Hucknall Sports U13's White 2 Hyson green Cavaliers 1
Saturday 10th December 2011
YEL Division 2
Someone once said that "Football's a funny old game" and so it proved to be this weekend.
Last weeks ill-disciplined performance by Hucknall Sports saw them go down 3-1 to Cotgrave the then 7th placed team in the League. In the days leading up to this Saturday's game no fewer than three boys became unavailable for a match against run away leaders Hyson Green leaving Sports with only 12 players. Unbeaten in all competitions and scoring goals for fun Hyson Green are Champions elect even before the Christmas break is upon us. Though Hucknall were bolstered by the return to the team of Ryan Towle, they knew that this was going to be the toughest test of the season so far.Hyson Green's late arrival at Goosedale Sports Complex saw the kick-off delayed until 2:45pm, a full 30 mins later than scheduled. But Sports supporters concern that their team might have grown cold waiting around for the opposition to arrive were quickly dispelled as Hucknall got off to a terrific start by playing a wonderfully composed style of football.
Possession was retained, passes were measured, chances were plentiful and the game looked easy. Hyson Green were chasing shadows and looked visibly shocked at Sports classy style of football. Hucknall pressed forward and strike-partners Jacob Barlow and Oliver Bowley carried out their orders to the letter and never let the Hyson Green defenders settle on the ball.
They were like terriers and snapped away at everything and anything. Shots from Towle and Charlie Blatherwick were fumbled by Hyson Green's Keeper as he struggled with the setting sun in his eyes. Just as Sports Management team were wondering if all the teams good play would be rewarded Bowley's persistence saw his shot deflected in to put Hucknall into the lead.
Sports grew in confidence and if anything the play got better. On came Dante Diriso for the exhausted Bowley and he got straight into the action with some great efforts on goal . One particular Diriso header at the far post from Towle's cross went agonisingly close. Then Diriso turned provider and his corner glanced off of the top of the cross-bar from Towle's bullet-header.
Sports were running the game and Barlow looked to have extended Hucknall's lead but his fantastic dribble and shot bounced back off of the inside of the post and was cleared off the goal line with a desperate hoof by the relieved Hyson Green defenders.
Half time: Hucknall Sports 1 Hyson Green 0
In an attempt to get back into the game the opposition changed their formation and played with a stronger front line in the second half but Sports defence were up for the challenge and centre-backs James Stenson and Joe Newton were outstanding. Ellis Evans, recently converted left-back, and the ever-reliable Dylan Smith stopped anything from getting around the back of Sports defence and had the presence of mind to bring the ball forward rather than simply being content to clear their lines with a 'boot' up field.
Sports midfield were running themselves into the ground to close down everything and as Hyson Green looked to get back on level terms a great pass found Bowley in space. He cleverly held up play long enough for the midfielders to join him and Owen Everton released Jacob Barlow on the left wing. Barlow skinned his marker and coolly smashed the ball across the advancing keeper into the far corner. This was no more than Sports deserved for some truly great play.Hyson Green did manage to pull back a consolation goal, but that was all it proved to be as the Sports backline and Keeper Kal Orton were in no mood to let this game slip.
Full time: Hucknall Sports 2 Hyson Green 1
This win was thoroughly deserved by Sports and was a tribute to team play. Every boy can be proud of themselves for a truly heroic performance.Special mentions must go to the front three of Bowley, Diriso and Barlow who were magnificent. In the midfield Owen Everton and Captain Fantastic Mitch Davies were awesome. But not for the first time it was Sports defenders who took the plaudits for a job well done. The eventual winner of the Man of the Match award was central defender Joe Newton for a towering performance in every sense of the word - Well done Joe, blooming brilliant.
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Bad attitudes cost Sports
Cotgrave Colts 3 Hucknall Sports U13's White 1
Saturday 3rd December 2011
U13's Saturday Division 2
After a stunning victory to high-flying Keyworth Utd Sports had the chance to claim outright second in the league if they could secure victory against mid-table Cotgrave.
Hucknall made a blistering start to the game and did everything but score. Oliver Bowley's header narrowly missed at the near post and Tom Eastwood's run and shot was blocked at the last moment. Six Sports corners in the first 15 mins were scrambled away by Cotgrave's defenders and Hucknall's frustration at not scoring an early goal resulted in players starting to argue with each other instead of concentrating on the game.
A Cotgrave goal should have been enough to kick-start Sports into action but unfortunately all thoughts of good football and team play had gone by now. Routine control of the ball and simple passes to team mates were hard to find and at half-time Sports went into the break losing.
Half time: Cotgrave 1 Hucknall Sports 0
Harry Saxton, Dante Diriso and Ellis Evans came on as second half substitutes and all had a positive effect on the game. Evans midfield distribution of the ball settled Sports down and chances to cross from wide positions started to appear. But the final killer ball just would not come. Sports got wide time and again but failed to get the ball across and into the danger area.
Then a 'soft' free kick over the centre of Sports defence caught everyone napping and Cotgrave went further into the lead. With 20min left to go Cotgrave took advantage of more poor play from Sports and broke down the left to go 3-0 up.
Finally Sports got going when a great pass from Skipper Mitch Davies found James Hallam who finished well but it was too little too late for Sports and the final whistle blew all too soon.
Full time: Cotgrave 3 Hucknall Sports 1
Sports are unlikely to play this poorly again but football ability alone is not enough to win games. Todays result was down to bad attitudes in the warm-up being taken on to the pitch and a game that should have been comfortable for Sports turned into a nightmare. All the hard work of the previous weeks victory is now gone to waste.
There were some good performances from Ellis Evans and Harry Saxton in the second half and Mitch Davies gave everything for his team. However, today's Man of the Match winner was Tom Eastwood for never giving in and continuing to try and drive his team forward - well done Tom.
Saturday 3rd December 2011
U13's Saturday Division 2
After a stunning victory to high-flying Keyworth Utd Sports had the chance to claim outright second in the league if they could secure victory against mid-table Cotgrave.
Hucknall made a blistering start to the game and did everything but score. Oliver Bowley's header narrowly missed at the near post and Tom Eastwood's run and shot was blocked at the last moment. Six Sports corners in the first 15 mins were scrambled away by Cotgrave's defenders and Hucknall's frustration at not scoring an early goal resulted in players starting to argue with each other instead of concentrating on the game.
A Cotgrave goal should have been enough to kick-start Sports into action but unfortunately all thoughts of good football and team play had gone by now. Routine control of the ball and simple passes to team mates were hard to find and at half-time Sports went into the break losing.
Half time: Cotgrave 1 Hucknall Sports 0
Harry Saxton, Dante Diriso and Ellis Evans came on as second half substitutes and all had a positive effect on the game. Evans midfield distribution of the ball settled Sports down and chances to cross from wide positions started to appear. But the final killer ball just would not come. Sports got wide time and again but failed to get the ball across and into the danger area.
Then a 'soft' free kick over the centre of Sports defence caught everyone napping and Cotgrave went further into the lead. With 20min left to go Cotgrave took advantage of more poor play from Sports and broke down the left to go 3-0 up.
Finally Sports got going when a great pass from Skipper Mitch Davies found James Hallam who finished well but it was too little too late for Sports and the final whistle blew all too soon.
Full time: Cotgrave 3 Hucknall Sports 1
Sports are unlikely to play this poorly again but football ability alone is not enough to win games. Todays result was down to bad attitudes in the warm-up being taken on to the pitch and a game that should have been comfortable for Sports turned into a nightmare. All the hard work of the previous weeks victory is now gone to waste.
There were some good performances from Ellis Evans and Harry Saxton in the second half and Mitch Davies gave everything for his team. However, today's Man of the Match winner was Tom Eastwood for never giving in and continuing to try and drive his team forward - well done Tom.
Hallam's wonder-goal moves Sports up to third
Keyworth United 1 Hucknall Sports U13's White 2
Saturday 26th November 2011
YEL Division 2
Hucknall Sports U13's returned to league action with a tough away game to high flying Keyworth United, a team considered by some to be one of the best in the Division.
Playing on high ground with blustery winds blowing directly from the top to the bottom of the pitch this was always going to be a 'game of two halves'. Sports won the toss and decided to try to take advantage of the wind at their backs by playing a 4-3-3 formation. Initially Hucknall found it difficult to work an opening but persistent good work by wingers Jacob Barlow and Dante Diriso eventually started to show some cracks in a solid looking United backline. Then Sports midfield maestro Charlie Blatherwick showed great strength coupled with the presence of mind to turn inside on the edge and smash a bullet shot into the bottom corner.
Keyworth showed signs of why they had risen to second in the league by playing neat football and got themselves back in the game when a momentary lack of concentration from the Sports centre-backs let in United's striker to lob the ball over the on-rushing Hucknall Keeper Kal Orton. But Hucknall's determination not to let this game slip away from them was clear to all and they created a number of chances that unfortunately did not manage to find the target. Blatherwick nearly got a second when his stunning volley looked certain to find the back of the net only to cannon off the inside of the post and away to safety. Sports were desperate to try and grab another goal before half time knowing that the second half would be much tougher to create chances and when a foul on Barlow just by the near touchline was awarded up stepped James Hallam to restore the lead with an absolute wonder-goal.
Half time: Keyworth Utd 1 Hucknall Sports 2
Harry Saxton, Oliver Bowley and Owen Everton all entered the game in the second half as Sports reverted back to a 4-4-2 formation knowing that they had to win the midfield battle and not allow Keyworth any shots on goal. But it was Sports who looked the more dangerous and Barlow continued to pose a threat on the wide left. Eastwood's terrific run and shot was pushed onto his post by the Keyworth goalie and Harry Saxton was unlucky not to convert a James Hallam free-kick from close in. At the other end of the pitch Hucknall defenders played magnificently and cancelled out any chance of a shot on goal time and again. Any ball that did get passed them was snapped up by Keeper Kal Orton showing what a safe pair of hands he has.
Playing clever possession football Hucknall saw out the game and celebrated a famous victory that sent out a clear sign to the rest of the league that they too are a team of the highest pedigree.
Full time: Keyworth Utd 1 Hucknall Sports 2
This was a truly magnificent team performance where every boy played his part in securing a great victory.
As always there were many contenders for Man of the Match. Wingers Barlow, Bowley and Diriso all did well. In midfield Captain Mitch Davies, Charlie Blatherwick and Tom Eastwood show masses of composure and passed the ball forward rather than just 'booting' it. But the winner came from Sports defensive unit who were simply magnificent. Kal Orton, Dylan Smith, Joe Newton, Ellis Evans and Harry Saxton could all have won the award but it was new-boy James Stenson who took the award for a towering performance - really well done James, keep it going.
Saturday 26th November 2011
YEL Division 2
Hucknall Sports U13's returned to league action with a tough away game to high flying Keyworth United, a team considered by some to be one of the best in the Division.
Playing on high ground with blustery winds blowing directly from the top to the bottom of the pitch this was always going to be a 'game of two halves'. Sports won the toss and decided to try to take advantage of the wind at their backs by playing a 4-3-3 formation. Initially Hucknall found it difficult to work an opening but persistent good work by wingers Jacob Barlow and Dante Diriso eventually started to show some cracks in a solid looking United backline. Then Sports midfield maestro Charlie Blatherwick showed great strength coupled with the presence of mind to turn inside on the edge and smash a bullet shot into the bottom corner.
Keyworth showed signs of why they had risen to second in the league by playing neat football and got themselves back in the game when a momentary lack of concentration from the Sports centre-backs let in United's striker to lob the ball over the on-rushing Hucknall Keeper Kal Orton. But Hucknall's determination not to let this game slip away from them was clear to all and they created a number of chances that unfortunately did not manage to find the target. Blatherwick nearly got a second when his stunning volley looked certain to find the back of the net only to cannon off the inside of the post and away to safety. Sports were desperate to try and grab another goal before half time knowing that the second half would be much tougher to create chances and when a foul on Barlow just by the near touchline was awarded up stepped James Hallam to restore the lead with an absolute wonder-goal.
Half time: Keyworth Utd 1 Hucknall Sports 2
Harry Saxton, Oliver Bowley and Owen Everton all entered the game in the second half as Sports reverted back to a 4-4-2 formation knowing that they had to win the midfield battle and not allow Keyworth any shots on goal. But it was Sports who looked the more dangerous and Barlow continued to pose a threat on the wide left. Eastwood's terrific run and shot was pushed onto his post by the Keyworth goalie and Harry Saxton was unlucky not to convert a James Hallam free-kick from close in. At the other end of the pitch Hucknall defenders played magnificently and cancelled out any chance of a shot on goal time and again. Any ball that did get passed them was snapped up by Keeper Kal Orton showing what a safe pair of hands he has.
Playing clever possession football Hucknall saw out the game and celebrated a famous victory that sent out a clear sign to the rest of the league that they too are a team of the highest pedigree.
Full time: Keyworth Utd 1 Hucknall Sports 2
This was a truly magnificent team performance where every boy played his part in securing a great victory.
As always there were many contenders for Man of the Match. Wingers Barlow, Bowley and Diriso all did well. In midfield Captain Mitch Davies, Charlie Blatherwick and Tom Eastwood show masses of composure and passed the ball forward rather than just 'booting' it. But the winner came from Sports defensive unit who were simply magnificent. Kal Orton, Dylan Smith, Joe Newton, Ellis Evans and Harry Saxton could all have won the award but it was new-boy James Stenson who took the award for a towering performance - really well done James, keep it going.
Beales wonder-goal steals Cup victory for Rolls
Hucknall Sports U13's White 1 Rolls Royce Leisure 2
Saturday 19th November 2011
YEL Trophy
The opening round of the YEL Trophy saw Hucknall Sports pitched against local rivals Rolls Royce. Both teams had won well the previous weekend so confidence was high going into this match.
Sports got off to the perfect start when James Hallam lobbed the on-rushing Rolls keeper Eddie Ridley to put Hucknall into the lead and looked to increase their advantage with some sustained pressure.
But against the run of play Rolls managed to get themselves back into the game by winning a penalty after a heaving clash in the penalty area. Rolls confidence grew and it was their turn to apply the pressure on Sports instead.
Oliver Bowley's corners were unlucky not to be converted, with Mitch Davies particularly unfortunate not to be able to get the ball from underneath his feet quickly enough to take his team back into the lead before Rolls defenders close him down and cleared their lines.
Half time: Hucknall Sports 1 Rolls Royce 1
For the first time ever Sports chose to stick with the same line-up for the second half and it very nearly reaped rewards when both Bowley and Davies saw their efforts on goal bounce narrowly wide. Eventually Jacob Barlow and Dante Diriso entered the game with some fresh legs to try and find a goal that would surely take the the tie for Sports. But Hucknall had to thank Keeper Kal Orton for two great saves before finally succumbing to a goal of the highest quality from Kieran Beales that was worthy of winning any game.
Full time: Hucknall Sports 1 Rolls Royce 2
Both teams deserve huge credit for a wonderful game of football. The town of Hucknall can certainly boast some great talent at the U13's level of Youth football.
Sport are right to be disappointed with the result, but can be proud of their style of play and on another day if they had taken their chances things would have been much different.
The contenders for Man of the Match for Sports included the entire defence of Dylan Smith, Joe Newton, James Stenson and Ellis Evans. Tom Eastwood, Owen Everton and Charlie Blatherwick gave everything in midfield and Keeper Kal Orton made three outstanding saves. But today's Man of the Match went to Oliver Bowley for a measured performance on the right of midfield where his distribution was immense and he found his team mates with passes time and again - well done Ollie, don't leave it this long before you get your next award.
Saturday 19th November 2011
YEL Trophy
The opening round of the YEL Trophy saw Hucknall Sports pitched against local rivals Rolls Royce. Both teams had won well the previous weekend so confidence was high going into this match.
Sports got off to the perfect start when James Hallam lobbed the on-rushing Rolls keeper Eddie Ridley to put Hucknall into the lead and looked to increase their advantage with some sustained pressure.
But against the run of play Rolls managed to get themselves back into the game by winning a penalty after a heaving clash in the penalty area. Rolls confidence grew and it was their turn to apply the pressure on Sports instead.
Oliver Bowley's corners were unlucky not to be converted, with Mitch Davies particularly unfortunate not to be able to get the ball from underneath his feet quickly enough to take his team back into the lead before Rolls defenders close him down and cleared their lines.
Half time: Hucknall Sports 1 Rolls Royce 1
For the first time ever Sports chose to stick with the same line-up for the second half and it very nearly reaped rewards when both Bowley and Davies saw their efforts on goal bounce narrowly wide. Eventually Jacob Barlow and Dante Diriso entered the game with some fresh legs to try and find a goal that would surely take the the tie for Sports. But Hucknall had to thank Keeper Kal Orton for two great saves before finally succumbing to a goal of the highest quality from Kieran Beales that was worthy of winning any game.
Full time: Hucknall Sports 1 Rolls Royce 2
Both teams deserve huge credit for a wonderful game of football. The town of Hucknall can certainly boast some great talent at the U13's level of Youth football.
Sport are right to be disappointed with the result, but can be proud of their style of play and on another day if they had taken their chances things would have been much different.
The contenders for Man of the Match for Sports included the entire defence of Dylan Smith, Joe Newton, James Stenson and Ellis Evans. Tom Eastwood, Owen Everton and Charlie Blatherwick gave everything in midfield and Keeper Kal Orton made three outstanding saves. But today's Man of the Match went to Oliver Bowley for a measured performance on the right of midfield where his distribution was immense and he found his team mates with passes time and again - well done Ollie, don't leave it this long before you get your next award.
A Bonfire Night Cracker for Sports
Ashfield 3 Hucknall Sports U13's White 1 (a.e.t)
Saturday 5th November 2011
The Notts FA Shield Round 2
Sports' reward for progressing to the second round of the Nottingham Shield was an away tie to unbeaten Mansfield Division One leaders Ashfield FC. Hucknall had to rearrange their line-up after the withdrawal of goalkeeper Kal Orton to an eye injury but were fortunate to find a willing and very capable replacement in James Stenson. Prior to the start of the game it appeared that Ashfield has suffered the same fate when their keeper limped out of the warm-up only to return just before kick-off.
The opening five minutes of the game showed that this was going to be a 'cup classic'. Both teams played some fantastic, measured, football demonstrating a maturity beyond their years. Ashfield won a free-kick about 30 yards from goal in a central position and a bullet shot took them into the lead with keeper Stenson standing no chance at all.
Hucknall refused to panic and a great run and cross from James Hallam, playing on the right wing, saw centre forward Ellis Evans header pushed around the post with a fine save from Ashfield's keeper. The game was end to end and Ashfield looked dangerous as they won more free-kicks from the edge of the penalty area but Sports defended well and the goal was not threatened. Dante Diriso combined well with Dylan Smith on the right-hand side and Harry Saxton and Tom Eastwood mirrored that on the left. In the centre of midfield Charlie Blatherwick and Mitch Davies battled well and made sure that Sports were first to everything.
Sports created enough chances to get back into the game, particularly from Diriso's fine corners. But the goal would not come and they went into the break 1-0 down.
Substitutes Ollie Bowley and Jacob Barlow were introduced for the second half and Evans dropped into the left-back position. Sports new look shape worked well and Barlow created an instant impact on the left wing by getting around the back of Ashfield's defence time and again. Bowley and Hallam combined well on the right and continued Sports demonstration of composed football by being patient and working an opening by playing football rather than 'booting it long'. Hallam terrorised the Ashfield defence at every opportunity and his blocked shot nearly created an opportunity for Barlow. Sports pushed and pushed for the equaliser and varied their approach to keep Ashfield guessing. Finally, a well worked move saw Barlow lay the ball back to the lively Tom Eastwood who found Blatherwick on the edge of the box where he hit a looping shot into the back of the net for Sports to draw level. Hucknall still had time to win it in the last minutes but Bowley tried to play in Hallam when other options might have brought the winner.
Extra time:
Both teams were extremely tired by this time and looked to make the ball do the work for them. The next goal was going to be vital and unfortunately for Sports it was Ashfield that got it when they bundled the ball home at the far post to regain the lead. Sports heads refused to be bowed and a Blatherwick free-kick was met by a header from Eastwood only to see the keeper make a good catch. Ashfield's third goal was from the top-drawer and was worthy of winning any game. A wonder-strike from the edge of the box was bound for the top corner and despite a fantastic effort by Stenson it dropped into the back of the net.
AET: Ashfield 3 Hucknall Sports 1
Both teams deserve huge credit for a wonderful game of football. On the evidence of this game Nottinghamshire looks well set for the next batch of footballers representing the County. Fantastic passing, wonderful tackling and great forward play were a feature throughout.
In previous weeks Sports had played some great football, but playing against top-class opposition today's second half performance had to go down as one of their best yet.
The whole team deserves to be nominated for Man of the Match but special mentions have to go to the center-half pairing of Joe Newton and Owen Everton who played wonderfully well. James Stenson, our stand-in goalie, played superb but the eventual winner was Captain Fantastic Mitch Davies. Mitch's never say die attitude and boundless energy drove his team on and very nearly helped them to pull-off the shock of the second round.
Brilliant boys, let's take this form into our next league game.
Saturday 5th November 2011
The Notts FA Shield Round 2
Sports' reward for progressing to the second round of the Nottingham Shield was an away tie to unbeaten Mansfield Division One leaders Ashfield FC. Hucknall had to rearrange their line-up after the withdrawal of goalkeeper Kal Orton to an eye injury but were fortunate to find a willing and very capable replacement in James Stenson. Prior to the start of the game it appeared that Ashfield has suffered the same fate when their keeper limped out of the warm-up only to return just before kick-off.
The opening five minutes of the game showed that this was going to be a 'cup classic'. Both teams played some fantastic, measured, football demonstrating a maturity beyond their years. Ashfield won a free-kick about 30 yards from goal in a central position and a bullet shot took them into the lead with keeper Stenson standing no chance at all.
Hucknall refused to panic and a great run and cross from James Hallam, playing on the right wing, saw centre forward Ellis Evans header pushed around the post with a fine save from Ashfield's keeper. The game was end to end and Ashfield looked dangerous as they won more free-kicks from the edge of the penalty area but Sports defended well and the goal was not threatened. Dante Diriso combined well with Dylan Smith on the right-hand side and Harry Saxton and Tom Eastwood mirrored that on the left. In the centre of midfield Charlie Blatherwick and Mitch Davies battled well and made sure that Sports were first to everything.
Sports created enough chances to get back into the game, particularly from Diriso's fine corners. But the goal would not come and they went into the break 1-0 down.
Substitutes Ollie Bowley and Jacob Barlow were introduced for the second half and Evans dropped into the left-back position. Sports new look shape worked well and Barlow created an instant impact on the left wing by getting around the back of Ashfield's defence time and again. Bowley and Hallam combined well on the right and continued Sports demonstration of composed football by being patient and working an opening by playing football rather than 'booting it long'. Hallam terrorised the Ashfield defence at every opportunity and his blocked shot nearly created an opportunity for Barlow. Sports pushed and pushed for the equaliser and varied their approach to keep Ashfield guessing. Finally, a well worked move saw Barlow lay the ball back to the lively Tom Eastwood who found Blatherwick on the edge of the box where he hit a looping shot into the back of the net for Sports to draw level. Hucknall still had time to win it in the last minutes but Bowley tried to play in Hallam when other options might have brought the winner.
Extra time:
Both teams were extremely tired by this time and looked to make the ball do the work for them. The next goal was going to be vital and unfortunately for Sports it was Ashfield that got it when they bundled the ball home at the far post to regain the lead. Sports heads refused to be bowed and a Blatherwick free-kick was met by a header from Eastwood only to see the keeper make a good catch. Ashfield's third goal was from the top-drawer and was worthy of winning any game. A wonder-strike from the edge of the box was bound for the top corner and despite a fantastic effort by Stenson it dropped into the back of the net.
AET: Ashfield 3 Hucknall Sports 1
Both teams deserve huge credit for a wonderful game of football. On the evidence of this game Nottinghamshire looks well set for the next batch of footballers representing the County. Fantastic passing, wonderful tackling and great forward play were a feature throughout.
In previous weeks Sports had played some great football, but playing against top-class opposition today's second half performance had to go down as one of their best yet.
The whole team deserves to be nominated for Man of the Match but special mentions have to go to the center-half pairing of Joe Newton and Owen Everton who played wonderfully well. James Stenson, our stand-in goalie, played superb but the eventual winner was Captain Fantastic Mitch Davies. Mitch's never say die attitude and boundless energy drove his team on and very nearly helped them to pull-off the shock of the second round.
Brilliant boys, let's take this form into our next league game.
Poor Decisions Cost Sports
Hucknall Sports U13's White 0 West Bridgford Harriers 2
Saturday 22nd October 2011
YEL Division 2
Sports looked forward to their return from a weeks break with a match against West Bridgford Harriers. Both teams are renowned for playing open and entertaining football and the crowd licked their lips in anticipation.
The opening exchanges were evenly matched and each attack from one team was match by the other. The return of Charlie Blatherwick in midfield brought about the creative edge that Sports had missed in the previous game and he almost put Sports into the lead on a couple of occasions, once from a corner and once from an amazing long range free kick. Harriers found their stride and showed a fantastic range of movement and passing but the Sports defence of Dylan Smith, James Stenson, Joe Newton and Harry Saxton held strong. As the game entered its final moments of the first half the referee adjudged a fantastic block by left-back Saxton to be a foul and despite a wonderful effort by goalie Kal Orton the ball sneaked into the bottom corner. Sports still created chances to draw the scores level but had to settle for a one goal deficit at half time.
Half Time: Hucknall Sports 0 West Bridgford 1
Playing with the wind at their back Harriers pinned Sports back in their own half for much of the second period but stout defending kept Sports in the game. When Hucknall's defence was breached Harriers found Sports Keeper Orton in fantastic form. Time and again he blocked shots by diving at strikers feet showing bravery that many in the Premiership would be proud of.
Harriers went further into the lead when a neat pass inside the Sports defensive line set free their striker to finish well as Hucknall players and management waited for the off-side whistle that never came.
Sports refused to drop their heads and James Hallam strained every sinew to get his team back into the game and was unlucky on a number of occasions to see the shots narrowly miss the target. Dante Diriso just failed to convert a fantastic cross from Hallam and another trademark free-kick from Blatherwick rattled the cross-bar. But alas the full-time whistle blew for a victory to Harriers.
Final Score: Hucknall Sports 0 West Bridgford 2
Sometimes things simply don't go your way and that was definitely the case for Sports. Take nothing away from Harriers, who played a great game of football but Sports deserved to get something from this game.
Today's Man of the Match went to Kal Orton for an outstanding goalkeeping display - brilliant Kal, well done. Boys you deserved more, but your day will come.
Saturday 22nd October 2011
YEL Division 2
Sports looked forward to their return from a weeks break with a match against West Bridgford Harriers. Both teams are renowned for playing open and entertaining football and the crowd licked their lips in anticipation.
The opening exchanges were evenly matched and each attack from one team was match by the other. The return of Charlie Blatherwick in midfield brought about the creative edge that Sports had missed in the previous game and he almost put Sports into the lead on a couple of occasions, once from a corner and once from an amazing long range free kick. Harriers found their stride and showed a fantastic range of movement and passing but the Sports defence of Dylan Smith, James Stenson, Joe Newton and Harry Saxton held strong. As the game entered its final moments of the first half the referee adjudged a fantastic block by left-back Saxton to be a foul and despite a wonderful effort by goalie Kal Orton the ball sneaked into the bottom corner. Sports still created chances to draw the scores level but had to settle for a one goal deficit at half time.
Half Time: Hucknall Sports 0 West Bridgford 1
Playing with the wind at their back Harriers pinned Sports back in their own half for much of the second period but stout defending kept Sports in the game. When Hucknall's defence was breached Harriers found Sports Keeper Orton in fantastic form. Time and again he blocked shots by diving at strikers feet showing bravery that many in the Premiership would be proud of.
Harriers went further into the lead when a neat pass inside the Sports defensive line set free their striker to finish well as Hucknall players and management waited for the off-side whistle that never came.
Sports refused to drop their heads and James Hallam strained every sinew to get his team back into the game and was unlucky on a number of occasions to see the shots narrowly miss the target. Dante Diriso just failed to convert a fantastic cross from Hallam and another trademark free-kick from Blatherwick rattled the cross-bar. But alas the full-time whistle blew for a victory to Harriers.
Final Score: Hucknall Sports 0 West Bridgford 2
Sometimes things simply don't go your way and that was definitely the case for Sports. Take nothing away from Harriers, who played a great game of football but Sports deserved to get something from this game.
Today's Man of the Match went to Kal Orton for an outstanding goalkeeping display - brilliant Kal, well done. Boys you deserved more, but your day will come.
Rolls take the honours in local Derby
Rolls Royce Leisure 2 Hucknall Sports U13's white 0
Saturday 8th October 2011
YEL Division 2
Unbeaten Hucknall Sports travelled the short distance to Titchfield Park for a local derby against Rolls Royce. In complete contrast to last weekends sweltering conditions the wind was blowing and rain lashing down on a pitch that was already starting to show signs of wear.
Rolls started the game the more composed and won most of the midfield challenges to help create attacking situations for their team. Sports on the other hand were a shadow of their recent selves and looked slow and second to the ball.
A defensive mistake gifted the opening goal to Rolls and this was quickly followed by a long punt that somehow managed to find the back of Sports net. Hucknall had not even broken sweat and they found themselves 2-0 at the half time whistle.
Half Time: Rolls Royce 2 Hucknall Sports 0
Substitutes Oliver Bowley and Ellis Evans entered the game in the second half as Sports looked to try and find a way back into the game. James Hallam managed to find space at last but his flashing shot just missed the far post and then his run and cross just evaded Jacob Barlow with the goal beckoning. The Rolls defence coped well with everything that Hucknall had to offer and on the break Hucknall's central defensive partnership of James Stenson and Joe Newton had to be on their toes continually.
Sports just could not get a break with the ball bobbling time and again at the most crucial moments on a dreadful pitch. Towards the end of the game Hallam looked through on goal once more but another poor bounce just prior to kicking took the edge of his shot and it was gathered in easily by Edward Ridley in the Rolls goal.
Final Score: Rolls Royce 2 Hucknall Sports 0
This has to go down as a 'bad day at the office' for Sports and should not take anything away from their fine start to the season. Tom Eastwood's battling midfield performance and Oliver Bowley's measured approach to the game made them both good candidates for Man of the Match but the clear winner was Dylan Smith.
Smith put in an exemplary display of defending to deny the dangerous Rolls attackers time and space. But there is more to his game than just defending and he had the composure to bring the ball forward skilfully in an attempt to get his team going.
Well done - Dylan.
Saturday 8th October 2011
YEL Division 2
Unbeaten Hucknall Sports travelled the short distance to Titchfield Park for a local derby against Rolls Royce. In complete contrast to last weekends sweltering conditions the wind was blowing and rain lashing down on a pitch that was already starting to show signs of wear.
Rolls started the game the more composed and won most of the midfield challenges to help create attacking situations for their team. Sports on the other hand were a shadow of their recent selves and looked slow and second to the ball.
A defensive mistake gifted the opening goal to Rolls and this was quickly followed by a long punt that somehow managed to find the back of Sports net. Hucknall had not even broken sweat and they found themselves 2-0 at the half time whistle.
Half Time: Rolls Royce 2 Hucknall Sports 0
Substitutes Oliver Bowley and Ellis Evans entered the game in the second half as Sports looked to try and find a way back into the game. James Hallam managed to find space at last but his flashing shot just missed the far post and then his run and cross just evaded Jacob Barlow with the goal beckoning. The Rolls defence coped well with everything that Hucknall had to offer and on the break Hucknall's central defensive partnership of James Stenson and Joe Newton had to be on their toes continually.
Sports just could not get a break with the ball bobbling time and again at the most crucial moments on a dreadful pitch. Towards the end of the game Hallam looked through on goal once more but another poor bounce just prior to kicking took the edge of his shot and it was gathered in easily by Edward Ridley in the Rolls goal.
Final Score: Rolls Royce 2 Hucknall Sports 0
This has to go down as a 'bad day at the office' for Sports and should not take anything away from their fine start to the season. Tom Eastwood's battling midfield performance and Oliver Bowley's measured approach to the game made them both good candidates for Man of the Match but the clear winner was Dylan Smith.
Smith put in an exemplary display of defending to deny the dangerous Rolls attackers time and space. But there is more to his game than just defending and he had the composure to bring the ball forward skilfully in an attempt to get his team going.
Well done - Dylan.
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