Long Eaton United A (3) v Cotgrave Claret Colts (3) - 24/04/2010

After a great come-back away to AFC Vernon in mid-week, the U9's knew that a win against Cotgrave in their final game would secure Division 1 football for next season.

With a squad of only 7 Long Eaton took the field with Finlay in goal, the new combination of Jazz and Tomas at the back, Zak, Jack and Oscar in mid-field and Benedict leading the line.

It was clear we were in for a nervy morning with Cotgrave needing a win to help them avoid relegation and Long Eaton needing to avoid defeat.

In a scrappy first half, Long Eaton took an early lead through Oscar's persistance and it looked like any relegation fears were over. However, within minutes, Cotgrave showed their fighting qualities, first equalising and then taking a 2-1 lead into the half time break.

The quality of football improved markedly in the second half with Long Eaton starting to pass the ball and the mid-field gaining a degree of control over the game. However, Cotgrave broke and were desperately unlucky not to take a 3-1 lead when they hit the under-side of the bar.

Having ridden their luck, the home side were awarded a free kick outside the Cotgrave penalty area and up stepped Oscar to place a Beckham-esque free-kick into the top corner of the goal.

However, Long Eaton's joy turned to despair as Cotgrave, taking advantage of a ball that may well have gone out of play, ignored the shouts of the home team, played to the referee's whistle and took a late 3-2 lead.

With only a few minutes remaining, Long Eaton played one of the moves of the match passing the ball through mid-field and down the right. As the ball reached Oscar on the right, he crossed to the back post and found Zak whose header hit the back of the net securing a 3-3 draw and a valuable point, much to the relief of the home supporters.

The draw left Cotgrave bottom of the League and close to relegation. However, in their subsequent games in hand they beat both other relegation candidates, Rolls Royce and Clifton All Whites ensuring they avoided relegation and will be joining Long Eaton United in U10's Division 1 next season.

Well done to them and of course to all concerned with Long Eaton United U9's for a fantastic effort during season 2009/2010.