Gedling Southbank 2 Hucknall Sports U13's White 5
Saturday 17th December 2011
YEL U13's Saturday Division 2
After a fantastic victory over unbeaten League leaders Hyson Green last week Sports made the long journey over to Carlton le Willows school to play Gedling Southbank. Both teams had last played in a friendly match prior to the start of this season and Sports were focussed on victory to ensure that they finished the year in second place.
Hucknall chose to stick with the same team from the previous week but moved Owen Everton to centre-half in place of the missing James Stenson. Ollie Bowley and Jacob Barlow formed the front two and they helped Sports get of to a fantastic start when Barlow plundered his second goal in two weeks with a great run and shot over the goalkeeper after 10 minutes. Five minutes later Charlie Blatherwick, playing in the wide left midfield role, drove forward and then cut inside to beat the keeper with a great dipping shot of his own. But if Hucknall thought that Gedling were ready to lie down they couldn't have been more wrong. Within 10 minutes the scores were level after Sports failed to deal with a routine clearance and injury to Keeper Kal Orton saw them concede two soft goals. It was anyone's games now and Sports brought on James Hallam and Tom Eastwood to try and get the momentum back in their favour. Sure enough Hallam delivered the goods by terrorising the Gedling backline and before the half time break Sports had regained a two goal lead with great finishing from Dante Diriso and striker-supreme Hallam.
Half time: Gedling Southbank 2 Hucknall Sports 4
Harry Saxton entered the game at left back in the second half and the versatile Ellis Evans moved into midfield to give Blatherwick a much need rest. Injured Keeper Kal Orton was unable to resume and emergency replacement Owen Everton was enlisted to take his place.
Sports' second half performance was majestic. They kept possession for what seemed like an eternity. All the months of training ground moves put together by Andrew (Rue) Hallam were put into practise leaving the Sports supporters purring their approval. If the pass forward wasn't on then Hucknall had the patience to recycle the ball and built again from the back. When the opportunity to put a player in on goal presented itself the passing was incisive and clinical. If it had not been for the inspired Gedling keeper Sports would have surely run out easier winners but in the end they scored just once more when Blatherwick smashed a 20 yarder into the top corner to moved the score to 5-2.
Chances for Hallam and Bowley to extend the lead were well saved. Whilst at the other end of the pitch stand-in second half central defender Ryan Towle playing along side Joe Newton dealt with anything that came their way. Dylan Smith took the opportunity to drive his team forward from right-back and on the other side of defence Harry Saxton showed how easy football can be if you simply 'put your foot on the ball and look up before making a pass'.
Full time: Gedling Southbank 2 Hucknall Sports 5
The boys really gave a great exhibition of how to play on a massive pitch by passing rather than 'hoofing' the ball long. Whilst the goal tally might have been greater the Gedling keeper has to be congratulated on a great performance.
Today's Man of the Match was Ollie Bowley who epitomised Sports 'controlled' approach to the game. He didn't misplace a pass all game long and was unlucky not to cap a fine performance with a goal of his own - well done Ollie.
Great to finish the year in second place and we look forward to the New Year with confidence.
Happy Christmas to you all.
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