As was the case with the Central Midlands Alliance, was also the case in the Nottinghamshire Senior League this past Saturday, with the majority of clubs playing their opening round contest in the Nottinghamshire FA Senior Trophy.

There was however a smattering of league games played across the NSL’s respective divisions, three of which were played in its Premier Division, having early implications at the top as victory for FCV Grace Dieu saw them leapfrog Collingham, who were beaten, into top spot, and having a game in hand at this early stage.

FCV, they picked up a 1-0 home win over lowly Woodthorpe Park Rangers, the deciding goal coming minutes before the break in a tight game, whilst Collingham, who slip to second, by a point, were beaten 3-1 away to mid-table, Southwell City Reserves, the hosts netting through Henry Eastgate (2) and Joe Wright, Harrison Gomm heading home what was a consolation, with twenty remaining.

There was time for some late drama also, Collingham trying their hardest to salvage something late on and, when a free-kick was seemingly handled in the box, George Asplin’s spot-kick was saved by the home ‘keeper, the visitors suffering their third defeat in eleven outings.

The remaining Premier Division game would see FC Cavaliers travel to Radcliffe Olympic, and come away with a comfortable, 4-0 win, with both sides finishing the contest with ten men.

Victory for Cavs, which sees them jump comfortably into seventh place, eleven points off the top two, and with games in hand, was achieved following goals by Conor Croft, Rio Murray, Grant Tobin, and Jarrod Westcarr, the two having been goalless at the break.

Division One saw AFC Colsterworth Sports & Social Club maintain their hundred percent start to the season, picking up a sixth win, when seeing off visitors Clifton All Whites Reserves, 3-0, whilst the mid-table clash between Meden Vale Colts and AFC Sandiacre Town finished level at twos apiece.

At Elkesley Road, Meden Vale, ahead of their visitors by three points, but having played a couple more, netted through Jake Smith and Bradley Mawer, the visitors netting, at the end of each half, via Yoan Penkov, and, with six remaining, substitute Joel Phythian.

In Division Two, bottom of the table, Reindeer FC, pulled off a surprise, collecting their first win of the season, defeating visitors Rossoneri 1-0, Jonathon Jenkinson with the only goal, whilst Division Three saw Rushcliffe Reserves win 5-2 at Nottingham Greens, Adam Stevenson with a brace for the victors.

A plethora of other Notts clubs were in action in the Senior Trophy with Aslockton & Orston progressing 5-2 when away to Dunkirk, a game that saw seven different scorers, and Ruddington Village won 3-2 at home to West Bridgford IIs.

Goals from Joseph Skillington and Elliott Wilson gave Parabellum a 2-0 home win over Beeston Old Boys Association, and Ryan Bowen grabbed a double in Bilborough TRD’s 3-0 win at East Leake Robins; Martin McDonagh scored twice as FC Pelican edged visiting Notts Olympic 3-2, and Trent Vineyard won 4-0 at home to Awsworth Cilla Reserves, the visitors netting twice in the opening fifteen, and twice at the death, to seal progression.

Res Sea were held to a 2-2 home draw with FC Cavaliers Reserves before enjoying an 8-7 penalty shoot-out win, and in the Derbyshire Junior Cup North, Notts border club, Langwith Whitestar, progressed with a comfortable, 4-0 win at home to Rowley 86, substitute Alexander Bromley netting twice alongside goals from Owen Biddle and Luke Morton.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @FCVGraceDieu action between FCV Grace Dieu and Woodthorpe Park Rangers.