Leivers inspires Sports to victory

U14's Saturday Division 1b 

Lowdham Colts 1 Hucknall Sports 2

9/2/13   

Hucknall Sports travelled the short distance to Lowdham for their second game in Division 1b of the YEL to play a Lowdham Colts team who had started with a draw and a loss. Sports were missing Dylan Smith and Charlie Blatherwick but fielded a strong squad of 12 boys looking to put last week’s Shield disappointment behind them.

A last minute change of venue saw the game kick-off at Lowdham Playing Fields on a dreadful, boggy, pitch with long grass and a disgusting amount of dog mess!

Despite the conditions Hucknall started like an express train. Dante Diriso on the right and Jacob Barlow on the left provided the width to enable Sports to get around the back of Colts defence, with Barlow in particular proving a constant threat. For all their pressure and good play it looked like Hucknall would not be rewarded with a goal. But then a wonderful move stared in their own half when Kieran Green expertly ‘showed’ for the ball from a throw-in by Matt Leivers released JAMES HALLAM from his marker to put his team into the lead with a well taken goal.

This was quickly followed by cool play from James Stenson who snuffed out any danger with a ball back to keeper Kal Orton who set Green free to storm up the pitch and find TOM EASTWOOD who smashed the ball beyond the Colts keeper for a great second goal for Sports.

Hucknall thought they had scored a third when Eastwood picked out Hallam at the far post but a combination of goalkeeper and woodwork saw the ball bounce extremely close to being over the line before being hoofed clear. Colts breathed a mighty sigh of relief as the half-time whistle blew and they regrouped in the changing rooms to collect their thoughts.

Half time: Lowdham Colts 0 Hucknall Sports 2

Sports had the first attack of the second half but, predictably for a team used to playing at the highest level, Lowdham reorganised themselves and looked much more threatening going forward. Hucknall’s backline of Matt Leivers, James Stenson, Captain Joe Newton and Kieran Green really had to be on their toes as wave after wave of attacks were repelled. Colts got themselves back into the game when a jinking run through midfield managed to evade a number of Sports tackles and the ball was slotted into the net. A good chance to equalised was spurned at the far post but gradually Sports took back control of the match. Hucknall reorganised their midfield to take on a stronger shape and finished the game in the  ascendancy.

Hallam’s late free kick was well saved and in the final moments a mesmerising run from Diriso brought a magnificent save from Colts keeper.

The final whistle blew and Sports were victorious.

Full time:  Lowdham Colts 1 Hucknall Sports 2

Hucknall’s first half performance was a joy to watch for their coaching staff and fans. The boys movement was fantastic and they made the game look easy. In the second half it was a battling performance that saw them through.

You don’t win games in this division without everyone making a contribution and that was certainly the case today where every boy can consider it a job well done.

Today’s winner of the Man of the Match Award was Matt Leivers.

Playing his first full game for Sports since signing in November he showed what a talented boy he is. He has had to be patient for an opportunity to start but after a performance like today’s I am sure he won’t have to wait too much longer for the next.

Well done Matt – outstanding performance at right back.