dougie saw Oli H utilise his pace to run past the defence onto the loose ball and into the area before placing a low shot past the oncoming keeper and into far corner of the net. It was an excellent start for Beeston and Oli who finished as the club's top scorer last season. Throughout the next 15 minutes Beeston began to control the midfield with excellent work by midfielders Shaun, Mark, Dougie, Nick and Matt who were winning every ball and fashioning chances for lone striker Oli whose shots tested the keeper who replied with a couple of good saves. At the half-way point of the first-half Beeston scored again. This time good play by Matt down the wing saw his cross come to Dougie who once again played Oli in. With lots of work to do and despite his diminutive stature Oli managed to outmuscle a defender and latch onto the bouncing ball before dispatching a powerful effort past the goalkeeper and into the net. At 2-0 Beeston were looking comfortable and further chances came to Dougie whose header was well saved and a close range header from Oli which the keeper again thwarted.

Taverners seeking a way back into the game attempted to fashion a few chances but the Beeston defence stood firm with centre backs Paul and Mark P winning every aerial ball and cutting out numerous passes through the middle whilst full backs James and Ant kept the opposing wingers in their pockets. When Taverners did manage to get through the Beeston defence goalkeeper Pete proved his worth to the team with brave saves at the strikers feet and doing well to hold onto a low effort hit from just inside the box.Towards the end of the first-half Beeston scored another goal. Dougie provided a cutting through ball for Matt who ran clear of the defence and took the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper. What happened next is probably best explained by Matt but the ball appeared to be going out for a goal-kick after a heavy touch but Matt somehow kept it in before turning and striking the ball into the roof of the net from a seemingly impossible angle. HT; Bridgford Taverners 0-3 Beeston.Biz

After an excellent first-half the emphasis should have been on Beeston to defend with conviction and grind out what would be an excellent result. Instead what took place was a poor second-half display that saw any hard-work done in the first-half by Beeston undone by a spirited Bridgford Taverners. All could have been so different though if Oli had converted the golden opportunity for his hat-trick instead of striking the bar whilst the score was still 3-0.

Josh G replaced the (again) injured Mark P in defence and for the first 20 minutes of the second-half Beeston appeared to be on course to winning their first game of the season. However poor defending from a Bridgford corner led to the ball bouncing across the six-yard box before being diverted into the top corner of the goal just beyond the hand of Pete. Panic set in and another corner wasn't dealt with properly by Beeston and a Taverners player managed to power a shot home from inside the six-yard box. At 3-2 Beeston brought on Sam H for Mark M and Christian E for Nick P to try and reassert the team's first-half dominance. Further efforts fell to Oli and Matt R who couldn't direct their near post shots past the excellent Bridgford keeper. With the game seemingly heading into injury time Bridgford equalised when an opportunistic attack led to a low shot being driven from close-range past Pete in the Beeston goal. At 3-3 one last Beeston attack led an Oli free-kick to be headed over by Paul from inside the box.

What followed completed an excellent come-back for Taverners and poured further misery onto an already deflated Beeston team. After being seemingly pushed over Ant fell into the ball which the referee deemed a free-kick for Taverners for handball. After being quickly taken and the Beeston defence seemingly nowhere a powerful dipping effort from the edge of the box was tipped onto the bar by Pete and into the path of a Taverners player who with the last touch of the game headed the ball into the empty net.FT; Bridgford Taverners 4-3 Beeston.Biz.

It rounded off a dramatic game and left Beeston thinking what might have been. Man of the match was Oli H who scored two well-taken goals and proved a threat to the opposition defence all game whilst close runners-up were Dougie who had a hat-trick of assists and Paul H who was towering at the back all game. Though it is easy to blame individuals for the defeat, football is a team game and experiences like this only serve to make the team stronger and more experienced.