Newark Flowserve : Coach aiming to keep winning momentum

An improved second-half display ensured Newark Flowserve maintained their perfect record in their Notts Senior League Premier Division campaign.

They were fortunate to be level at half-time against Awsworth Villa, but rallied after the break to secure an 18th successive victory.

The result puts them 21 points ahead of their second-placed opponents with just over half the season played.

Joint manager Craig Roche said maintaining the winning streak throughout the season would be a tough ask.

“With every game that goes by you do think about it a little bit more, but there is still a long way to go and we are taking it one game at a time,” he said.

“We are just over halfway through the season now and are looking to just keep this momentum going as best we can.”

Roche said he was disappointed with Flowserve’s first-half display, which could have seen them a few goals behind.

“There are mixed emotions. We were very pleased at the result but we just weren’t at the races in the first-half,” Roche said.

“We knew going into it that Awsworth were a strong side and it was only our goalkeeper that kept them out.

“At half-time we told the players we weren’t pleased and they had let each other down.

“We were much the better side after the break and took our chances.

“That was the main difference between the sides.”

Beddingham impressive

Flowserve enjoyed much of the territory in the opening stages but Awsworth were quick to worry them on the break.

Home keeper James Beddingham produced some impressive saves to deny their opponents.

Awsworth scooped a shot over when in a one-on-one position, as the match somehow stayed goal-less.

Solomon Miller shot well over when well placed in the early stages for Flowserve.

They were causing problems with the long throw, but were struggling to break open their determined opponents.

In the second-half Flowserve showed signs of improvement and went close when a close-range header was cleared off the line.

Miller also fired wide with a fierce effort from outside the area, while Daryl Price’s dangerous cross was plucked from the air by the keeper.

The first goal came from a familiar source in the 76th minute with Elliott King’s long-range effort being deflected high into the net.

They doubled the advantage through Price, who curled his shot fiercely into the corner after pouncing on a loose ball.

Flowserve were able to see out the victory, although the impressive Jack Beckett had to be substituted after a late challenge just before the end.

An away trip to Underwood Villa awaits Flowserve on Saturday.