Seasonal Review
by Scott Gibbons
We started the season with a bang! After 11 games we were unbeaten and top of the Notts Amateur Alliance First Division with 9 wins and 2 draws from 11 games. The side were free-scoring with 31 of the team’s 59 league goals coming from striking duo Richard Francis (14) & Gaz Taylor (17). However, it was very much a team effort with the midfield creating chances and chipping in with the odd goal whilst the defence looked rock solid in allowing only 14 goals to be conceded in those same 11 matches.
Cup Defeat Unfortunately there was to be no cup glory for FC Samba as they crashed out in the Senior League Cup Second Round, 2-0 to NAA Premier Division side Nottinghamshire. Despite playing the better football and creating more chances we just couldn’t find the net or the creative spark that was needed.
There was further disappointment to come as The Sandboys were eliminated from the Junior County Cup 3rd Round, albeit in acrimonious circumstances against Selston. An inept refereeing performance saw Jordan Hill sent off with the score balanced at 1-1. Samba eventually lost 5-2 but not without showing a great fighting spirit that sadly, the scoreline does not reflect. It was a shame to discover after the game that the ref had two sons playing for Selston! Needless to say an official complaint was lodged with the authorities!
Despite our excellent start we then proceeded to hit the self destruct button after the Christmas break. In the remaining 15 games, Samba managed a paltry 7 points out of a possible 45 and tumbled from top spot to eventually finish 10th. However, the most disappointing point of the season was an 8-0 away defeat to Maid Marion - a new club low! It will be a test of our pride and resolve to bounce back and challenge for the title next season.