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.
U14's Saturday Division 1b
Hucknall Sports 1 Keyworth United 1
27/4/13
With Goosedale Sports Complex already given over to cricket Hucknall invited Keyworth United to make the long journey to Newstead Recreational Park instead. If Keyworth won they would clinch Runners-up spot and leave Sports in third.
Both Dante Diriso and Ellis Evans were injured for this game and Sports mercurial midfielder Charlie Blatherwick was absent. So, not for the first time, Sports reshuffled the 'pack' . The teams started a little nervously and another poor pitch didn't really help generate good football. If anything Sports looked the more dangerous and Hallam did well early on to create a chance for Eastwood to shoot but he just couldn't get the ball out of his feet to enable a connection that would find the back of the net. Both teams won their share of corners but defenders handled the situation admirably. Chances were hard to come by but Eastwood had a serious shout for a penalty turned away and Towles dead-ball deliveries were ever dangerous but Sports just could not capitalise.
Half time: Hucknall 0 Keyworth 0
In the second half Sports applied the early pressure and a great run from Matt Leivers won a penalty when he was fouled in the box. RYAN TOWLE had no hesitation grabbing hold of the ball and expertly dispatching it to the bottom right corner to put his team into the lead. Sports looked for more but just could not find the next goal. Keyworth's most dangerous attempts came from a series of free kicks and the warning signs were there for Sports defenders to keep their concentration. With the game looking to be heading Hucknall's way another long punt of a free kick fell to the feet of their unmarked striker only for Sports keeper Kal Orton to deny him with a fabulous reaction save. But cruelly the ball rebounded off of his own defender and into the back of the net. Hucknall might have been deflated but they gathered themselves one more time for the winner but despite looking to have won a free kick in a dangerous position a corner was given instead. The final whistle blew all too soon and Hucknall had to settle for the draw.
Full Time: Hucknall 1 Keyworth 1
Sports have every reason to feel slightly robbed in this game given that they came so close. But Runners-up spot goes down to the last game of the season. Win that and the boys will be double runners-up in the same football calendar.
Man of the Match today went to Matt Leivers who has improved enormously as this season has progressed. He continues to set the example to others and makes the game look easy - well done Matt, keep it going.
At the start of the season we wanted to be a First Division team and the boys have delivered that. Now we have a chance to turn a good season into a GREAT one.
Come on boys, I know you can do it.
