Tuesday, 28 August 2012

Smith inspires Sports to Victory


Edwalton Cavaliers 1 Hucknall Sports U13's White 4
Saturday 14th April 2
YEL Saturday Division 2

Sports travelled south of the river for their penultimate league against Trophy Finalists Edwalton Cavaliers. Fair to say that Edwalton have had a ‘mixed’ season but results showed that they could play well against the top teams in the league so Sports could not take this game lightly.


Hucknall setup with their new attack minded formation and very nearly took advantage early on when Jacob Barlow put Ollie Bowley clear on goal only for Cav’s goalie to save at his near post. Ryan Towle put a free-kick just over the cross-bar and Edwalton’s goalie collected well from a corner with Sports just about to pounce. Edwalton took the lead with a wonder shot that Sports defence could do nothing about after a break away from a long ball over the top. Hucknall looked a little rattled and for a while they lost their composure. Edwalton were unlucky to see another shot hit the cross-bar. Whilst at the other end Sports penalty appeals were waved away by the young referee after Towle was bundled to the floor with a tackle from behind. Both teams had to be spoken to by the referee as the tackles started to fly in and half time came just in time for everyone to compose themselves.


Half time: Edwalton Cavaliers 1 Hucknall Sports 0


Sports introduced James Hallam, Charles Blatherwick and Dylan Smith for the second half, but it was Edwalton who started the better and they penned Sports into their own half for the first 10 minutes. Hucknall were crying out for someone to get a hold of the ball and dictate play. Cometh the hour, cometh the ‘Silent Assassin’ Dylan Smith. Playing in right midfield instead of full-back Smith set the example that his team mates needed. He made the right decisions at the right time and showed what a fabulous player he is. His hard work in winning the ball created the opportunity that Hucknall needed to get back into the game. In the space of 15 minutes a Smith goal and two more from Charles Blatherwick had got Sports back into the game. Then an own goal as Hallam was ready to pounce at the far post made it 4-1 to Sports and it was game over.


This was the definitive game of ‘two halves’ for Sports. The first was lots of industry without creating too many clear chances. The second was much better and more like the Sports team their fans expect to see.


All players contributed well at times in this game but the clear winner for Man of the Match was Dylan Smith. Great to see someone so young have such an impact and inspire his team mates to play the football they are capable of – Brilliant Dylan.

Edwalton had their moments too and we wish them all the best for next week’s Final.

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