Sports vow to bounce straight back

U12's Saturday Division 1
14 /5/11
Radcliffe Olympic 3 Hucknall Sports 2

A frustrating season for Hucknall drew to a close with an away match against Radcliffe Olympic with Sports still needing 3 points to force the YEL to make the final decision on relegation.

After three games in 7 days it was understandable that Sports would be slow out of the block and so it proved to be. Hucknall had to reshuffle the line-up due to a couple of last minute absentees and with the wind blustering at their backs Radcliffe took the lead after 10 mins when a moments hesitation in defence created the breakthrough. Hucknall players were shouting for Radcliffe to put the ball out of play with Ellis Evans flat-out on the floor but unbelievably play continued and Olympic went further into the lead. Obviously little sign of 'sportsmanship' nowadays in the South of Nottingham. But if Radcliffe thought that Hucknall had thrown in the towel they were sadly mistaken. Galvanised by the football of Harry Saxton and Ryan Towle in defence Sports got into their stride and a great pass from Charlie Blatherwick released James Hallam to make a bullet of a shot that the Radcliffe keeper did well to push around the post. Further chances fell to Hucknall and Jacob Barlow was unlucky to see his shot narrowly miss the far post after another good move.

Half-time: Radcliffe Olympic 2 Hucknall Sports 0

Playing with the wind at their backs Hucknall knew they had to get a goal early on to give themselves any chance of getting back into the game and super-striker Hallam obliged by thundering down the right wing to blast a fantastic 14th goal of the season - game on! Sports midfield stepped up to every challenge put in front of them and Mitch Davies, Blatherwick and Tom Eastwood started pushing Hucknall forward for the equaliser. In a reverse of the situation where Radcliffe scored their second goal Sports looked all set to equalise only for play to be stopped for an injury. But Sports pushed again and again, Hallam's fantastic cross narrowly missed out both Eastwood and Barlow with the goal at their mercy to leave players with their heads in hands. Then Radcliffe snatched a third when Hucknall failed to defend a corner but Sports scored soon after when Mitch Davies got on the end of a fine run and cross from Barlow (that's £5.00 you owe him Julian) to setup up a dramatic last minute. Sport supporters held their breath in the final seconds when Towle pushed forward from defence to launch a long-range shot but it sailed agonisingly over and the game was over.

Final Score: Radcliffe Olympic 3 Hucknall Sports 2

A slow start to this game probably cost Sports any chance of victory ultimately, but inconsistent decisions certainly did not help either.

The three main contenders for Man of the Match today were Harry Saxton, James Hallam and Ryan Towle and in truth they probably all deserved the trophy but for his work to snuff out one of the most dangerous strikers in the league the award went to Ryan for a wonderful, strong, defensive performance - brilliant Ryan, well done, fantastic.

With all the breaks in their league fixtures this season it feels like Hucknall have only just established a pattern to their game and the season has come to an end all too soon.
It is small comfort that Sports have only lost by a single goal to teams with 20 more points than them in the last few games of the season but the boys have to take heart from this fact.

Sports may be down, but they are not done!

Sports bad luck continues

U12's Saturday Division 1
11 /5/11
Underwood Villa 2 Hucknall Sports 2

Hucknall Sports played their penultimate league match against the improving Underwood Villa searching for a win to keep their Division One survival dreams alive. The combination of a warm early summers evening and Wigwam pitch with plenty of grass on it made for ideal playing conditions .

Oliver Bowley deputised at right-back due to the delayed arrival of Dylan Smith who had been caught up in traffic on his way to the game. Sports took a little time to settle into their game and Underwood pressured Hucknall's defence in looking for the opening goal. Villa relied on the long-ball over the top to set free their speedy striker but Hucknall's defence managed the tactic well and although chances were created none really threaten the Sports goal. On a rare sortie forward by Hucknall the ball broke to Ellis 'Welsh Wizard' Evans on the edge of the penalty area and he fired a looping shot into the top corner. Not long afterwards Charlie Blatherwick was unlucky to see his shot blocked when it seemed destined for the top corner. Underwood forced a fantastic save from Kal Orton when he managed to get finger-tips to shot and force it up and over the bar. But Villa's pressure eventually paid off and as the game reached half time the score was levelled at 1-1.

Half-time: Underwood Villa 1 Hucknall Sports 1

For the first time in a while Sports chose not to change things at half-time and with instructions to win the midfield battle ringing in their ears Hucknall burst into life as soon as the referees whistle blew. James Hallam's surging runs caused all sorts of problems for Villa. Sports were dominant in all areas of the game. Jacob Barlow made great use of the space afforded to him on the wings and Sports midfield of Mitch Davies, Charlie Blatherwick and Tom Eastwood won everything. Ryan Towle and Joe Newton mopped up the centre defence with style and drove the team forward from the back at every opportunity. The continued resurgence of Harry Saxton at left-back and sublime skills of Dylan Smith meant that Sports were well on top. Then came 10 mins that could effect the total outcome of Sports season.
A crunching tackle from Saxton created a chance for Eastwood to break and thread a neat pass through to Hallam who took on his man and slotted the ball home only for the referee to give off-side. Then to rub salt in the wounds a ball over the top found the Underwood striker in acres of space and looked for the world to be off-side himself only for the referee not to agree and Villa went into the lead. Sports were not done yet though and a Ryan Towle free-kick was parried into the feet of Charlie Blatherwick to blast Sports level. There was only one team in the game now and Hucknall thought they had won it when a head on from Bowley found Hallam in space to round the keeper but his shot hit the post, rolled along the line and was cleared to safety.

Final Score: Underwood Villa 2 Hucknall Sports 2

Difficult to find words to sum up how Sports felt after this game. Surely our luck has to change soon, and hopefully it will in our last game on Saturday away to Radcliffe Olympic.

This was a great team performance and it would be fair to say that everyone played their part in a great game and gave their all for the team.
Kal Orton, Dylan Smith, Ryan Towle, Joe Newton, Harry Saxton, Mitch Davies, Charlie Blatherwick, Tom Eastwood, Jacob Barlow, Ellis Evans, James Hallam and Oliver Bowley can all consider themselves very worthy of man of the match recognition. However, for his determination to push and push and push again this weeks award goes to James Hallam - a terrific display of leading the line, well done kiddo.

Heartbreak for Sports once again

U12's Saturday Division 1
7/5/11
Hucknall Sports 3 West Bridgford Spiders 4

This Saturday saw County Cup winners West Bridgford Spiders travel to Wigwam Playing Fields for Sports U12's Division One match with Hucknall looking for points to move them off the bottom of the table. Light rain made the playing surface perfect for a good game and Hucknall looked forward to playing against a team renowned for being one of the most skilful in the division.

With only Mitch Davies and Dante Diriso missing Sports were able to field an almost full strength side and looked much more solid in midfield thanks to the return of Charlie Blatherwick. A crunching tackle from the rejuvenated Harry Saxton in the first five minutes set the tone for Hucknall's defence and midfield to be first to the ball and win all the 50/50 challenges. West Bridgford simply could not get into their stride and Hucknall took a deserved lead when James Hallam wriggled round the last defender to slot the ball into the bottom corner. Hallam and Buckly Gibson-Brown continued their progress as a striker partnership and a great cross narrowly evaded left winger Jacob Barlow at the far post with Sports looking to extend their lead even further. Sports robust defending saw them concede a couple of free-kicks just on the edge of their own penalty area but solid keeping from Kal Orton removed any chance of a goal being scored. Ryan Towle and Joe Newton remained solid at the heart of defence, Dylan Smith and Oliver Bowley performed well together on the right-side and Tom Eastwood won everything on the left to help to take Sports into half-time leading 1-0.

Half time: Hucknall Sport 1 West Bridgford 0

Humid conditions sapped energy from Sports wary legs and injury to Hallam meant that Hucknall had to reshuffle their line up with William Brown starting up front and Ellis Evans slotted into right midfield. Great work from the Blatherwick created an opportunity to for Barlow to get around the back of Spiders defence to fashion a chance for Brown to shoot but Spider's last ditch block did just enough to clear the ball. Almost from the break Bridgford drew level and Sports clamoured for Hallam to rejoin the game - which despite injury he manfully did. The game then entered its best phase of football with both teams playing great stuff. Firstly, Sports retook the lead with a goal from Gibson-Brown only for Spiders to draw level. A fantastic break by Sports saw a wonderful move result in Hallam smashing low to help Sports retain the lead with on 10 minutes to go. Hucknall could have extended their lead further when Barlow narrowly missed a great opportunity at the far post after a blistering run and cross from Hallam.
But things were not finished yet and Hucknall were left heartbroken when a fisted clearance from Kal Orton hit the Spiders striker in the face and rebounded into the back of the net to level the scores. The final blow arrived when Joe Newton was carried off with an ankle injury and then a monster clearance somehow found Spiders striker clear of his marker to loft the ball into the back of the net.
Sports had one final chance to draw level from a Ryan Towle free-kick, but Spiders giant keeper held on with Hallam about to pounce and the final whistle blew.

Full time: Hucknall Sports 3 West Bridgford 4

What can you say to summarise this game?
The boys deserve massive credit for playing the best football of their season to try and get something from this game but you can't legislate for the final two goals that saw them lose this game.
The opposition Manager (not for the first time) was puzzled to know how come we are bottom of the league when playing like this.
So many players deserve credit for outstanding performances in this game but I will pick out just four. James Hallam, Harry Saxton and Ryan Towle showed that Hucknall boys have the stomach for a battle and gave everything for the team. However today's Man of the Match went to Charlie Blatherwick for an outstanding performance in midfield. If only he had been with us for every game things might have been a little different.
We still have three matches to go and 6 points should see us safe. But whatever the outcome you can take massive confidence from a game like this when you have been absolutely wonderful.

Sports shock Lowdham to claim victory

U12's Saturday Division 1
9/4 /11
Lowdham Colts 1 Hucknall Sports 2

On Grand National day Sports travelled to Lowdham gambling on playing a double-header to climb out of the relegation places at the bottom of Division One. Lowdham sat 4th in the league and this was always going to be 'big ask' of the Hucknall boys but recent results had sparked their confidence and Sports started fantastically well and really took the game to Colts with a series of great passing moves.

Hucknall's new midfield pairing of Charlie Blatherwick and Tom Eastwood work fantastically well and Ellis Evans and Oliver Bowley on the right-hand side created a well balanced look. Hucknall's midfield ran the show in the first half and carved out chances that Sports forward line narrowly failed to convert. James Hallam, Jacob Barlow and Buckly Gibson-Brown all having shots blocked by last ditch tackles from Colts.
In defence, William Brown played as the make-shift left back and didn't let anyone down with a solid performance. Ryan Towle, Joe Newton and Dylan Smith provide a great defensive line in front of Kal Orton who was brave in coming off his line but in truth didn't have a lot to do in the first half.

Half time: Lowdham Colts 0 Hucknall Sport 0

Hucknall moved up a gear in the second half and their great play finally brought a goal when Charlie Blatherwick's high looping lob found the back of the net from wide on the left side of the penalty area. Sports narrowly missed taking a two goal lead when Gibson-Browns terrific volley from the edge of the area screamed past the far post with the goalkeeper nowhere to be seen. Colts managed to find their passing game at last and the two teams really put on a treat for the spectators on a bobbly pitch. Sports defence dealt with the pressure well looked to be holding on for victory when a corner 2 mins from time found a Lowdham player spare on the back post and despite Bowley's attempts to clear off of the line the ball hit the bar and bounced into the back of the net. Sports players were shattered but remembering last weeks last minute come-back they pushed forward and for the second week running Jacob Barlow was the hero when he found the back of Lowham's net from the far post.
Wild celebrations erupted from Sports players and fans as with only 30 seconds left the game was won.

For the second week running Sports have now grabbed victory in the last minutes of the game to give them a real chance of avoiding relegation.
Lowdham's Management were very generous in their praise of Sports and showed fantastic sportsmanship.

The Man of the Match award went to Charlie Blatherwick for a fabulous performance in midfield along side his new partner Tom Eastwood - well done Charlie.


Second Game
Injuries leave Sports running on empty

After a 10 minute break Sports started their second match of the day and with a win under their belts continued to have the confidence to play well. But when Hucknall's defenders failed to clear the ball in the middle of their penalty area Lowdham pounced and snatched an early lead. James Hallam's blistering pace saw him round the back line of Lowdham with ease but his fine cross could not be finished. Sports were starting to look leggy and players had to be substituted to give them a breather. Then the key moment of the game arrived when three players collided in the Sports penalty area and the ball somehow found the back of the net. Sports had to take off both their goalkeeper Kal Orton and centre-back Joe Newton both with nasty looking injuries. This gave the chance for Joe Harley give his goalkeeping skills a go and Tom Eastwood dropped back to centre-back.
In truth Sports couldn't recover from this body blow and despite putting every ounce of energy into the game they were just too short of players to cope. Gaps started to appear in the defence and Lowdham ran out 6-1 winners in the end, with Jacob Barlow once more getting a late goal.

Man of the Match went to Tom Eastwood for a wonderful performance and showing what a versatile player he is in playing both defence and attack - well done Tommy

So the gamble didn't quite pay off, but three points is extremely valuable to Sports survival hopes.
Not many would have give Hucknall a prayer against the 4th team in Division One, but this shows just what they can do.
We have small gap now until our next game, but hope to have all the boys fit and well for what promises to be an exciting end to the season - Come on you Sports you can do it!!!

No Reward for Sports Dominance

U12's Saturday Division 1
19/ 3 /11
Hucknall Sports 1 Underwood Villa 4

Great weather and playing surface greeted both teams as they arrived at Goosedale for this League One relegation 6-pointer between Sports and Underwood Villa.

Sports started well and created many chances through their good play with Mitch Davies and Charlie Blatherwick dominating midfield possession. But Hucknall's attacking threesome looked laboured at times and the the final pass from midfield just could not find its man. Despite dominating play Hucknall were caught out by a free-kick hoofed over top just before half to go into the break losing 1-0.

Half time: Hucknall Sport 0 Underwood Villa 1

Sports were never out of this game at 1-0 down, but in charging forward looking for the equaliser they were caught out on the break with 3 goals in short space of time to trail 4-1 with 10 minutes to go. Clear-cut chances were hard to find for Sports, but a Ryan Towle free-kick was probably the closest Hucknall came to scoring. James Hallam, Charlie Blatherwick and Ellis Evans all attempted to test the 'stand-in' Villa Keeper Jacob Beer but without success. Blatherwick did manage to connect with a header from a Sports corner to suggest another fight back, but the clock ran out all too soon and Villa celebrated victory at the final whistle safe in the knowledge that they had created a 5-point gap at the bottom of the table.

Full time: Hucknall Sports 1 Underwood Villa 4

Considering their first half dominance Sports really should have been out of site by half time, but the goals just did not come and all credit to Villa for weathering the early storm. Hucknall need learn some patience and going a goal down with 30 mins still let to play does not mean that all shape and positions are abandoned. There is enough quality in this team to get back into any game but only if discipline and positioning is maintained.

Get to bed early this Friday and turn up refreshed and ready for our semi-final with Dunkirk on Saturday.

The Man of the Match was a close run thing between Tom Eastwood, Mitch Davies and Charlie Blatherwick, with the aware going to Charlie in the end - well done in your new position and we look forward to more of the same next week.

Classy Sports fail to break down Valley

U12's Saturday Division 1
5/6/11
East Valley 2 Hucknall Sports 0

8 weeks after their last match Hucknall Sports U12's finally got back to football action with an away match against East Valley at their new ground in Arnold.
Heavy rain made for difficult conditions, but the Valley pitch was in great shape and the match was never in doubt.

Hucknall started the game playing some composed football and held possession well against a combative Valley side. Winger Jacob Barlow managed to find space to use his lightning speed to great effect to get around the back of the opposition, but his final delivery was well defended and clear chances were hard to find for Sports.
Valley took the lead by pouncing on a loose ball just outside the penalty area and scored from a lofted shot that looped agonisingly over Hucknall's keeper and into the back of the net. Sports kept playing attractive football and showed some great inter-play in tight areas of the pitch to show that training ground drills are beginning to sink in but Valley moved into a two goal lead when towering Striker Lavontie Raekwon capped off his return from injury with a well taken goal made of pure strength and guile. An unfortunate slip from striker Hallam with the goal at his mercy encapsulated Sports season and heading for the break keeper Kal Orton kept his team in the game with a penalty save.

Half time: East Valley 2 Hucknall Sports 0

Oliver Bowley and live-wire Buckly Gibson-Brown entered the game as second half substitutes seeking to provide some better threat for Sports in the attacking half of the pitch but once again with Hucknall having the majority of possession they still could not muster a clear chance on goal. Long range efforts from Dante Diriso, Captain Thomas Eastwood and Gibson-Brown were all that Hucknall had to show for their skill and effort. Ryan Towle, Dylan Smith and Joe Newton shut out Valley at the other end of the pitch but Sports just could not find a way to goal.

Full time: East Valley 2 Hucknall Sports 0

It's hard to find the words to describe how frustrating this season is proving to be, but there are plenty of games left for Sports to secure enough points to preserve their status as a Division One team.
Man of the Match today went to the well deserving Dylan Smith. His tackling skill and ability going forward were a pleasure to watch and appreciated not just by his own team but also the opposition Manager. Well done Dylan and we look forward to many more memorable games with you in a Red and White shirt.

Sports give Long Eaton a real fright

15/01/11
Saturday U12's Division One
Long Eaton 3 Hucknall Sports 1

Blustery conditions greeted Hucknall and Long Eaton as they arrived at West Park for their second game in a week. Predictions of a thrashing for Sports had emerged from some of the Long Eaton players after they had won 4-0 the previous week.

Playing into the wind Sports started the better of the two teams and central midfielders Mitch Davies and Harry (H-Bomb) Saxton worked hard to take possession of the ball. Hucknall created the first of the games chances from a good cross by Jacob Barlow that Long Eaton managed to scramble away from James Hallam as he was waiting to pounce. Frustrated Long Eaton showed a moment of composure to sidestep a challenge on the edge of the Sports penalty area and finished well to take the lead and then in first half injury time United went 2-0 up with a half-volley goal that just eluded Sports keeper Kal Orton.

Half Time: Long Eaton 2 Hucknall Sports 0

Sports now had the advantage of the wind with at their backs and Long Eaton struggled to get out of their own half as Hucknall pushed forward. Good pressure from James Hallam created a defensive mix-up in the United backline and he fired Sports back into the game when intercepting a poor back pass. United were rattled and when Hucknall were awarded a free-kick wide on the left Sports fans sensed a chance to draw level but Blatherwick's goal-bound header was defended well. Sports right winger, Buckly Gibson-Brown, found himself clear on goal but just as he was about to shoot a last ditched United challenge cleared the ball. Then cruelly, with Sports going all out for an equaliser United broke and scored what a proved to be a vital third goal as the wind abated just long enough to allow rare second half Long Eaton shot to drift over the Sports goalie and into the back of the net.

Full Time: Long Eaton 3 Hucknall Sports 1

What a difference a week makes - The entire Sports squad showed tremendous believe in their ability to match the challenge of Long Eaton and on another day could easily have got something out of the game.
Many great performances all around the pitch mean that this weeks choice was particularly hard work. But for his fantastic heading, tackling and passing in midfield the award went to Mitch Davies.
His after-match video comments stating that the team had battled hard and closed down everything applied as much to him as the entire team - well done Mitch.

Let's take great heart from this performance and kick-on now for the rest of the season boys.

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.