Winning start for Sports

U13's Saturday Davison 2
Hucknall Sports 3 Clifton AW 1
10/11/11

Sport welcomed Clifton AW to new home ground Goosedale Sports Complex for this opening game of the season.
Kicking off early in great late summer weather and playing on the 'Cottage' pitch everything was set for both teams to put on a great display of football.

Understandably, both teams looked a little rusty in the early stages but eventually Sports midfield of Oliver Bowley, Mitch Davies, Charlie Blatherwick and Tom Eastwood took control and started to find their range to create great openings for their Strikers. Jacob Barlow made the most of space on the left to get around the back of All Whites defence and on the other flank James Hallam put in a fine performance that terrorised his markers. Sports were unlucky not to go ahead from a high looping shot from Blatherwick but finally found the net through a Tom Eastwood header after a fine run and cross from Hallam. This was followed almost immediately by a goal for Hallam after good work from Barlow once again.
Clifton's attacker was finally set free after a well worked moved but Sports Keeper Kal Orton was alert and dived bravely at the feet of the on rushing striker to make a block.
Sports were rampant and drove forward for more goals but just could not find the net.

Half Time: Hucknall Sports 2 Clifton AW 0

Hucknall continued were they left off in the first half and found ways to get around the back of Clifton time and again. Barlow once more providing a massive threat with his fantastic wing play.
A trip on Blatherwick in the penalty area went un-noticed but Sports stretched their lead to three when Ellis (Welsh Wizard) Evans bundled the ball into the net after another great cross from Barlow to the far post.
Late in the game Sport defence came under some pressure as Clifton tried to find a way back into the game. Mitch Davies blocked a free kick on the edge of his box only to see the ball bounce back to Clifton who sent a looping shot over the unlucky Orton. Davies continued his fine Captains performance with a couple of towering headers to clear the lines from threatening All Whites corners and saw his team home to clinch a win in their first game of the season.

Final Score: Hucknall Sports 3 Clifton 1

Great performance by the entire team with fantastic team play and attitude throughout.
Seems unfair to pick a Man of the Match with so many great displays but today's award went to James Hallam for a truly amazing performance of strength and speed that set the pulses racing with excitement every time he got the ball - Brilliant James, well done.