Seven up for North Notts in must-win game

An explosive start by North Notts Hockey Clubs saw them grab three early goals as they ended up 7-1 victors in their crucial must-win home match with King’s Heath Pickwick on Saturday.

Notts went into the game with manager’s Jay Faulkner’s words still ringing in their ears from the previous week’s defeat and afterwards Faulkner said: “Today was a must win game if we are to preserve our status in this league.

“We started at an electric pace and finished the game as a contest within 10 minutes to be fair. “However, Kings Heath Pickwick showed great character and never let their heads drop. With other results not going entirely to plan today, we go to South Notts this week needing all three points. “Hopefully players like Kanalas, Cooper and Singleton will continue to put in the performances they have in the last couple of weeks. The spirit in the squad is extremely high and well be going to South this weekend looking for all three points.”

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With Allen Butler back after a four week absence and veteran defender Paulson returning, Notts looked strong and certainly had no show of nerves.

Starting the game with a very attacking line that had not previously been employed by Faulkner, Notts hit Kings Heath at speed which paid dividends.

Notts’ first goal came from Allen Butler after a clinical pass from cousin William, and two minutes later the favour was returned with Allen finding William Butler, who slotted home.

With the game already running away from Kings Heath, Notts continued to turn the screw and went 3-0 up on 11 minutes with flying winger Nathan Smith netting.

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With the game already over as a contest, Notts continued to make use of their two rolling substitutes to sustain a high tempo.

But they had to wait until the 21st minute to grab their fourth, good work again from the Notts forward line earning a short corner, which William Butler converted with a great strike.

Notts were now completely dominant with Singleton again putting in a fantastic performance in the midfield and Clay and Greer rampaging down the wings.

Notts’ fifth goal came minutes before half-time when Matt Kanalass rampaged through the Kings Heath defence and with only the keeper to beat his shot was heading agonisingly wide when goal line poacher Barton struck to deflect the ball home.

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A last minute penalty corner strike from Allen Butler saw another chance fly agonisingly wide for Notts.

Manager Faulkner’s words at half-time were to keep the tempo and imagine the score was 0-0.

Again Notts shot out of the blocks and soon increased their lead to 6-0 from another short corner strike, Smith adding to his tally with another sublime finish.

To Kings Heath’s credit they pulled a goal back through a well-worked short corner which flatfooted the defence.

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Notts then took control with a series of strikes from Butler, Barton and Smith all going close.

With five minutes remaining Notts completed the rout with a well-worked goal with Singleton and Butler interchanging and Butler completing his hat-trick.