Goal Fest for Splendid Sports

U13's Saturday Divison 2
Hucknall Sports 7 Edwalton 3
24 /09/11

Game three of the new season saw Hucknall Sports entertaining Edwalton Cavaliers, a team renown for playing good stylish football. Prior to the game Sports players we presented with their brand new Home kit sponsored by Nottingham Audi and looked resplendent as the game got ready to kick-off.

Playing with the wind at their backs Sports started very slowly and looked a shadow of the team that put Wollaton to the sword last weekend, in fact it is fair to say that Edwalton started much the better team. But Sports got a lucky break when Oliver Bowley's corner found the back of the net closely followed by a goal from James Hallam after a fumble by the opposition goalie. Somehow Sports were 2-0 up without actually finding their rhythm. A series of fouls by Sports handed the initiative back to Edwalton and Hucknall had to thank goalie Kal Orton for keeping the score sheet blank with a fine couple of saves. Then a push in the penalty saw Edwalton awarded a penalty that got them back into the game and set themselves for a strong end to the first half.

Half Time: Hucknall Sports 2 Edwalton 1

New signing James Stenson made his debut for Sports in the second half and Jacob Barlow made a welcome return to the left wing position.

Edwalton really fancied their chances and with the wind at their backs looked to draw the scores level as soon as possible. Sports midfield braced themselves for a battling performance knowing that they could not allow a shot on goal and to a man they performed brilliantly. Tom Eastwood, Charlie Blatherwick, Mitch Davies and Dante Diriso all put in a magnificent performance at the heart of the team. Hucknall finally found their confidence and fluidity and started to find space around the back of Edwalton. Hallam scored a second after typical hard work and then turned provider for Tom Eastwood to score at the far post after a great, defensive splitting cross. Eastwood quickly followed up with another well taken goal and them Hallam fed Diriso who took his goal with style to effectively close out the game for Sports. Credit to Edwalton for continuing to try and play football and they got their rewards with a couple of consolation goals. However, Sports had the final word when a great cross from Diriso made it easy for the Eastwood to smash in his hat-trick goal.

Final Score: Hucknall Sports 7 Edwalton 3

Last weeks first half performance was perfection and this weeks second half was close to that also. So many good performances that all the team should really get a mention, but the following boys deserve recognition for playing a great game. Defenders Dylan Smith, Joe Newton, James Stenson and Harry Saxton all did fantastically well particularly in the second half. In midfield Skipper Mitch Davies and Charlie Blatherwick were wonderful. Up front Hallam was a constant threat and Dante Dirso had a great second half, really imposing himself on the game. However, the Man of the Match award went to Tom Eastwood for showing what a great player he is to score a hat-trick from midfield - Well done Tom, that's five for the season already, brilliant.