Sports go top with win over Rolls

U14's Saturday Division 2A 

Hucknall Sports 3 Rolls Royce 2

24/11/12   

Goosedale Sports Complex hosted the top of the table clash between Hucknall Sports and Rolls Royce, the only two unbeaten teams in League 2a. Rolls needed a point for promotion and Sports were looking for a victory to leap-frog them to go top of the league.

James Hallam and Ollie Bowley were restored to the starting line-up to spearhead the attack for this local derby between two fabulous footballing teams that the folk of Hucknall can be very proud of. On a heavy pitch and with the threat of torrential rain Rolls started well and it was clear to see why they had been ‘steam rolling’ teams out of the way with their strong midfielders in the ascendency. Sports backline looked a little nervous earlier on and were guilty of not clearing their lines on a number of occasions. But Hucknall thought they had taken the lead when Charlie Blatherwick powered home a header from a Mitch Davies free-kick only for the goal to be ruled out for an infringement. Rolls raced to the other end of the pitch and took the lead when Sports failed to deal with a loose ball in the box. Almost immediately, Hucknall got back on level terms when Hallam burst onto a through-ball and slotted home just before it could be gathered by the on-rushing opposition keeper. But Sports could not hold onto the ball long enough before Rolls took the lead once more when Kal Orton’s punch fell to the feet of their striker for a chance that he really could not miss. Hucknall were determine not to be outdone and they hit back in style when Hallam spun his man beautifully and then expertly guided the ball home to bring the scores back to level. With the half drawing to a close Ellis Evans got on the end of a goal mouth scramble to put Sports into the lead at half time when he smashed the ball home from close range.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 3 Rolls Royce 2

After a breathless first half you would be forgiven for thinking that this game had more goals to come, but both defences tightened themselves up in the second half and chances were very hard to come by. Rolls won a number of corners but rarely threatened the Sports goal. Hucknall could have extended their lead but both Hallam and Jacob Barlow were unlucky not to convert the openings presented to them. The game became a battle of the midfielders with neither team giving any ground. One or two poor tackles threatened to spoil the game but it has to be said that they were more as a result of the poor conditions rather than any malice. Both Goalies acquitted themselves well given the poor conditions but neither had a save to make in truth.

The final whistle blew as the heavens opened but Sports had victory in the bag.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 3 Rolls Royce 2

In poor conditions much credit to both teams for a great game of football. There is very little chose between the two teams but on this occasion Sports took their chances brilliantly and won the midfield battle.

Man of the Match today went to James Hallam for an absolute master-class of strike play. Anyone attending the game witnessed two fabulous finishes of the very highest quality – well done James, that makes you equal top scorer with 11 goals.

However, it would be remiss of me not to say a big thanks to all the Hucknall boys for their efforts today. They went behind twice but refused to give in and eventually got the reward that their hard work deserves. All 16 boys played a part in the team winning this game and well done to everyone of you.