Honours even on return to Division One

U14's Saturday Division 1B 

Hucknall Sports 2 Hyson Green 2

12/1/13   

Having secured promotion back to Division 1b Sports first game saw them up against Hyson Green. The last time that the teams had met in league action Sports had come out on top with a win and a draw. However, due to limited availability and last minute injuries Hucknall started this match with just 11 players and they knew they would all have to work extremely hard to get a positive result.

Changes to the squad meant a different formation was required. Jacob Barlow played the striker role with James Hallam, Dante Diriso slotted into right midfield with Ellis Evans on the left and Tom Eastwood moved to centre mid alongside Ryan Towle. Hucknall started the better and Eastwood in particular relished his new role and tested the keeper early after a good run and shot. Barlow showed some clever touches to hold up the ball and create the chance for the midfield to link up with the strikers. Sports created the opening when an inch perfect pass from Ryan Towle found HALLAM who finished with all the quality of the top striker that he is. Eastwood and Hallam tested the keeper once again but were unfortunate to see their shots just drift wide. Hyson Green started to win more of the ball in midfield as the half progressed and won a series of corners that Hucknall’s defenders dealt with manfully. Keeper Kal Orton took a kick in the ribs when diving at the feet of the on rushing Green striker and Dylan Smith had to be alert to cleverly clear the ball with three Green strikers bearing down on him. But Sports went into the break leading 1-0.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 1 Hyson Green 0

Sports made the perfect start to the second half when EASTWOOD won the ball in midfield, beat a couple of men and smashed an unstoppable shot high into the top corner for an early contender for ‘goal of the season’. Then Hyson Green’s scored an identical goal of their own giving Kal Orton no chance with a shot to the top corner also. It was ‘game on’ now and Green quickly scored an equaliser when they managed to get around the back of Sports defence to put in a cross that was easily converted. Understandably Green’s tails were up and they bombarded the Hucknall goal but tremendous defending from the back-line saw tackle after tackle keep the score line level. Hucknall were reduced to playing on the break and a Barlow found space on a couple of occasions and was unlucky to be closed down just as he was about to test the keeper. Sports thought they had restored the lead when a fantastic shot from outside the box was pushed onto the cross-bar and bounced on the line before being clear to safety. The final whistle blew with both teams looking for a winner. But in the end a draw was probably the right result in a wonderfully entertaining game.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 2 Hyson Green 2

Sports fielded 11 heroes today in this game and although they will be disappointed not to have won they should be proud of a wonderful team performance. Fantastic goals, wonderful midfield play and amazing defending all contributed to terrific game.

Amongst many great performances the work rate of Tom Eastwood stood out and Keeper Kal Orton deserves special mention for his bravery.

But Sports Man of the Match today was James Stenson for a stunning performance at the heart of defence – well done James. Alongside captain Joe Newton they ‘bossed’ the dangerous Hyson Green strike partnership and I can’t remember a single chance to score being offered.

Welcome to Division One boys.