Sports put Colts to the sword

U15's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Lowdham Colts 0 Hucknall Sports 1

07/12/13

Hucknall Sports traveled the short distance to Lowdham for their Division One fixture with Lowdham Colts. Sports had played Colts in last season’s Spring league and done well but after beating Rolls Royce last week Lowdham were high in confidence.

Hucknall got off to an electric start and were unlucky not to take the lead in the opening 5mins when they hit the post in a goalmouth scramble and Lowdham were grateful to see the ball bounce back into their goalkeepers hands. Wave after wave of  attacking football from Hucknall created chances galore but try as they might opportunities for Hallam, Diriso, Evans and Batten all went begging. At the other end of the pitch Hucknall Keeper Kal Orton had little work to do thanks to some controlled defending from Smith, Towle, Newton and Green. Hucknall were so dominant it was surely only a matter of time before they would take the lead. In midfield the quartet of Diriso, Davies, Batten and Leivers played extraordinary well. Diriso and Leivers both got around the back of the defenders and put in dangerous crosses but again Sports just couldn’t find the goal they deserved.

Half-Time: Lowdham Colts 0 Hucknall Sports 0

Sports made three changes for the second half introducing Tom Eastwood on the left wing, Danny Darlow at centre forward and recent signing Jarrod Davies at centre half and all three players made an impact. Eastwood and Darlow sliced open the Lowdham defence on the right side but the pattern of the first continued Hucknall still couldn’t find the goal that their play deserved. Lowdham continued with long-ball tactics but Newton and Davies held firm held firm in the centre of defence. Colts best chance arrived in the form of a free kick after Orton had upended his man on the edge of the box and from the resultant shot Hucknall were relieved to see Orton push the ball onto the bar and the follow up header fly over. In truth that was really the only moment of danger such was the Sports dominance. With time running out Diriso looked certain to score only for his shot to squirm past the far post. But Hucknall kept believing that the goal would come and eventually it did. They won a corner on the far side and with boys lined up on the edge of the box to attack a cross to the penalty spot the team were ready for one final go a grabbing a goal. However Tom Eastwood had other ideas. Instead he curled a terrific looping delivery over the keeper and into the far corner. With only minutes left it was time for Sports to see the game out and Darlow showed great ball skills to keep the game in the Lowdham half. Things got a little unsavory towards the end and Colts frustration saw the tackles come flying in. Diriso was the victim of one crunching effort and was left reeling on the sidelines but we are happy to see him able to get to his feet in the end. The final whistle blew and Sports celebrated a well deserved victory.

Final Score: Lowdham Colts 0 Hucknall Sports 1

This match was one of Sports games in hand and it was really important to try and get the victory. The football at times was truly wonderful and so satisfying for the coaches to see training ground work put into practice to such great effect in the match.

Well done to all the boys for a great team performance where everyone did a brilliant job.

Ellis Evans

For the second week running choosing a man of the match award was incredibly difficult but the eventual, and worthy winner was Ellis Evans. Sports Team Manager had let him down badly the week before but all credit to him for taking the opportunity when presented to put in a brilliant performance and show what the Manager had been missing – well done Ellis.