Following an increasing trend of football teams only posting results after winning which is the reason why Ellistown Football Club has been quiet since October.

Today Ellistown won their 1st home league game since 24th August 2024 when they beat Cottesmore 3-2 in a relegation 9 pointer.

Against the run of play Cottesmore took the lead on 14 mins (0-1). Then our new centreback warhorse James Jepson took over and only a world class save from the Cotts keeper stopped James scoring from a 35 yard free-kick.

With James showing is experience on the pitch and new captain, leader, legend Kai Abrahams driving the team forward we equalised on 33 mins through a belter from Dan Blake (1-1).

Then Macdonalds Man Of The Match Harry Taylor took over with some criical saves as both sides decided attack was the best form of defence. I know Harry will enjoy his Big Mac and Chips.

Pele Molyneaux replaced Connor Martin on 35 mins. Connor playing through the pain barrier.

1-1 HT with the game up for grabs.

Cotts started the 2nd on the attack and Town had to dig in and that they done through the excellant defensive qualities of James, Pele and Michael Hills who had his best game of the season.

Led by Connor Page and Zach Smalley in midfield and supporting by Harry Mansfield and Aaron Turner who proved you can play the kids we slowly won the midfield battle.

Llyas Boumedhi replaced Alt Bakram on 57 mins. Alt like Dan Blake put in a great shift up front. A crucial sub in the end.

Marcus Nichie replaced James Jepson on 72 mins and Vincent Sam replaced Dan Blake on 83 mins providing fresh legs and pace.

With the game on a knife edge and both teams knowing a draw is not good enough the clock ticked over to 89 mins when the game went mentle.

Hand ball in the area gave Ellistown FC the chance to win the game.

We have a poor record with penalty kicks but no one told Pele Molyneaux who stepped up and rolled the ball into the next (2-1).

Could we hang on through 7 mins of injury time. 4 mins in, a Cotts defensive error let in Zach Smalley who squared the ball to Llyas Boumedh who smashed it into back of the net (3-1). This led to the secretary Mourinho style running up and down the touchline in celebration. Even the Chairman smiled.

Cotts scored to make it 3-2 with the last kick of the game.

Final score 3-2 to town and a crucial victory that keeps us in touch with teams at the bottom.

Credit to everyone connected to Ellistown, this was a superb team effort which we need to do again next week.

Respect to the officials Steph Heck, Gavin Hill and Rick Greatwood who were superb and Cottesmore who stayed behind after the final whistle.

Up the town.