Priory Celtic 1 Keyworth United Green: 10

Keyworth United Green Under 11 - Who are you?

Keyworth’s schizophrenic season continued with an excellent performance in direct contrast to last week’s shambolic effort, leaving those of us who witnessed both games wondering who on earth we are. Are we the team that completely overwhelmed Priory today with a stylish flowing football display that rendered Sam in goal virtually redundant or are we that team so devoid of passion, commitment, creativity and ideas that surrendered so meekly to Bridgford a week earlier?

I can’t explain it - but once again, after a much improved display, Mr Optimism here is hoping we’ve finally rid ourselves of the nonsense once and for all and can start to show some consistency at the end of a season where we’ve been consistent only in our inconsistency. One thing’s certain, after several false dawns, I won’t get fooled again!

After last week’s humiliation, it was time for a few harsh words to be spoken. Shedding the Mr Nice Guy image, I made it clear that such a performance was unacceptable and it’s last time that we’ll be ashamed of our performance. Some of the team need to look closely at themselves. It’s fine to say we’re bothered but saying it’s not enough, let’s see action! It’s time for us to join together and work hard as a team - those who can’t or won’t, can look forward to some Sunday morning lie-in’s next season! Gone is the minimum of half a game each policy we’ve employed to date; it’s time for competition for places based on merit - specifically attitude!

It certainly seemed to have the desired impact! Keyworth, looking instantly brighter, were much more alert (could it be the 1pm kick off?) and out of the blocks smartly, posing Priory problems from the off. We were looking dangerous and it wasn’t long before we went ahead. A fine move down the right ending with Reece’s speculative low shot slipping under the keeper to give us the lead. Despite our dominance, somehow we contrived to gift Celtic a bizarre equaliser. A far too swiftly taken short goal-kick failed to properly reach its target and was launched into orbit by a Priory forward who watched with glee as the ball plummeted over Sam and into the net.

This was now a real test of character - time for sleeves to be rolled up! Immediately, Reece showed he was up for a fight, battling tenaciously to win the ball in midfield, shrug off several tackles and slip the perfect pass into the path of Marek who made no mistake from twelve yards. With Reece running the show and Ben’s throw-in’s causing havoc, it was clear more goals would follow. Within minutes the Greens added a third when good work out of defence and a fine pass from the hardworking Josh set Marek free just inside the Priory half. As if jet propelled, Marek flew towards goal before smashing home a blinding finish that threatened to burst the net. Just before half time, a Keyworth attack was only half cleared and Cian, following up well, crashed a beautifully executed half volley into the right hand corner of the net to put the Greens 4-1 up at the break.

Upon restart, the game followed a familiar pattern. Less than ten minutes in and Reece, at the heart of everything good, latched onto Josh’s superb through ball and coolly slotted past the keeper from the edge of the box, costing his dad a tenner in the process! We didn’t have to wait long for the sixth. Peter Hennessy going on a dazzling run past defender after defender before drawing the keeper and unselfishly side-footing across for Tommo to tap into the empty net. Within minutes we were seven up! Ben’s fine throw cleared the last line of Priory defenders just inside the Celtic half allowing Tommo to run on unchallenged and fire emphatically beyond the keeper. Next it was time for Sam Clements to get in on the act. Receiving the ball out wide left, Sam completely ignored his manager’s shouts to pass (what do I know anyway?!) and embarked on a fantastic, Robbo-esque, half-paced, mazy dribble down the wing, leaving defenders in his wake before crossing for the unmarked Josh to tap home number eight.

For those of my generation, this was vintage City Ground circa 1978/9; just substitute Withey for Josh and you’ll get the picture. Not to be outdone, Harry, Isaac, Pete and Jacob, left in splendid isolation at the back, repelled a couple of Priory attacks before Danny decided to make his mark with two trademark goals of stunning quality. First he collected the ball on the right hand edge of the penalty area to strike high into the top corner, before making it double figures for the Greens, picking up the ball midway inside the Celtic half, storming past two defenders and firing a magnificent drive into the top right hand corner from the edge of the area.

A comprehensive victory for Keyworth and the required response to last week’s debacle. All the boys can be proud of their efforts. Commitment and desire were without question and we played some superb football in the process. In particular, Reece was magnificent, while Josh and Marek were back to their troublesome best and the versatile Cian excelled in three different roles.

So, after such a comprehensive victory can you believe that we’ll be up for it next week’s against Bestwood?...