Freak goal snatches victory from Sports

U14's Saturday Shield 

Hucknall Sports 4 West Bridgford 4

13/10/12   

On the back of a 100% start to the season Sports went in their game with West Bridgford full of confidence. However, last year Bridgford had got the better of Sports on both occasions so the players were taking nothing for granted and gave the opposition the respect that they are due.

West Bridgford started brightly and worked the Sports defenders hard in the opening minutes of the game. But Hucknall stood firm and protected their goal well. Gradually, Hucknall found their feet and started to create openings around the back of Bridgford’s defence. Ollie Bowley delivered a dangerous corner that Charlie Blatherwick looked to have scored from, only for the ball to be cleared off the line. But the clearance fell to Tom Eastwood who smashed it into the back of the net to take Sports into the lead. Bridgford then equalised with a goal directly from a free-kick and took the lead when an ‘air shot’ by Sport’s defence presented an unmissible opportunity to the Bridgford striker. But Sports were in no mood to lose this game and quickly got back on level terms when Mitch Davies thundered in a long range free-kick. Tom Eastwood got his second of the game and put Sports back into the lead with a magnificent shot that the keeper had no chance to save. West Bridgford had the last chance of a pulsating half when a well taken corner looked to have been headed in only for a combination of Davies and Kieran Green to clear it away.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 3 West Bridgford 2

Sports got out of the blocks like lightening in the second half and soon extended their lead to make the score 4-2 when the returning Blatherwick got on the end of Ellis Evans fine pass to finish well. Bridgford looked shell shocked and Hucknall thought they had put the game out of site only for James Hallams’ cheeky back-heeled goal to be ruled out for off-side. Hallam looked certain to score when was put clear on goal only for Bridgford’s goalie to deny him with a wonderful full-stretch save. The visitors sought to find a way back into the game and were awarded a penalty when Sports Keeper Kal Orton was adjudged to have fouled his opponent despite making contact with the ball first. Still Sports looked comfortable and were still looking the more likely to score. Jacob Barlow’s fine run and cross just evaded the on rushing Evans. The ever dangerous Dante Diriso terrorised his marker and produced a brilliant cross to the far post that Sports were unable to convert. With less than 5 mins to go a clearance by Sports landed at the feet of the West Bridgford defender who hoofed it high into the sky and Hucknall players watched in agony as it looped into the top corner. Hucknall still had a chance to win the game but rushed a shot instead of making a simple pass to Hallam.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 4 West Bridgford 4

Prior to the start of the game and given last season’s results Sports might have taken a draw. But you can’t help but feel ‘gutted’ after being denied victory in such a cruel way.

But Hucknall’s boys can take some massive positives from this game. Their play at times was outstanding and even the opposition coaches complimented on what a pleasure it was to see boys ‘playing the right way’.

Sports are still top of the league and are unbeaten in all games still so no reason to feel too sorry for yourselves boys.

Today’s Man of the Match award went to Mitch Davies for a truly outstanding performance in midfield alongside the equally great Charlie Blatherwick. Mitch’s goal was tremendous but his ability to take training ground drills and half-time instructions into the match is a managers dream – well done Mitch, brilliant performance.