Match report: NTFC 3 - Coventry Copsewood 2, Midweek Floodlit cup

Match report by Owen Jephcote

Nuneaton Town edge past Coventry Copsewood in a thrilling 3-2 victory in the Midweek Floodlit Cup.

Nuneaton Town clinched a dramatic 3-2 win over Coventry Copsewood in a highly entertaining match that saw momentum swing back and forth. After initially racing into a 2-0 lead, Nuneaton were pegged back but found a winner midway through the second half to secure progression to the quarter finals.

First Half:

The match couldn’t have started any better for Nuneaton Town. Within two minutes, they took the lead through Callum Carsley, who scored from close range to give the home side an early boost. Carsley remained involved in the action, as his pressing and vision helped Nuneaton dominate the early exchanges.

By the 9th minute, Nuneaton’s goalkeeper Matt Hill was called into action for the first time, making an excellent save to keep Copsewood at bay. This set the tone for a solid first-half performance from Hill, who looked confident between the sticks.

Nuneaton doubled their lead in the 19th minute, with Carsley turning provider this time. He squared a pass inside the box for Harry Jackson, who made no mistake from close range, scoring his second goal in as many games after returning from injury. The home crowd was buzzing as Nuneaton appeared to be in control at 2-0.

However, just before half-time, Coventry Copsewood came back into the game. A crucial double save by Hill in the 44th minute kept Nuneaton’s clean sheet intact, but an offside flag saved them from further danger. Despite this, the visitors grabbed a lifeline on the stroke of half-time, Sam Hewitt scoring with a powerful header to make it 2-1 going into the break.

Half Time: Nuneaton Town 2-1 Coventry Copsewood

Second Half:

The second half began with Copsewood pressing for an equalizer, and they found it in the 56th minute. A low cross from the right was unfortunately turned into his own net by Nuneaton’s Loyiso Recci, bringing the game back to 2-2. The goal stunned the home side and gave the visitors renewed confidence.

However, Nuneaton responded strongly to the setback, pushing forward in search of a third goal. Their efforts paid off in the 65th minute when substitute James Harrison scored with a composed finish from the edge of the box. His strike restored Nuneaton’s lead and turned out to be the decisive moment in the game.

Despite some late pressure from Coventry Copsewood, Nuneaton’s defense, led by Matt Hill, held firm to secure the win. Hill’s crucial saves, especially in the early stages, and Nuneaton’s clinical finishing made the difference in a closely contested encounter.

Final Score: Nuneaton Town 3-2 Coventry Copsewood

Key Moments:

• 2’ GOAL: Callum Carsley scores from close range (1-0).

• 9’ SAVE: Matt Hill denies Copsewood with a brilliant save.

• 19’ GOAL: Harry Jackson scores from Carsley’s assist to make it 2-0.

• 44’ DOUBLE SAVE: Hill produces two crucial stops before an offside flag spares further danger.

• 45+’ GOAL: Copsewood score a bullet header just before halftime (2-1).

• 56’ OWN GOAL: Loyiso Recci turns the ball into his own net, leveling the score (2-2).

• 65’ GOAL: James Harrison restores Nuneaton’s lead with a fine finish (3-2).

Starting XI for Nuneaton Town:

Hill, Edwards, Carsley, Perkins, Recci, Somel, Mullan, Brown, Marsden, Jackson, Johnson.

Substitutes: Williams, Harrison, Thorpe (unused) Whitehouse, Birta.

This thrilling contest keeps Nuneaton’s hopes alive in the Midweek Floodlit Cup, with plenty of positives to take from their resilient performance.