Tough start to the new year for Sports

8/01/11
Saturday U12's Division One
Hucknall Sports 0 Long Eaton 4

Friday's light snow cleared in time for Sports to get back to Division One football action with a game against unbeaten Long Eaton United.

Sports started sluggishly and Long Eaton soon took full advantage with a well worked goal taking them into the lead after only minutes of the game. Hucknall then lost both Charlie Blatherwick and Mitch Davies in a matter of minutes to injury and had to introduce Harry Saxton and Dante Diriso in their place. Understandably, Sports midfield needed time to settle down but United were in no mood to allow that to happen and played some neat football to move into a three goal lead. Hucknall were struggling to find their passing range, but the introduction of Buckly Gibson-Brown brought about a positive effect and his long pass narrowly avoided putting James Hallam through on goal. Perhaps Sports best chance came from a long range Ryan Towle free-kick that the United keeper did well to hold onto at the second attempt.

Half Time: Hucknall Sports 0 Long Eaton United 3

Finally, Sports started to settle and the game levelled out into a battle of two midfields in the second half. Long Eaton extended their lead when Sports failed to close down the opposition striker who finished well. Late in the game Sports best move the match saw Mitch Davies put Gibson-Brown in behind the United defence and his cross was only narrowly put over the bar by the on rushing Dante Diriso.

Full Time: Hucknall Sports 0 Long Eaton United 4

After seven weeks without a competitive game Sports were bound to look a little 'rusty' and so it proved to be. We will get back to basics in training again this week and look to bring our composure from their into next Saturday's game.
Despite losing this game Sports had some notable performances. Ryan Towle and Joe Newton continue to look like a good defensive partnership and keeper Kal Orton did his reputation no harm at all with another great display. Ellis Evans showed more composure than most and looked to play some really clever football with neat passing and great vision. Today's Man of the Match went to Tom Eastwood for a great show of strength at left back. He coped with everything that United threw at him and showed what a valuable member of the team he is - well done Tommy.