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.