Seventh Heaven for Sports

U13's Saturday Challenge Shield
Hucknall Sports 7 Quarrydale Rangers Utd 0
1/10/11

Sports fourth game of their U13's season saw them drawn against Quarrydale Rangers Utd from the Mansfield league in the first round of the Nottinghamshire Challenge Shield.
In stifling heat and playing on the magnificent Goosedale Cottage pitch Sports were determined to put on a performance to match their surroundings.

Hucknall started very well and Dante Diriso continued where he left off the previous week and provided a constant threat from the right side of midfield. Hucknall went ahead when James Hallam's pin-point cross found Ellis Evans unmarked at the far post to head in and then Hallam got on the score sheet himself when he capitalised on an hesitant Quarrydale defence to slot the ball home from close range. Midfielder Tom Eastwood and Diriso both went close to pushing Sports further ahead but found a stubborn resistance from the lively Quarrydale goalie. Whilst at the other end of the pitch Sports defenders Dylan Smith, James Stenson, Joe Newton and Harry Saxton played magnificently to see off any threat of a chance on goal by the visitors.

Half Time: Hucknall Sports 2 Quarrydale Rangers Utd 0

Substitutes Oliver Bowley and Jacob Barlow entered the game in the second half as Sports looked to put the match out of reach and got the perfect start when the brilliant Hallam smashed his second goal after a typical strong run on goal.
This was a body blow to Quarrydale but all credit to them for not letting their heads drop. Left wing maestro Barlow created a massive impact (for the second week running) and showed great style and composure to finish his two goals well. Man of the Match Charlie Blatherwick got in on the scoring and Tom Eastwood netted his 6th goal of the season with a mazy run and neat finish.

Final Score: Hucknall Sports 7 Quarrydale Ranger Utd 0

On a scorching October day Sports put in another wonderful performance to keep their 100% win record going. It is fantastic to see training ground moves being put into practise and the boys playing with such confidence. In the squad of 14 there are no weak links and the team looks strong no matter who starts and who doesn't.
Today's Man of the Match award could have gone to anyone of the 14 boys but the eventual winner was Striker turned Midfield-Master Charlie Blatherwick for another outstanding display. He knows when to pass and when to tackle and has made the centre of midfield his own - brilliant, well done.

On a personal note, welcome back mum and dad.