Disappointing end to a great game

Under 14 Saturday Cup
16-3-13
Long Eaton 2 Hucknall Sports 1

Sport drew first division rivals Long Eaton in the first round of the YEL Cup and arrived at the game in great spirit after a fantastic win the previous week.

Both teams are renowned for playing a 'passing' game but were going to have their work cut out on a truly dreadful pitch. Credit then to them both for getting the ball down and playing some nice football and the opening exchanges were very evenly matched. Hucknall welcomed back Mitch Davies into midfield and along with the impressive Ryan Towle, Matt Leivers and Tom Eastwood they set about ensuring that the opposition would not be able to control play as they like to do. Long Eaton struck first with a well taken goal  but Sports hit back almost immediately when Eastwood's shot looped over the keeper only to cannon back off of angle and post. Soon after Sports were awarded a free kick on the left side of the penalty area and this time they did get back on level terms when MITCH DAVIES smashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Soon after Dante Diriso made a dangerous run and was unlucky to see his shot hit the side netting. James Hallam linked well with Eastwood on the left side and smashed a ball across the area that Sports just could not convert. Hucknall were well on top as the referee blew for half time.

Half time: Long Eaton 1 Hucknall Sports 1

Sports introduced Ellis Evans in the second half and he was instrumental in feeding Diriso wide on the right but as he lined up his shot the Long Eaton defender got a block in and the ball was put out for a corner. Hucknall looked odds-on to take the lead and a great header from James Stenson looked goal bound but was cleared as it headed for the back of the net.
With time running down both teams gambled for the winner by pushing players forward and Long Eaton scored what turned out to be the winner when a slide-rule pass put in their left winger for his second of the game. Sports were not ready to give up hopes of an equaliser and Tom Eastwood's shot looked to be heading over the keeper only for him to make a great save.
In the final moments of the game and with Sports pushing more and more men forward they got caught on the break and were punished with a red card for James Stenson's last minute challenge.

Full time: Long Eaton 2 Hucknall Sports1

No one can fault Sports players effort in this game where they played well enough to win two matches let alone one. On a poor pitch they did some great stuff and continued where they left off the previous week.
There were so many good performances that the entire team were in line to take the award for man of the match for the second week running.

Unfortunately though, all the good play was over shadowed by the accusations of disrespecting the referee and opposition manager.
We can argue for a more common sense approach to the awarding of a red card with only moments to go but the other matters are very serious issues and our fate is in the hands of the FA.