Calverton U19's 1-4 Unity Football Project

Thursday 25th November 2010 - North Midlands U19's League Division 2

Desire, commitment, discipline, effort, attitude - add to this talent by the shovel full and you have the Unity Football Project. Unity began life in 2005 in an effort to help control gang violence, territorial rivalry and reduce youth offending, and this current crop of players are a credit not only to themselves, but also the league, their management team and their followers.

Fellow bloggist Rob Waite had praised Unity and said I had to go and have a look sometime. With Kev absent without leave, I nearly didn't bother. Really pleased I did - not only because of the 5 goals (more charity dosh), but because the quality of play at this level rarely fails to please.

Quick word about Calverton because they looked good as well, and they played their part in this game, but in the end the Unity quality told and 4-1 was probably just about right on the balance of play. Not only was I impressed with the Unity team, their coach, Alan Avery, was a treat to listen to. Encouraging, reminding, coaxing and also having a laugh when needed - what a breath of fresh air after some of the antics we see week in, week out at senior level.

Alan came over for a chat before the second half began - he is really enthusiastic about this project and after I complimented his team on their play, he intimated that they hadn't performed anywhere near as well as they can! Looks like another Unity game needs pencilling in !!

I know none of the players from either of the teams, so can't write a match report as such. I can report that Calverton took the lead after just 28 seconds - a ball into the box catching a Unity central defender facing his own goal - as he tried to intercept he suceeded only in hitting it past his own keeper. Unity applied immediate pressure and had one effort cleared off the line and saw a shot crash off the bar.

Unity regained parity in the 5th minute, a great individual run and dribble by their no.10 BLAIR ANDERSON , culminating with a low drive that flew across the Calverton keeper before nestling in the back of the net. More pressure saw the visitors take the lead in the 17th minute - this time a corner flicked on at the near post, leaving CONOR CROFT a simple tap in from close range. H-T 1-2

Went to the car at half-time to get warm - it was a cold night, with a biting breeze that opened up the nasal sluices a treat! I have recently become the owner of a BlackBerry phone - and I managed to post the half-time score on facebook - me and technology -- best mates!!

Unity increased their lead on 58, substitute no.16 TYRONE ( last name not known) sliding in to beat the home keeper to the ball. They saved the best till last though. With four minutes to play, the ball was played to CONOR CROFT on the edge of the box - he took aim and rifled the ball right into the top corner .... a cracking goal to end proceedings. F-T 1-4

Special mention for Referee Scott Mason. Another of the young crop of officials that abound at the moment. Scott had a very good game - as did his Assistants. It has to be said though that their jobs were made easy thanks to the attitude and discipline showed by both teams - even on a difficult, slippy, skating rink of a pitch.

Thanks to Marc Williams of Gedling MW for the goalscorer info - via Unity striker Elliot Atkin

Admission £2

Programme £1

H/C 30

Pinxton v Westella on Saturday, weather permitting.....