Bowering heads Selston to dramatic comeback win

Selston FC produced a superb second-half comeback to claim all three points against fellow promoted side Cotgrave, with Leighton Bowering heading home twice to complete a dramatic 2–1 victory in wet and blustery conditions.

Following last weekend's hard-earned point away at promotion-chasing Sleaford Town, Lee Stevenson and Ben Moore made four changes to the starting XI. Jordan Black, Colt Reynolds and George Layton were brought into the starting line-up, while Tom Batterham returned to the squad. Leighton Bowering also returned from holiday and took his place on the bench.

The opening half was a combative affair, but Selston were the side making most of the running. The visitors controlled much of the possession and created the better opportunities, only to find the Cotgrave goalkeeper in inspired form, producing two excellent saves to keep the game goalless.

Selston continued on the front foot after the interval and came agonisingly close to taking the lead when Tom Batterham unleashed a vicious effort which cannoned back off the post.

It proved to be a warning Cotgrave failed to heed, but against the run of play it was the hosts who struck first on 56 minutes. A shot from the edge of the box took a deflection and fell kindly to Ryan Smith, who calmly finished from 12 yards to put Cotgrave 1–0 ahead.

Stevenson immediately looked to his bench, bringing on Arthur Pashley for Layton on 59 minutes before introducing the returning Bowering for Jordan Black on 70.

Pashley worked tirelessly down the right and forced a corner on 73 minutes. Captain Jack Cockram delivered another pinpoint set piece into the danger area and Bowering rose highest, powering a superb header into the net to level the scores.

Selston sensed the winner and continued to push. Reynolds picked up a yellow card on 79 minutes as the visitors' determination and desire to take all three points remained clear.

Then, right at the death, came the decisive moment.

Tom Batterham won a free kick deep inside the Cotgrave half and, once again, Cockram delivered an inch-perfect ball into the box. And once again, Bowering was there.

The midfielder rose above the Cotgrave defence and produced a deft header which dropped perfectly into the bottom corner, sparking huge celebrations among the travelling Selston supporters.

Manager Lee Stevenson said: “That's a fantastic three points and probably one of the most satisfying wins we've had because of the way we had to earn it.

“We dominated large parts of the game and created enough chances to be ahead, but we found ourselves 1–0 down to a deflected shot. At that point it would have been easy to become frustrated, but the lads kept believing and kept playing.

“Bowering coming on and scoring two headers is a brilliant story, but the credit goes to the whole group. Jack's deliveries were outstanding, Pashley worked his socks off to create the first corner and Tom winning that free kick for the winner was another important moment.

“We're starting to see the character of this group. We've had a difficult opening run against some very good sides, but the performances and the togetherness have been there. Today we got the reward for that hard work.”