Tigers tamed by Sports Goal-fest

U14's Saturday Division 2A 

Hucknall Sports 10 Toton Tigers 1

10/11/12   

On the day before ‘Remembrance Sunday’ Hucknall Sports went back to league action against Toton Tigers. The opposition have found the going a little bit tough of late having been relegated from Division 1 at the end of last season. However, a recent strong showing in the Shield gave them renew confidence for this game.

Both teams observed a minutes silence impeccably before kick-off and in the first 5 minutes of play it was Toton who looked the more likely to open the scoring. But after a slow start Sports eventually found their rhythm and an immaculate pass from Ryan Towle picked out Dante Diriso who’s stunning finish gave the keeper no chance. Diriso doubled his tally as he repeated the same finish for his second of the game and Jacob Barlow also continued his rich vein of form with two poachers goals of his own.

Hucknall were well on top and it was hard to remember the defence having anything significant to deal with. Kieran Green made way for Matt Leivers just before half-time in a precautionary substitution to protect a tight hamstring and Leivers continued to show just what a great addition to the squad he is. Sporst midfield of Ellis Evans, Towle, Mitch Davies and Owen Everton dominated the play and although leading by 4-0 at the break Sports would have been forgiven for thinking that they might have had more.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 4 Toton Tigers 0

Sports made three changes at half-time and the impact was immediate. Tom Eastwood plundered 4 goals in 20 minutes with a display of finishing of the very highest calibre. Not to be left out James Hallam got back on the scoring trail with a couple of his own, one in particular stood out when he hit a sublime ‘lob’ from distance with his unfavoured left foot to leave the crowd speechless in admiration.

Toton’s keeper made some fine saves to keep the score down as much as possible and all credit to the opposition for keeping going when others might have chosen to simply throw in the ‘towel’. Referee Dennis awarded Toton a couple of penalties late on and they did manage to convert one for a consolation goal that they thoroughly deserved.

As the final whistle blew Hucknall showed commendable ‘sportsmanship’ that the was much appreciated by both sets of managers and coaches as they shook every member of the Toton’s team hand. Very few teams have the luxury of going through the YEL leagues without have a ‘rough’ season and Sports know only too well how it feels.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 10 Toton Tigers 1

The score doesn’t really reflect how well Toton played in this game but today they came up against a Sports team who converted pretty much every chance they created.

Goals win games but without the hard work of the defensive line and creativity of the midfielders the chance to score simply would not happen. So this has to go down as one of the best displays of the season for all 15 boys who took part.

Candidates for Man of the Match included Ryan Towle for his midfield masterclass, Dante Diriso for his fantastic finishing and Jacob Barlow for his brilliant wing play. But the award rightly went to Tom Eastwood for his 20 minutes of pure genius. His four goals were all taken with such style and panache that I doubt we will see it repeated. Just goes to show everyone that you don’t have to be playing the entire game to make an impact – well done Tom, fantastic effort.

The performance was certainly improved on the previous week and 10 goals in a single game is very rare but believe it or not this team can play even better!