Clifton AW 3 Hucknall Sports 3

19 /9/09Saturday U11's Division 2 - League Game
Clifton AW 3 Hucknall Sports 3

Thrilling comeback for Whites
After taking maximum points from their first two league games Hucknall travelled south of the river to take on Clifton All Whites looking to continue their good form.
Another hot and humid afternoon made conditions very difficult for both teams in their first season of 11-a-side football.

Typically Whites started the game extremely well and could have been out of sight in the first 10 minutes had it not been for some great saves by the Clifton goalie. Hucknall Striker James Hallam once again terrorised the opposition defence, but just could not force a goal, no matter how hard he tried.
Then Clifton won a free kick on the edge of Hucknall's box and took the lead with a well taken goal that Whites Keeper Kal Orton could do nothing about. Hucknall were rattled even further when Clifton pounced on a loose ball from a corner to take a two goal lead. Suddenly the Clifton were all over the pitch and first to the ball time and again, showing Hucknall how to play. Gradually Sports regained their confidence and could have pulled a goal back before half-time through Ryan Towle, but his first time volley was blasted over the bar.

Half-time: Clifton AW 2 Hucknall Sport 0

The second half was an extremely frustrating affair and Whites composure started to be questioned. Finally they got a goal back into the game after a wonderful free-kick from Ryan Towle that Ronaldo would have been proud of. With the believe back in their veins Hucknall surged forward looking for the equaliser but were caught on the break by Clifton and conceded a third goal to trail 3-1 with only 10 minutes remaining.
Time for someone to step up for Whites to inspire the team and get them back into this game. Up stepped Jarrod Davies - refusing to accept defeat he hauled his team back into the game with a great goal, then got carried off the field with a gash to the eye. Only to return just in time to see James Hallam level the scores with a typical lightening run and shot.
In the last moments of the game either team could have won it, Kal Orton kept Hucknall in the game and the Clifton Goalie stood firm under tremendous pressure from Sport. At the death a corner from Oliver Bowley picked out Jarrod Davies once again but his well placed header was saved. The referees whistle blew for full time with the scores level at 3-3 - phew what a game!!!

Full-time score - Clifton AW 3 Hucknall Sports 3

This game could have been so different if it had not been for a wonderful performance from the Clifton keeper. Whites realise now that this season is going to have its up and downs, we might not agree with decisions on the pitch but we HAVE to believe that we are good enough to overcome set backs and concentrate on our football throughout the entire game.
There were good performances from many members of the team, but the clear winner today was Jarrod Davies for his heroic performance in midfield and his 'never say die' attitude.