This is the third time City has played Hyson Green this season and each game has resulted in a narrow victory for the Southwell side. City seem to struggle to find their normal level against this team but always pull out a battling and gritty performance to overcome this tough and physical team.

City were on the back foot for the opening 10 minutes and it became clear that the players were not working well with the shape. A few changes in player positions made an immediate difference and City started to dominate midfield and look more assured at the back. City’s opener was scrappy to say the least. After some ping-pong football in the Hyson box, the ball dropped to Kyme Howells who calmly slotted the ball through a crowded six-yard box to find the net. Within minutes City extended their lead after Ben Cree dispossessed his full back on the by-line and cut the ball back for Ieuan Plume to hammer it home. City looked like they were going on to score a hatful of goals but despite some good chances they failed to extend their lead to half-time.
City started the second half well and again dominated play. They were awarded a clear penalty after about 10 minutes but the normally reliable Dan Gleeson put it too close to the keeper who finger-tipped it on the crossbar. This seemed to give Hyson Green the spur they needed as they pushed to get back in the game. They immediately struck back after City lost the ball cheaply in midfield; the City defence were caught on the back foot and left square allowing the Hyson defender to slip between them and score. The game should have been killed off at 3-0 but at 2-1, this gave Hyson Green the impetus and incentive to try and get something form the game. The City lads were now struggling to retain much composure on the ball and to deal with Hyson Green’s direct football. Sam Buck replaced Kyme Howells to deal with this threat but they was unable to match the pace of their two strikers. In a last ditch attempt to save the points, Chris Bowles and Dan Gleeson dropped into the centre of defence and it seemed to work. City stemmed Hyson’s attacking threat but were still not creating any opportunities for themselves. The game eventually petered out with some relief for City who took all 3 points again.

Unfortunately, the game was spoiled by an incident between City and Hyson Green players after the game and I’m sure this will be dealt with appropriately by the club

Kyme Howells is awarded MOM for a solid defensive performance after missing out last week and for scoring the opening goal. He was unlucky to be subbed in the second half which was for tactical reasons only.