Elston United’s recent fine form continued into the New Year with a hard-earned, but ultimately comfortable victory against Southwell City St. Mary’s. Playing in their changed strip of all-blue, Elston dominated possession and territory throughout the game, but for much of the contest Southwell City’s organised and dogged defence restricted both the number and quality of chances.

Nevertheless, the Elston players were disappointed to go into the half-time interval all-square. Good chances for James Clarke, James Smith and James Scott came and went, and a Joe Wroughton free-kick only just cleared the Southwell crossbar. At the other end, while Southwell failed to get a shot on target, a mix-up in the Elston defence nearly created an opportunity for the home team.

Elston’s dominance continued in the second half, and in the 55th minute a Joe Wroughton corner was headed home at the far post by Toby Craven for the defender’s third goal in four games. By this time, Southwell were struggling to get out of their own half, and Louis Cross, Joe Wroughton and Harry Johnson all went close before Will Veys’s 64th minute deflected strike sealed victory for the Clams. The win leaves Elston United in second place in Division 2 of the NSL, one point behind the leaders Notts Olympic but with four games in hand.

Elston United: Brad Musgrove, Jake Leadbetter (Tom Newbould 78), Toby Craven, James Smith, Will Veys (Curtis French 78), Barney Repper, Harry Johnson (Ellott Burrell 78), Joe Wroughton, James Scott, James Clarke (Teddy Furman 63), Rui Thacker (Louis Cross 45).