Christmas comes early for Sports

U15's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Hucknall Sports 4 Long Eaton Utd 1

14/12/13

Hucknall Sports White final game of 2013 in Division One pitched them at home to third-placed Long Eaton Utd. It’s was fair to say that United had been Sports bogey team and in eight years of trying Hucknall had not registered a single victory. But with confidence at a high after a run of three matches unbeaten Hucknall sensed that this might be their best chance of a stunning victory.

The only change to Sports starting line-up was Jarrod Davies who recently returned to Sports after a spell with Long Eaton. Davies partnered Joe Newton at the heart of one of the leagues outstanding defences with Dylan Smith and Kieran Green playing in the wing-back positions. After a Man of the Match performance the previous week Ellis Evans was selected to partner the ever-dangerous James Hallam up front.

With the wind at their backs Long Eaton started the better of the two teams and settled into their customary sleek style of play. A nice move saw United’s Jack Warner find Bailey Walker in the box and he cleverly side footed home. However, this only served to galvanise Sports into action and soon the gaps started to appear in front of the opposition goal. Dante Diriso, Matt Leivers and Evans all had chances but were unable to find the net. Sports breakthrough came after great work from Hallam saw him drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Maleek Batten to smashed home to level the scores.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Long Eaton United 1

Hucknall made a couple of changes for the second half and introduced Tom Eastwood and Danny Darlow into the game. Ryan Towle slotted back into his usual centre midfield role after deputising at centre-half for the previous weeks and he showed great vision in picking out Hallam in the first 5mins for him to finish coolly and put Sports into the lead. With a strong wind at their backs you would have been forgiven for thinking that Sports might have elected to play ‘long-ball’ – but you would be wrong! This is a ‘footballing’ team where every player looks comfortable on the ball and they looked to play from the back, through the midfield and then pick out the strikers. Never more was this the case than the work done by wing-backs Green and Smith who regularly drove their team forward from the edge of their own penalty area up to the oppositions. Hallam grabbed a second with an exquisite finish and now Sports where rampant. Chances fell to Eastwood, Batten and Darlow to extend the lead but the final goal was grabbed by one of the hardest working boys you will see, Mitch Davies. It was rich reward for another tireless effort by him where he covered every blade of grass and broke down play time and again. Skipper James Stenson was introduced for the final 10mins to help maintain the midfield dominance and he showed great form to create space for a couple of shots that only  just missed the target. The final shot of the game was from Sports when up stepped Green to try his luck with a 30 yard free-kick that just drifted over the far angle.

Final Score: Hucknall Sports 4 Long Eaton Utd 1

Man of the Match today was James Hallam who was at his unplayable best once again. The mark of a good striker is that when you’re having a lean spell you don’t hide and he certainly didn’t hide in this game. He absolutely terrorised the Long Eaton defence and even the opposition supporters gave him a round of applause when he left the team with 5mins to play – brilliant James, well done.

James Hallam MOM

There is no more pleasing site for the coaches than to see boys fulfilling their potential and today was that day. All 15 boys played their part in a tremendous victory that will send shockwaves through the division. The next match can’t come soon enough but we can all enjoy our Christmas after a fabulous last 4 games that have seen the team pick up 10 points.

Merry Christmas to everyone and thanks for the early present boys

Sports put Colts to the sword

U15's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Lowdham Colts 0 Hucknall Sports 1

07/12/13

Hucknall Sports traveled the short distance to Lowdham for their Division One fixture with Lowdham Colts. Sports had played Colts in last season’s Spring league and done well but after beating Rolls Royce last week Lowdham were high in confidence.

Hucknall got off to an electric start and were unlucky not to take the lead in the opening 5mins when they hit the post in a goalmouth scramble and Lowdham were grateful to see the ball bounce back into their goalkeepers hands. Wave after wave of  attacking football from Hucknall created chances galore but try as they might opportunities for Hallam, Diriso, Evans and Batten all went begging. At the other end of the pitch Hucknall Keeper Kal Orton had little work to do thanks to some controlled defending from Smith, Towle, Newton and Green. Hucknall were so dominant it was surely only a matter of time before they would take the lead. In midfield the quartet of Diriso, Davies, Batten and Leivers played extraordinary well. Diriso and Leivers both got around the back of the defenders and put in dangerous crosses but again Sports just couldn’t find the goal they deserved.

Half-Time: Lowdham Colts 0 Hucknall Sports 0

Sports made three changes for the second half introducing Tom Eastwood on the left wing, Danny Darlow at centre forward and recent signing Jarrod Davies at centre half and all three players made an impact. Eastwood and Darlow sliced open the Lowdham defence on the right side but the pattern of the first continued Hucknall still couldn’t find the goal that their play deserved. Lowdham continued with long-ball tactics but Newton and Davies held firm held firm in the centre of defence. Colts best chance arrived in the form of a free kick after Orton had upended his man on the edge of the box and from the resultant shot Hucknall were relieved to see Orton push the ball onto the bar and the follow up header fly over. In truth that was really the only moment of danger such was the Sports dominance. With time running out Diriso looked certain to score only for his shot to squirm past the far post. But Hucknall kept believing that the goal would come and eventually it did. They won a corner on the far side and with boys lined up on the edge of the box to attack a cross to the penalty spot the team were ready for one final go a grabbing a goal. However Tom Eastwood had other ideas. Instead he curled a terrific looping delivery over the keeper and into the far corner. With only minutes left it was time for Sports to see the game out and Darlow showed great ball skills to keep the game in the Lowdham half. Things got a little unsavory towards the end and Colts frustration saw the tackles come flying in. Diriso was the victim of one crunching effort and was left reeling on the sidelines but we are happy to see him able to get to his feet in the end. The final whistle blew and Sports celebrated a well deserved victory.

Final Score: Lowdham Colts 0 Hucknall Sports 1

This match was one of Sports games in hand and it was really important to try and get the victory. The football at times was truly wonderful and so satisfying for the coaches to see training ground work put into practice to such great effect in the match.

Well done to all the boys for a great team performance where everyone did a brilliant job.

Ellis Evans

For the second week running choosing a man of the match award was incredibly difficult but the eventual, and worthy winner was Ellis Evans. Sports Team Manager had let him down badly the week before but all credit to him for taking the opportunity when presented to put in a brilliant performance and show what the Manager had been missing – well done Ellis.

Thrilling Draw for Sports

U15's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Hucknall Sports 2 Trowell Blue 2

30/11/13

Back row (left to right): James Stenson (Skipper), Joe Newton, Jarrod Davies, Ryan Towle, Kal Orton, Charlie Blatherwick, James Hallam, Danny Darlow, Maleek Batten

Front row (left to right): Matt Leivers, Tom Eastwood, Ellis Evans, Kieran Green, Dante Diriso, Dylan Smith, Mitch Davies.

Sports welcomed Trowell Blue to Goosedale Sports Complex for the reverse fixture of the first game of their 2013-14 Division One adventure.

In the earlier fixture Hucknall left feeling hard done by when going down 4-2 after having good chances to take the lead at 2-2.

The crowds turned out in force to witness a game between two sides renowned for playing stylish football. Sports were almost at full strength apart from their influential Skipper James Stenson whose long term injury continues to restrict his game-time. After a great performance last week Ryan Towle played alongside Joe Newton at centre-half and Matt Leivers earned himself a well deserved place in the starting line-up after performing brilliantly in training on the previous Thursday evening. Hucknall thought they had taken an early lead when James Hallam won the ball off of the Trowell defenders and slotted home neatly only for the referee to disallow the goal for an earlier infringement. Unusually, Trowell resorted to long ball tactics to try and release their lightening quick strikers and a mix-up between Sports defenders and goalie gifted them the lead when an innocent long punt sailed over everyone and into the back of the net.

Hucknall still looked likely to get back on terms and great work by Mitch Davies presented Kieran Green with the opportunity to pick out Hallam at the far post only for his header to miss by inches. Trowell were rocking and another effort from Sports was only kept out with a last gasp block on the line. Try as they might the goal that their play deserved just wouldn't materialise and Sports went into the break losing 1-0.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 0 Trowell 1

Hucknall entered the second half with instructions to continue playing their own game and not revert to desperate long balls. Charlie Blatherwick and Mitch Davies continued their great partnership in midfield and started to take control. Blatherwick showed some great inventive play as he looked to release his team mates with cleverly disguised passes and Davies ensured that Sports won every 50:50 ball with his terrific work ethic. Sports won a series of free-kicks in dangerous positions but just could not find the right delivery to make the opposition pay until Blatherwick smashed a 25-yard thunderbolt into the top right corner leaving the keeper with absolutely no chance. Hucknall were in the ascendancy now and moments later Maleek Batten made it 2-1 to Sports when he bundled the ball home. Trowell were shell-shocked and didn’t know what had hit them. But gradually they got their game going and started to threaten. But Sport looked strong and with the returning Jarrod Davies at the heart of defence Hucknall looked like they were on the verge of a famous victory. In the last moments Blatherwick was adjudged to have pushed his man and a free-kick awarded in a dangerous position. The first attempt went flying over the bar but the referee spotted another infringement and from the retake they made no mistake and equalised.

Final Score: Hucknall Sports 2 Trowell 2

Before the start of this game Sports might have been happy with a point but at the end you have to think that they deserved more. A fine save by Trowell’s keeper in the last moments of the game stood between them and victory.

But the team can take massive encouragement from this performance and it’s great to report that our play has won new fans from outside of Hucknall Sports.

Maleek Batten

It is often said that the choice of Man of the Match is a difficult task and that was never more true than today where every boy staked a claim. From front to back everyone can take a bow. However, the eventual winner was Maleek Batten who is continuing to improve every week - Well done, keep working hard and you’ll have a great season.

Sports come out on top in local Derby

Notts Youth League
U15's Saturday Division One 
Rolls Royce 0 Hucknall Sports 2
23/11/13

After a five week break followed by two weeks of cup matches Hucknall Sports had almost forgotten what league football felt like.Their stop start season had seen them complete only 4 league games and with Christmas and the bad weather fast approaching they needed to get their season going with a victory. 

But although Sports had had the best of the recent league games Rolls had turned over Sports only two weeks earlier to progress in the Cup so a tight game was predicted.Hucknall welcomed back Charlie Blatherwick into midfield alongside Mitch Davies and Ryan Towle filled in at centre-back in place of injured Skipper James Stenson.It was Sports who started the better and they laid siege to the Rolls goal from the outset. Wingers Tom Eastwood and Dante Diriso provided a constant threat and striker James Hallam continue where he had left off the previous week by terrorising his markers. 

It was HALLAM who opened the scoring for Hucknall when he got on the end of a clever through-ball from Maleek Batten to steer the ball past Eddie Ridley in the Rolls goal. Sports kept the pressure up and won a series of corners that were delivered expertly by Diriso and it was MITCH DAVIES who got the second from a corner when he smashed home a header at the far post. Hucknall were rampant and Rolls Keeper Ridley had to be at his best to keep out a Blatherwick rocket. Further shots from Diriso and Batten clattered the woodwork as Sports looked to extend their lead. Whilst at the back Dylan Smith, Ryan Towle, Joe Newton and Kieran Green limited Rolls to a few speculative long shots that never really threatened the goal.

Half-Time: Rolls Royce 0 Hucknall Sports 2

Sports introduced Matt Leivers, Ellis Evans and Danny Darlow in the second half knowing that Rolls would come storming out of the blocks looking for the goal that would get them back into the game.The midfield battle was intense and a few tackles brought tears to the eye, but Sports quartet of Davies, Leivers, Evans and Batten backed up by a tremendous defensive line thwarted Rolls time and again. Keiran Beales looked the most likely to present a threat but having got the better of Sports in the cup Hucknall were in no mood for a repeat performance from him. Sports soaked up the inevitable early pressure and managed to find Hallam or Darlow with clever out-balls. Hallam was tireless and on another day could have got a second half hat-trick, he chased everything down and took the pressure off his defence by forcing Rolls to play in their own half.Late in the game injuries to Batten and Davies forced Sports into more changes and Skipper Stenson returned for a 10 minute cameo performance to help steer his team over the line to victory.

Final Score: Rolls Royce 0 Hucknall Sports 2

In previous weeks Sports had looked out of sorts at times and the lengthy break from football had broken up any momentum that they had. But today they returned to their brilliant best. All the training ground work was put to practise and they got their rewards.
The whole team played their part in this victory but special mention goes to Sports backline for a job well done. A clean sheet in Division One is always a tough ask but today they never looked like conceding.

Kieran Green

The winner of the Man of the Match came from the defensive unit and the eventually winner was Kieran Green for terrific display where he defended stoutly, received the ball from his keeper and linked play to his midfielders with crisp and accurate passing – brilliant Kieran, well done.

Let’s use this performance to kick-on now boys!

Ashfield knock Sports out of Shield

U15's Shield

Ashfield 3 Hucknall Sports 0

19/11/13

For the third year running Hucknall Sports drew top Mansfield side Ashfield Youth in the Nottinghamshire Shield. Ashfield had got the better of previous encounters but only by a single goal.  So Sports went into this game hoping to reverse their fortunes.

On a poor pitch both sides started cautiously as they weighed each other up. Skipper James Stenson had to leave the field for a 'blood' injury early on and Ryan Towle stepped into the back line as cover whist he had treatment. Ashfield gradually increased the pressure and won a series of corners that Stenson and Joe Newton did well to deal with. The opposition were unlucky to see shots skim the woodwork and keeper Kal Orton made solid saves from those that were on target.Eventually, they broke the deadlock when Copeland found the back of the net as the ball was cleared to the edge of the area.

Sports were very lively up front and James Hallam gave a masterclass in leading the line. He never gave the Ashfield defenders any time to settle on the ball and unnerved them all afternoon and looked set to score only for a last ditch block by a defender.

Half-Time: Ashfield 1 Hucknall Sports 0

With the wind at their backs in the second half Sports looked to get back on level terms but as legs got tired then the mistakes started to creep in. Ashfield stretched Sports defensive line and grabbed two more goals to settle the match. Stenson had to leave the field once more for a nasty gash just below his knee. Maleek Batten and Tom Eastwood also suffered injuries and in the end it felt like 'last man standing' for Sports.

Final Score: Ashfield 3 Hucknall Sports 0

Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and accept that the better team won and today was one of those days. 

But Sports can take lots of positives from their play. They continued to try to be creative and looked to release players through a series of passes instead of a 'big boot' over the top.

Kal Orton managed to play short to his defenders on many occasions and in midfield Maleek Batten and Mitch Davies linked play really nicely at times.

James Hallam

Today's Man of the Match went to James Hallam for a terrific performance as centre forward. His work-rate was absolutely amazing and he ensured that the Ashfield defenders were kept on their toes all game long - well done James.

Rusty Sports crash out of Cup

U15's Cup

Hucknall Sports 1 Rolls Royce 3

9/11/13

  

After a five week gap Hucknall Sports U15’s at last took to the field in a cup match against local rivals Rolls Royce.

Sports had good possession early on and Danny Darlow went close to opening the scoring in the first 10mins when pushing an effort narrowly wide. Good combination play between Tom Eastwood and Kieran Green looked the most likely to create chances for Sports but Rolls defenders stood strong and did well. The lively Kieran Beales won a number of free-kicks in and around the edge of Sports penalty area but Hucknall keeper Kal Orton was more than a match and protected his goal well. Rolls were first to score when pulling a ball back from the goal line for Tom Dickin to drive home. With 10mins to go in the first half Mitch Davies received a ball from a throw-in level with Rolls penalty area and managed to find Ellis Evans who hit an absolute screamer to level the scores and set things up for a tense second half.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 1 Rolls Royce 1

Rolls took control of the game by scoring 2 goals in the first 20mins of the second half through Beales and an unfortunate own-goal by Maleek Batten when the ball rebounded of him and into the net from a corner. As Sports pushed to get back into the game they risked conceding further goals but keep Kal Orton was in great form and never looked like being beaten again. A great run and cross from Hucknall’s Green just evaded James Hallam and Matt Leivers at the far post. Rolls Keeper Eddie Ridley expertly dealt with long range shots from Ryan Towle. In the final moments Sports looked set to get back into the game only for Hallam to be denied by a good block and in the final moments Darlow’s wonderful run saw his lobbed shot land on top of the cross-bar.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 1 Rolls Royce 3

Sometimes it is simply not your day and today was certainly not Sports. They had the majority of the possession but just could not get the goals to win this game. We looked rusty and chose the wrong option time and again. But all credit to Rolls who were worthy winners on this occasion and best of luck in the next round of the Cup.

Kal Orton

Man of the Match today was won by Kal Orton. Being a goalie  is a thankless task where any mistake tends to result in a goal. But today’s performance was faultless – well done.

Goals Galore for Sports

U15's Shield

Bingham Town 0 Hucknall Sports 15 (fifteen)

5/10/13

The first round of the U15’s Shield saw Hucknall Sports drawn away to Bingham Town for a match played at Butt Fields. Sports had been cursing their finishing in front  of goal in recent games and hoped for a better outcome in this game.

Sports welcomed Ollie Bowley back to the starting line-up after a 6 months absence and started like an express-train. Within minutes James Hallam had a hat-trick by smashing in shots from all over the place, his speed in particular causing massive problems for Bingham’s defenders. Bowley marked his return with a goal and was unlucky to see a neat lob over the goalkeeper cleared off the line to deny him a second. Dante Diriso’s ricochet somehow found the back of the net J and Sports Keeper Kal Orton even got in on the act by coolly slotting a penalty into the bottom corner. Danny Darlow scored a nice effort and this was matched by partner-in-crime Maleek Batten who notched his first of the season for Sports with a well taken effort. But probably the goal of the half belonged to Tom Eastwood for a fantastic effort from 25 yards that flew into the top corner.

Half time: Bingham Town 0 Hucknall Sports 8

Despite losing heavily massive credit must go to the Bingham boys for sticking to the task and never entertaining the thought of throwing in the towel. They showed great resolve in the second half and were unlucky not to get the consolation goal they deserved. Special mention goes to their goalkeeper who made a number of fantastic saves, not least from an Ellis Evans penalty, to keep the score down. Diriso scored a typically brilliant effort after twisting and turning his way into the box. Unfortunately, the same boy was carried off moments later injured after a crunching tackle left him reeling in agony. Sports continued to score freely and goals from Darlow, Evans, Batten and Hallam took the final total to 15 (or was it 16, not sure).

Full time:  Bingham Town 0 Hucknall Sports 15

Well Sports finally found their ‘shooting boots’ in this game and let’s hope this is a sign of things to come  for the remainder of the season.

Sports know how it feels to be on the wrong end of this type of score so it was great to see the Hucknall boys showing Bingham the respect they deserved even in defeat.

Matt Leivers

Man of the Match today was won by Matt Leivers. He is the Lionel Messi of the team and showed everyone what a great talent he is. Well done Matt – terrific performance.

Finally, and on a personal note, welcome back Ollie – we’ve missed having you around.

Scorers:

Hallam 5, Bowley 1, Diriso 2, Darlow 2, Batten 2, Evans 1, Eastwood 1, Orton 1

Deja vu time for Sports

U15's Notts Youth League

Saturday Division 1 

Hucknall Sports 1 Greenwood Meadows 4

28/9/13

Sports welcomed Greenwood Meadows to Goosedale for Saturdays 3:00pm kick-off in Division One of the Under 15 league. Greenwood had made a 100% start to the season and thrashed Rolls 7-0 in their last game so Sports knew this was going to be the sternest of tests.

Hucknall had almost everyone to call on for once with only Matt Leivers and Ryan Towle unavailable. With the exception of a swap of Dante Diriso for Leivers Sports started with the same team that had done so well in the previous game against Long Eaton. Greenwood’s first attack saw them get around the back of Sports defence too easily and Hucknall were relieved to see the header loop up and over the cross-bar. Good work from Charlie Blatherwick in midfield found James Hallam in space and a wonderful pass inside the Greenwood defender presented a great chance for Diriso to go one-on-one with the keeper only to see his shot smothered at the second attempt. This served to give Sports a shot of confidence and for the next 20mins they penetrated Greenwood’s back line time and again. Tom Eastwood stood out as Sports danger man on the left side and turned his marker inside and out. Skipper James Stenson got on the end of an Eastwood corner and his fantastic shot just missed at the far post. More corners followed and Blatherwick went close in a scramble soon followed by a Mitch Davies shot being blocked on the line. Greenwood got a lucky break when a bad bobble in the penalty area presented them with the easiest of opportunities to take the lead. Hucknall responded by bringing Maleek Batten and Danny Darlow into the game and this helped make Sports the dominant team in midfield. Unfortunately, just prior to half-time Skipper Stenson had to limp off for the 3^rd week running with a recurrence of his hamstring problem.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 0 Greenwood Meadows 1

Sports were forced to move Mitch Davies to centre-half alongside Joe Newton with Blatherwick and Batten renewing their midfield partnership for the start of the second half. Greenwood used the strong wind to great effect and lumped the ball long time and again to try and exploit the space behind Sports defenders. Three quick goals followed and effectively the game was over, or so Greenwoood thought. But Sports refused to throw in the towel and continued to press forward. Batten and Eastwood combined well on the left side on a number of occasions but their crosses just could not find a Sports player and Greenwood were happy to clear their lines. Finally, the goal came when Blatherwick collected the ball on the edge of the area and drilled a lovely shot into the bottom right corner. Further chances followed for Sports and Kieran Green smashed a wonderful volley from just over the bar from the edge of the area. Blatherwick had another good shot saved and Dante Diriso made the most of his pace on the right-side to get around the back of the Greenwood defence but the goal would simply not come and the game finished 4-1.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 1 Greenwood Meadows 4

This was a great game of football played in the right spirit. Yes, Greenwood played well but for the second week running Sports will be ruing the missed chances early on and wondering what might have been had they taken them.

Lots of positives to take from the game though and much credit to the boys for refusing to give in. They created enough problems for the league’s top team to know that better times are just around the corner for Hucknall.

Mitch Davies

Man of the Match today was Mitch Davies. First half saw him give a terrific ‘midfield general’ performance where he lead by example and showed for the ball time and again. In the second half he played in centre defence and put in a battling performance alongside Joe Newton – well done Mitch, really great performance.

Brilliant Sports pay price for missed opportunities

U15's Notts Youth League

Saturday Division 1 

Long Eaton Utd 2 Hucknall Sports 1

21/9/13

After a week’s break Hucknall Sports U15’s made the journey to Long Eaton to resume their Division One campaign. Previous meetings between the two teams had been close affairs and Sports knew they were playing well without getting the ‘rub of the green’ on some vital decisions in their previous two matches.

Injuries meant that Danny Darlow and Maleek Batten did not travel to the game whilst Dante Diriso and Ryan Towle could only start on the bench. That said Hucknall began like a ‘house on fire’ and penned United into their own half for most of the first half. Sports midfield of Charlie Blatherwick, Mitch Davies, Tom Eastwood and Matt Leivers ran rings around the opposition and forced a number of free kicks around the edge of the box that Sports, regrettably, couldn’t convert into goals. All Sports possession and fantastic play needed rewarding with a goal and right on time up stepped Charlie Blatherwick to cap off a wonderful first half performance with a stunning drive low into the bottom corner from just inside the opposition penalty area. It was no more than Sports deserved and very soon after a brilliant turn and shot from Welsh-wizard Ellis Evans smashed the cross-bar with the keep ‘all at sea’. The only blight on a spectacular first period was an injury to skipper James Stenson who was replaced by Ryan Towle midway. Despite nursing an injury himself Towle stretched every sinew for his team and showed tremendous spirit to keep out the opposition and preserve his teams lead through to half time.

Half time: Long Eaton United 0 Hucknall Sports 1

Long Eaton were visibly shaken at half-time and it was clear their extremely vocal management team had sent them out with orders to regain the midfield battle from the early tackles that went flying in. The Referee had all one keeping things under control and had to stop play on numerous occasions to try and regain order. Sports keeper Kal Orton made a wonderful finger-tip save to knock a looping shot over the bar and Long Eaton felt harshly done by when the referee waved away appeals for a penalty. At the other end of the pitch Hucknall front man James Hallam terrorised the opposition back line to such an extent that at one point he had four defenders assigned to mark him. He still managed to break free and Sports thought they had won a penalty themselves when Hallam was caught by the goalie diving low to his feet in a one-on-one but the referee waved play-on once again. Long Eaton’s best player got his team back into the game when a speculative lofted shot crept in just below the bar and then with both team going for the win Long Eaton were awarded a penalty that Keeper Orton narrowly avoided tipping around the corner that took them into the lead.

Sports were not ready to throw in the towel and Blatherwick drilled a sumptuous shot from the edge of the area that the keeper did well to deal with. This was followed by a Davies volley that he just couldn’t stay over the top of after latching onto a Long Eaton clearance from a corner.

Diriso was introduce late on in an effort to snatch a late equaliser but despite all their efforts Sports just could not get the ball over the line.

Full time:  Long Eaton 2 Hucknall Sports 1

Such is the quality of Sports squad that even when missing five players through injury they still have the ability to take the game to Division One opposition. The only criticism that could be levelled at them is that they did not manage to convert all their fantastic play, particularly in the first half, into goals. It is no exaggeration to say that they could have been 3-0 by half-time.

Despite being disappointed not to take the points we will take massive positives from the performance and know that we are in good form for the rest of the season.

Dylan Smith

Tough to choose a Man of the Match winner today as the entire team did so well. However, the eventual winner was Dylan Smith who has started the season in tremendous form. He appears to be a yard quicker to the ball than anybody else on the pitch and is playing some wonderful football as well – brilliant Dylan, keep it up.

Some of the antics on the opposition touch line left a lot to be desired and 'Paul Daniels' would be impressed by their ability to make all the spare football's that were immediately returned to play when they were chasing the game suddenly disappear once they had take the lead.

Not to worry, our day will come and when it does it will taste really sweet.

Honours Even in Local Derby

U15's Notts Youth League

Saturday Division 1 

Hucknall Sports 2 Rolls Royce 2

10/9/13

Hucknall Sports first home game of Division One saw them host local rivals Rolls Royce in a 6:15pm kick-off at Goosedale Sports Complex.

Injury to Sports skipper James Stenson meant a last minute reshuffle that saw Ryan Towle drop to centre-half and Maleek Batten partner Mitch Davies in midfield.

For the second game running Hucknall started slowly and looked considerably off the pace. Rolls stroked the ball around nicely without ever threatening Sports goal apart from a shot low to the right corner that Kal Orton saved comfortably.

However, Hucknall eventually found their passing game and started to find plenty of space out wide.

Sports took the lead when a short throw-in was nicely controlled by Batten who skilfully beat his man and swung over a cross that James Hallam smashed into the back of the net to open his account for the new season. Shortly after Sports were two up when Rolls keeper fouled Tom Eastwood and Towle expertly dispatched the penalty to the bottom right corner.  Rolls were fighting to stay in the game and keeper Eddie Ridley made a number of outstanding saves.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 2 Rolls Royce 0

Hucknall started the second half really well and got forward at every opportunity. Batten hit the post, Hallam forced good saves from the Rolls keeper and Danny Darlow had a chance to put the game out of site but just missed with a brave header at the far post. Sports knew that the next goal was going to vital and they looked odds-on to score until Rolls nicked on one the break through Trevell Lindo.

This gave Rolls renewed hope of victory and they worked hard to try and get the equaliser with a serious of Wimbledon-like long throws.

A full 6mins into injury time Rolls were awarded an indirect free-kick and in the ensuing scramble the ball was bundled into the back of the net with the last kick of the game.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 2 Rolls Royce 2

Poor officiating certainly affected the outcome of this game and quite where that amount of injury time came from when the trainer was on the pitch only once in the second half we will never know. The award of an indirect free-kick was baffling given that Sports keeper Kal Orton was caught with a late challenge after gathering the ball but the referee obviously didn’t see it.

That said, Sports will know that they had the chances to put this game well beyond their opponents and need to be more clinical in front of goal.

We are all disappointed but will use this to strengthen our resolve to do well in this division.

James Hallam

Today’s winner of the Man of the Match Award was James Hallam for an outstanding performance at centre forward where he was almost unplayable at times. He ran the Rolls defence absolutely ragged – well done James, awesome.

Tough Start for Sports

U15's Notts Youth League

Saturday Division 1 

Trowell 4 Hucknall Sports 2

7/9/13

Hucknall Sports started their Notts Youth Division One campaign travelling to Pitt Lane for an away match against Trowell, a team tipped to win the division by many after an impressive season last year.

Sports had their entire squad to choose from and set themselves up with Ellis Evans playing just behind striker James Hallam. But they couldn’t have got off to a worse start when slack defending saw them concede a goal in the second minute.

Hucknall’s Keeper Kal Orton had to be on his toes in the early stages of the game and bravely dived at the feet of the Trowell striker to thwart a one-on-one attempt and followed that with a fantastic, cat-like, leap to tip a ball that was heading for the top corner just over the bar.

Sports eventually got themselves going and Dante Diriso started to find a route round the back of the opposition defence. One such run resulted in a corner that Charlie Blatherwick headed just over. On another occasion Sports looked set to equalise but they just couldn’t find a clear shot on goal with the ball bouncing around penalty area and Trowell’s goalie finally grabbed hold of  it.

With the half drawing to a close Hucknall got a well deserved equaliser after debutant Danny Darlow coolly stroked home a penalty after Hallam had been adjudged to be tripped.

Half time: Trowell 1 Hucknall Sports 1

The second half was very even with both teams playing some great football at times. Again Sports paid the price for not clearing their lines and Trowell’s ‘bruiser’ of a centre-forward bundled the ball into the net.  This seemed to inspire Sports to up their game and Skipper James Stenson had a wonderful shot from the edge of the box that just missed the far post. For the second time in the game Sports brought the scores back to level when Maleek Batten was fouled on the edge of the box and Blatherwick smashed the free-kick straight over the goalie and into the net.

As the match was nearing full time a wonder full goal from Trowell’s right wing put them into the lead once more but Sports refused to lie down and had two fantastic opportunities to equalise but Hallam’s flick was cleared off the line and Maleek Batten’s header was somehow clawed away at the last minute.

With Sports pushing forward they got caught on the break and conceded a penalty in the final seconds.

Full time:  Trowell 4 Hucknall Sports 2

Welcome to Division One boys. This was a tough game and we know that we can play much better but that said you can count yourselves very unlucky not to have taken something from the game. The opposition manager was full of praise for the way we refused to lie down and predicts a bright season for us – let’s make sure that we all work hard and do that. Our season starts Tuesday night now!

Dylan Smith

Today’s winner of the Man of the Match Award was Dylan Smith for an outstanding performance at right-back – well done Dylan, awesome.

2013-2014 Kit

2013-2014 Training Balls

2013-2014 Home Shirt

2013-2014 Home Shorts

2013-2014 Home Socks

Mansfield Referees Tournament Winners

Bentinck Miners Welfare, Kirkby-in-Ashfield
7/7/13

Congratulations to all the boys who won the Mansfield Referees Tournament this weekend.
In sweltering conditions they played x6 league games lasting 8 mins each and secured a place in the semi-finals thanks to 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss.

Sport faced Chesterfield Town in the semi's and had the lions share of the chances but just couldn't find the back of the net and the game went to a penalty shoot out. Hucknall were victorious thanks to fine penalties from Maleek Batten and Ellis Evans and two magnificent saves from Kal Orton.
In the Final Sports were drawn against Notts Colts and played superbly well to run out 2-0 winners with Matt Leivers and Maleek Batten scoring the goals.

Back Row (left to right): Tom Eastwood, Maleek Batten, Kal Orton, Ellis Evans
Front Row (left to right): Keiran Green, Dante Diriso (Captain), Matt Leivers

To win this tournament was great, but the style in which the boys played was equally pleasing. We conceded just 3 goals all day, played some great stuff against quality teams and scored some lovely goals of our own with Matt Leivers scoring the goal of the tournament in the final.

Team Report - Season 2012-2013

After splitting the leagues in two this literally became a tale of two seasons for Hucknall Sports U14’s.

Prior to Christmas Sports played in Division 2a and came runners-up with a fantastic record of:
Played 10, Won 7, Draw 2, Lost 1

After Christmas the boys played in Division 1b and missed out on Runners-up by a single point.

Season highlights include:

• Promotion
• 3^rd place in Division 1b
• Narrowly losing to Ashfield, the eventual winners of the Nottinghamshire Shield
• Double over our local rivals

It’s with mixed emotions that I mention since September there have been a number of changes in personnel, with four boys leaving and three new additions coming in. All the new boys have made a massive impact and helped improve the standard of football in the team such that we have retained our status as a Division One team for next year.

Personal thanks from Stewart to ‘Rue’ Hallam who has crafted a fantastic set of training drills that has sought to teach the boys to play a wonderful attractive style of football. Also, thanks to Justin Stenson for helping coach the boys too.

Many thanks to Dave Newton, Julian Davies and Adrian Evans for having the courage to volunteer for the linesman duties.

Thanks to Vonny Hallam for looking after the teams finances.

Thanks to all the mums and dads for their fabulous support and making sure the boys turn up to matches on time and in good spirits.

Final thanks to our sponsors Nottingham Audi and Belmar Services for their invaluable support.

At last season’s Presentation Evening we were feeling a little sorry for ourselves after missing out on promotion by goal difference. So, huge credit to the boys for rolling their sleeves up and showing the determination to put that right this time around. The two mini seasons have proven to be extremely competitive with no easy games. As a manager you want your team to improve and we have certainly done that. The football at times has been breathtaking and the boys deserve all the plaudits they have received for a fantastic 9 months.

Squad for the season included:

1. Kal Orton
2. Dylan Smith
3. Joe Newton (Captain)
4. James Stenson
5. Kieran Green
6. Ellis Evans
7. Mitch Davies
8. Matt Leivers
9. Ryan Towle
10. Dante Diriso
11. James Hallam
12. Charlie Blatherwick
13. Tom Eastwood
14. Maleek Batten
15. Jacob Barlow
16. Oliver Bowley
17. Owen Everton

Players Player of the Year

It was great to be able to welcome this boy back "home" for this season. He started his football with Hucknall Sports at the age of 6 before having to leave for pastures new when his team folded.  His impact has been enormous and he has provided the final piece to our impressive defensive line.

But he is a defender in the new mould and is just as comfortable setting up a goal as preventing one. His attitude is exemplary and it is impossible to recall him having a bad game.

This seasons Players Player of the Year is KIERAN 'GREENY' GREEN. 

Managers Player of the Year

In such a special season it is fair to say that any of the boys could have won this award. But this boy just pipped his team mates. He can play many different positions from defence to attack. He is superstitious and despite having brand new kit he has worn his lucky socks from two seasons ago all year long. 

He has terrorised the opposition right-backs all season and is joint top scorer with 18 goals and when you consider he is a midfielder that is a terrific return.  I know that he will be an extremely popular choice with everyone connected to the team.

This year’s winner of Managers Player of the Year is TOM 'EASTY' EASTWOOD

Most Improved Player

The award for Most Improved Player was very close as every boy in the team has improved their performance this season. In the end the winning margin for the second season running was just one vote.

There are few things more satisfying for a coach than a boy improving his footballing ability. From the age of 6 there was never any doubt that this boy had pace and skill in abundance but this season he has added strength and stamina to make him a first choice on the team sheet.

Playing up front or in midfield, it is clear that he has put a great deal of his own time into perfecting his football skills and he and his team mates are reaping the benefits.

He is the baby of the team in age only.

The Winner of the Most Improved Player is – DANTE DIRISO

Valiant Sports settle for Third Place

U14's Saturday Division 1b 
Long Eaton United 2 Hucknall Sports 0

8/5/13  

Sports final game of the season took them to Long Eaton United in need of a point to secure Runners-Up spot. Playing on the first-team pitch should have made for a showcase of football between two of the best teams in the league. But the surface was dreadful and resembled a 'park' pitch instead. Earlier in the season the two teams had met and there had been 'issues' that  meant any thoughts of Long Eaton doing Sports a 'favour' were highly unlikely.


In a very cagey first half it was Maleek Batten and Tom Eastwood who looked the most dangerous players for Sports. Batten with his rampaging runs through midfield caused mayhem and Eastwood continued his fine form on the left wing and got around the back of the United defence on numerous occasions.

After early scares from the United left winger Sports defenders rarely looked troubled and dealt with everything that the opposition had to throw at them. But with defenders on top both teams went into the break all square.

Half time: Long Eaton 0 Hucknall Sports 0

Matt Leivers entered the game in the second half as Sports pushed forward looking for goals. A corner from Sports left looked like it had been turned into the net for an own goal only for it to graze the post and go wide.
Then a seemingly innocent run at Sports right back saw Long Eaton score from the narrowest of angles when the ball somehow found the back of the net only yards from the goal-line.
Hucknall changed to three at the back and reintroduce Hallam and Diriso but just couldn't find a way to goal.

Full time: Long Eaton 2 Hucknall Sports 0

I thought we looked a bit tired today and maybe let the occasion get the better of us instead of playing our normal game.

Man of the match was Dylan Smith for a great performance against one of the most dangerous strikers in the league - well done Dyl.

At the start of the season we would have snapped your hand off for Promotion and then 3rd place in Division 1b. But I can't help feeling that we were worthy of Runners-Up spot and missed an opportunity.

Have a great Summer boys and look forward to next season in Division 1 of Notts Youth League.