Semi-final agony for Sports

U12's Saturday Semi-Final
26/ 3 /11
Dunkirk 6 Hucknall Sports 2

Having endured a tough League campaign Hucknall arrived at Clifton Bridge determine d to make the most of their semi-final clash with high-flying Dunkirk Colts who remain unbeaten in the league this year.
Playing on a massive pitch and having to make the teamtalk outside due to a total blackout in the Away teams changing rooms Sports started the game somewhat shaken and were put under pressure straight away. A hard surface made judging the bounce of the ball very difficult and Hucknall's defence struggled to clear their lines. Dunkirks pressure was rewarded with a goal but almost immediately Sports nearly got back into the game when a clever pass from Charlie Blatherwick narrowly failed to find Buckly Gibson-Brown in the oppositions penalty area. Dunkirk were relentless and in a short spell before half-time scored three quick goals (with more than a hint of a question mark over two of them) to go into the break with comfortable lead.

Half time: Dunkirk 4 Hucknall Sports 0

With the advantage of a strong wind at their back Sports took to the field with a new look midfield of Mitch Davies, Blatherwick and James Hallam. Up front, Oliver Bowley and Gibson-Brown formed the front-two. Sports were awarded a free-kick midway into the Dunkirk half and up-stepped Ryan Towle to put the goalie to the test. His free-kick could only be parried by Colts Keeper and the quick thinking Gibson-Brown cooly slotted home. Dunkirk looked rattled and when Gibson-Brown repeated the move 5 minutes later you could see the panic in Colts back-line and the instructions from the sidelines got louder and louder, if that were possible :-)
But in pushing forward Sports inevitably left gaps in their backline and without regular defender Dylan Smith to snuff out chances on the right-handside Dunkirk got themselves back on steady ground and the game was lost when a mix-up in Sports defence presented a open goal.

Final score: Dunkirk 6 Hucknall Sports 2

I am sure that the lack of lights in the Away teams dressing room and unhelpful remarks from the Dunkirk fans were totally out of the control of anyone connected with the team, but this game left Sports with a nasty taste in their mouths.

A long over due Man of the Match Award went to Buckly Gibson-Brown who's two goals really lifted the team and asked a question of Dunkirk that it is clear they were not expecting given the half-time score. Well done Buck and we look forward to more performances like this in the final games of the season.