Ashfield knock Sports out of Shield

U15's Shield

Ashfield 3 Hucknall Sports 0

19/11/13

For the third year running Hucknall Sports drew top Mansfield side Ashfield Youth in the Nottinghamshire Shield. Ashfield had got the better of previous encounters but only by a single goal.  So Sports went into this game hoping to reverse their fortunes.

On a poor pitch both sides started cautiously as they weighed each other up. Skipper James Stenson had to leave the field for a 'blood' injury early on and Ryan Towle stepped into the back line as cover whist he had treatment. Ashfield gradually increased the pressure and won a series of corners that Stenson and Joe Newton did well to deal with. The opposition were unlucky to see shots skim the woodwork and keeper Kal Orton made solid saves from those that were on target.Eventually, they broke the deadlock when Copeland found the back of the net as the ball was cleared to the edge of the area.

Sports were very lively up front and James Hallam gave a masterclass in leading the line. He never gave the Ashfield defenders any time to settle on the ball and unnerved them all afternoon and looked set to score only for a last ditch block by a defender.

Half-Time: Ashfield 1 Hucknall Sports 0

With the wind at their backs in the second half Sports looked to get back on level terms but as legs got tired then the mistakes started to creep in. Ashfield stretched Sports defensive line and grabbed two more goals to settle the match. Stenson had to leave the field once more for a nasty gash just below his knee. Maleek Batten and Tom Eastwood also suffered injuries and in the end it felt like 'last man standing' for Sports.

Final Score: Ashfield 3 Hucknall Sports 0

Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and accept that the better team won and today was one of those days. 

But Sports can take lots of positives from their play. They continued to try to be creative and looked to release players through a series of passes instead of a 'big boot' over the top.

Kal Orton managed to play short to his defenders on many occasions and in midfield Maleek Batten and Mitch Davies linked play really nicely at times.

James Hallam

Today's Man of the Match went to James Hallam for a terrific performance as centre forward. His work-rate was absolutely amazing and he ensured that the Ashfield defenders were kept on their toes all game long - well done James.