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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.