Upcoming Fixtures

23 October - Cavaliers (a)

30 October - East Leake Cup (a) 4pm

6 November - Notts Police (h)

13 November - Mickleover (a)

20 November - Selston (h)

27 November - Cup (Round 2)

4 December - South Notts (a)

18 December - Rose (a)

Back to Back Wins for the Vets.

Southwell City were the visitors to Platt Lane for the first home game of the season. Two enforced changes with the management duo of Marlow replacing Singleton in goal and Tuckwell replacing Cooke, who was unable to shake off his injury from the previous game. Tuckwell slotted into midfield with Captain Bremner back on sweeper duties. Marshall and Campbell were still absent, whilst Eley returned to the bench.

It was a similar start to the opener against Ilkeston with Southwell having the lion's share of possession but unable to break down a well organised Keyworth defensive unit. Spencer and Killeavy were causing problems up front once again but the main danger was coming wide left from Warren, who was well supported by his Tollerton FC fanbase... Having whipped in a dangerous cross, that Foster was just unable to get on the end of, Warren was to open the scoring with a bullet header from around the penalty spot after a pinpoint corner from Shaw. The lead was shortly doubled. This time Warren turned provider setting up Foster who buried another forceful header past the Southwell keeper.

Southwell continued to press and looked dangerous forcing a succession of corners. The reply looked destined to come with a crisp dipping volley heading underneath the crossbar before an athletic, outstretched hand of Marlow tipped it over, much to the relief of those in green watching.

HT 2-0

Three changes at the interval with Killeavy, Spencer and Tuckwell replaced by Tebbutt, Eley and Small. Small had a wonderful chance, albeit from a very narrow angle, after a flick on from Eley, but his delicate clipped half volley hit the top of the crossbar. This seemed to galvanise Southwell who pressed with more success and purpose, switching the play with more ease and finding more gaps.

With 15 minutes gone a dangerous in swinging corner evaded everyone and the Southwell No.9 headed in with Marlow stranded. Keyworth enjoyed a decent spell of possession before Southwell drew deservedly level. The ball was worked well down the right. A looping shot looked for all the world it was going to sail wide. With everyone watching, it found the far top corner, leaving 15 minutes for both teams to find a winner.

Killeavy and Spencer were reintroduced off the bench to reignite a final push. With time running out Bremner angled in a fine diagonal free kick. Warren jumped in strongly with the keeper, who fumbled the ball before tripping the Keyworth winger trying to gather. The referee pointed to the spot with a minute to go. Foster kept his cool slotting low past the keeper for his second of the game as the final whistle was blown.

FT 3-2

Another very close and competitive game against another established Premier League opponent. Credit to Southwell for constantly playing from the back, pressing, probing and dragging themselves back into the game. Southwell will definitely feel disappointed not to have come away without anything to show for their play.

MOM: Craig Warren. An excellent showing from left wing back with two assists and a great goal.

Team: Marlow, Shaw, Thacker, Webster, Bremner (C) Warren Atkinson, Tuckwell, Foster x2, Spencer, Killeavy,

Subs: Eley, Tebbutt, Small

Success for the Vets in the Season Opener.

Following a successful 2021/22 campaign, Keyworth Vets found themselves promoted to the top tier, the East Midlands Veterans Premier League, for the 2022/23

A relatively busy closed season saw 4 regulars departing, including club captain, Lee Collison, who returned to Cotgrave. Previous First team stalwart and defensive rock, Richard Cooke returned to the set up along with strikers Delroy Small and Tom Campbell to add extra quality.

An away trip to last season's Premier League champion, Ilkeston Town Vets, awaited and was sure to be a tough test.

A fantastic start from Keyworth saw a deserved goal within the first 10 minutes with Spencer netting after fine work from Captain Bremner, Foster and Killeavy. Keyworth could quite easily have found themselves 3 up inside 15 minutes and Spencer grabbing himself a hat trick but he was denied by fine goalkeeping.

Last season's promotion was built on defence, having not conceded until after Christmas. Thacker, Cooke and Webster were in no mood for it to be any different, supported by the defensive presence of Atkinson in midfield. Cooke was forced off after half an hour with Bremner dropping in to his customary sweeping position and Small on for his debut. Ilkeston grew into the game but Singleton remained untroubled in goal.

HT 0-1

The second half continued in the same pattern as the first with Ilkeston bossing the possession but unable to find a way through. Killeavy and Spencer both saw long range efforts sail narrowly over before Ilkeston grazed the post and lashed one off the crossbar. The Keyworth shape and commitment never wavered and the final whistle saw jubilant scenes for the boys in green and black. A fantastic performance and a huge confidence boost that Keyworth will be able to compete this year and won't just be making up the numbers.

Credit to an excellent Ilkeston team who will definitely be among the contenders again and to the superb ground and facilities

FT 0-1

MOM: Micky Shaw - tireless running and immense commitment from wing back

Team: Singleton, Shaw, Thacker, Cooke, Webster, Warren, Bremner (c), Atkinson, Foster, Killeavy, Spencer

Subs: Small, Tuckwell, Tebbutt