Sports beat Blades for the second week running

U13's Saturday Division 2 

Hucknall Sports  2  Carlton Town Blades  0

28/1/12   

For the second week running Hucknall Sports faced Carlton Town Blades. Last week Sports took the spoils with some clinical finishing but Carlton considered themselves unlucky and were keen to set the record straight.

Hucknall got off to the perfect start when Jacob Barlow smacked in the rebound from Dante Diriso's shot after a great cross from Tom Eastwood. Shortly after Barlow turned provider when his strong work in the penalty area allowed James Hallam to find the unmarked Diriso who fired his team into a 2-0 lead with only 20mins on the clock. Carlton looked rattled and Sports thought they had a third when Hallam's looping shot was saved at the second attempt by Blades goalie as the ball was about to bounce into the back of the net.

Predictably Blades did regroup and started to get a hold of the ball around the edges of Hucknall's penalty area but great defending from Dylan Smith  and Harry Saxton on the flanks coupled with a solid central partnership from Joe Newton and James Stenson meant that Sports goal was rarely threatened. Diriso had a chance to extend Sports lead further after good work from him to create an opening. But at half time Sports had to settle for a well earned 2-0 lead but wondered if it would be enough to win the game.

Half time: Hucknall Sports  2 Carlton Town Blades 0

After a well respected minutes silence at half time for the 14 year old boy who died this week on the Colwick Loop Road both teams resumed and Carlton moved up a gear in search of a goal to get them back into the game.

The first 15 minutes saw lots of pressure from Blades but they just could not work a clear opening. Sports Keeper Kal Orton was well protected by his great set of defenders, with Ellis Evans taking on the left-back role from Saxton. Sports were now playing on the break and although Ollie Bowley and James Hallam found space in front of goal they just could not score the third that would have closed out the game. Late on Mitch Davies looked certain to find the net when a great cross from Ryan Towle found him unmarked in front of goal but Blades keeper did well with a fine reaction save. Eventually, the whistle blew and Sports had done enough for a well earned victory.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports  2  Carlton Town Blades  0 

Sports played well in places and continue to try and play the game the 'right' way. Dante Diriso and Jacob Barlow both deserve credit for their massive contributions to the teams victory.

However, the unanimous winner of the Man of the Match Award was the brilliant Dylan Smith. This boy has been a revelation at right-back. His ability to spot danger and snuff it out before his team become exposed is second to none. But he  is not just about defending, when giving he opportunity it is great to see him drive his team forward also. Well done Dylan - we look forward to seeing you play the rest of the season to the same high standard.

Sports players are happy to be top of the league for the second week running but the half-time silence was a stark reminder to all that we are very lucky to have our boys fit and well enough to play a game of football at any level.