Trowell knock Sports out of the Cup

U16's Notts Cup

Trowell Blue 5 Hucknall Sports 1

6/12/14

After having beaten Keyworth comprehensively in the previous round Sports entertained Trowell Blue from Division One in the 3rd round of the Notts Youth League Division One cup. Knowing that the Quarter Final had paired the winners against Second Division leaders Basford should have provided all the incentive that Sports needed to try their hardest for the victory. However, come match day a severe frost threaten the game even going ahead but after a last minute switch to Sports home ground of Goosedale and even then a change from the cottage pitch to pitch 4 the match finally started.

Despite a dreadful pre-match warm-up session from Sports everything looked set for a victory in the opening exchanges and Ellis Evans put Hucknall into the lead after a great move that was started by Matt Leivers in the left-back position. But instead of driving on and seizing a wonderful opportunity to progress in the competition Sports let Trowell back into the game. All the flowing football from Hucknall dried up and instead the players were looking for something to happen instead of taking charge of making things happen instead. Almost inevitably Trowell got themselves back into the match when Sports defenders failed to clear the danger and at half time the game was evenly balanced at 1-1

Half-Time: Trowell Blue 1 Hucknall Sports 1

Sports entered the second half with instructions to play THEIR game which is based on pass and move but in truth all movement was in short supply. All too often possession of the the ball was lost and Trowell continued to threaten. Sloppy defending presented two easy chances for the Blues to surge into the lead and they didn't need to be asked twice. 3-1 soon became 4-1 when Matt Leivers tackle was rightly adjudge to be a foul and Trowell smashed home the resultant penalty. Hucknall carried a little more threat when Davies returned to his normal midfield role but the goal to get Sports back into the game just wouldn't come and final misery arrived in a fifth for Trowell.

Full-Time: Trowell Blue 5 Hucknall Sports 1

Well this was truly disappointing and belied the recent good form that Sports had been showing. We have proven that we can beat the top teams in this league but today Trowell wanted this victory more than Sports an in the end that's what saw them through.

The warning signs were there in the warm-up when a lack of discipline meant some boys started the game looking totally disinterested. We can all make excuses that we lost our Skipper and midfield dynamo. But that should not have caused a problem when having 16 players to chose from. The opposition had a bare 11 boys and were missing both Jacobson and Clarke up front!

Given other Cup results it now appears that the route to the semi final is Trowell's for the taking and with Dunkirk losing to Spiders it really is anyone's cup - but not Sports.

Let's hope that the 'real' Hucknall Sports turn up in the New Year.

Seven Up for Sports in the Shield

U16's Notts Shield

West Bridgford Harriers 2 Hucknall Sports 7

6/12/14

Sports travelled to Regatta Way for their Notts Shield 3^rd round match with Division 2 West Bridgford Harriers. Sports and Harriers had met many times in the past and Hucknall knew to their cost that the opposition always turned up with a positive attitude and looking to upset the form book.

As appears to be the norm with Sports their starting line-up was changed yet again from the previous week. Mitch Davies and Dylan Smith were stuck in traffic whilst Danny Darlow, Kieran Worthington and Maleek Batten were all missing. However, Sports couldn’t have started better when James Hallam smashed home after only 5 minutes when Jarrod Davies fed through a lovely through ball. But any thoughts of a Sports whitewash were quickly dismissed when Harriers got themselves back in the game with a neat finish when Sports defenders failed to clear the ball. Harriers confidence levels rose and for a 10 minute spell they really put Sports under pressure. A terrific in-swinging free-kick was headed over from close range and moments later Harriers were given the opportunity to take the lead when skipper James Stenson handled in his own area. Hucknall were let off the hook though as the spot-kick was skied up and over the bar. To add insult to injury Hucknall took the lead soon after when Adey Lang brought the ball down with a neat chest trap and played in Hallam for his second goal with a terrific left footed finish. Back came Harriers once again and Sports were thankful to a brilliant Matt Lievers tackle to avoid another chance on goal. Hucknall started to create more openings with Dante Diriso catching the eye with some great runs on his favoured right wing. Jarrod Davies was narrowly wide with a header from Lang’s corner and Ellis Evans well struck shot just missed at the far post. But half-time arrived with Sports holding the narrowest of leads in a very even sided game.

Half-Time: West Bridgford Harriers 1 Hucknall Sports 2

If the first half was close the second was not! Sports introduced Mitch Davies and Dylan Smith into the game and Davies soon made his mark. Hallam looked to be through for on goal again but his lobbed shot was clawed away by the Bridgford keeper. First to react to the loose ball was Davies though and he drove the ball home with the keeper trying desperately to recover his ground. Adey Lang got in on the scoring when he diverted a skillful volley past the wrong footed keeper after a great pass from Ellis Evans. Lang turned provider next when he freed Hallam to clinch his well deserved hat-trick and Man of the Match Award with a thunderbolt of a shot to take the score to 5-1. Hucknall were not done just yet. Jarrod Davies crashed a shot home after the ball broke free to him in penalty area and the final goal for Sports was calmly dispatched to the back of the net by Dante Diriso after great work from Eastwood and Lang. Harriers grabbed themselves a well deserved consolation goal and massive credit to them for keeping going and refusing to throw in the towel.

Full-Time: West Bridgford Harriers 2 Hucknall Sports 7

That’s two good victories on the bounce from Sports but without sounding churlish they know that they can play better football and will need to if they are to progress further in this competition. That said, on a bobbly, pitch they played some great football at times and the second half in particular was very good. This was a victory built on great passing and brilliant finishing.

James Hallam MOM

Today’s Man of the Match was James Hallam who gave a master class in scoring and showed great technique to finish well with both his left and right feet – well done James, keep it going.

On a day when we remembered the Christmas Day truce football match between English and German troops that took place 100 years ago on the frontline during World War One Sports could not have chosen a better opponent. Harriers are an example of all that is good in football and we wish them well for the rest of their season.

#footballremembers #properfootball

Sports not afraid of Spiders (again)

U16's Division One

West Bridgford Spiders 0 Hucknall Sports 1

29/11/14

After a disappointing loss to Keyworth on the previous weekend Sports traveled to high flying West Bridgford Spiders for their last league game of the year looking for a positive reaction and in need of three points.

Both teams are renowned for playing a stylish brand of football but faced with a ‘pudding’ of  a pitch they were going to find it a real struggle.

Missing several members of the squad Sports had to shuffle the pack and took the opportunity to play Ryan Towle in central defence and give Danny Darlow a run in central midfield. With traffic at a standstill on the ring road Skipper James Stenson and Dylan Smith arrived just as the team were about to kick off. Hucknall moved the ball around nicely trying to find a way through the mud but all too often the pitch intervened and thwarted any chance of fluid passing. The best chances to score looked like being from set pieces and a dangerous Tom Eastwood free-kick from the right edge of the penalty area was tipped over with a fine save from Spiders keeper. A clever Adey Lang corner to the near post nearly caught the opposition out but was scrambled away to safety. Later James Hallam thought he was through on goal but was narrowly adjudged off-side as he took aim. Hucknall’s new shape defence looked very solid and the only real notable danger came from a corner when the tall Spiders right-back stole in at the far post but Towle did enough to ensure that his header just missed the target. Full backs Matt Leivers and Kieran Worthington ‘showed’ for the ball at every opportunity and regularly threaded neat passes to their midfielders.

In a flash the first half was gone and the scores were still level.

Half-Time: West Bridgford 0 Hucknall Sports 1

After cleaning the mud from their boots Sports re-entered the game with the only change being Dylan Smith resuming his normal right-back position. Hucknall sensed a victory was theirs for the taking and Lang was desperately unlucky when he beat the keeper only for the ball to cannon off the post and back across the penalty area. Shortly after appeals for a penalty were waved away when the same player was dragged down in the area. Mitch Davies broke free on the left side and swung over a terrific cross but Dante Diriso’s header narrowly missed the target. Maleek Batten entered the game in central midfield and sent in a stinging shot that was well held by the keeper. Then a goal kick from Kal Orton picked out Diriso and his glancing header beat the defensive line of Spiders to set Lang free. Still with plenty to do Lang hit a ‘Ronaldo-esque’ shot that looped over the opposition keeper to give Sports a well deserved lead. Eastwood looked to have setup a chance to put the game out of reach but his cross for Hallam to score was judged offside. Sports had more chances but the opposition goal lead a charmed life as goal-bound shots were bundled away to safety. Spiders switched to a front three but Sports defenders were in no mood to concede goals today. The central combination of Towle and Stenson looked unbreakable and wing-backs Dylan Smith and Matt Leivers were simply immense not just for their tackling but also for driving their team forward in creative fashion rather than panicking and booting the ball clear. Spiders threw the kitchen sink at Sports looking for the equaliser and looked about to score when a ball broke clear just outside the penalty area for their striker to rifle in a blistering drive only for Hucknall keeper Orton make the save of the season and palm the ball onto the crossbar and then see his defenders clear away to safety.

Full-Time: West Bridgford 0 Hucknall Sports 1

How soon things can change in football. Last week we were scratching our heads wondering how we didn't get something out of the game. This week we were wondering how we would cope when playing a top team with a number of members of the squad missing. But this was a truly remarkable performance. From front to back every single boy put in a terrific performance and shows the strength in depth that we possess.

All credit to Rue Hallam for putting together a training ground drill to iron out the problems of last week, but even greater credit to the boys for having the belief to carry it onto the pitch.

For the second week running the winner of today’s Man of the Match was Mitch Davies. An almost impossible decision but the deciding votes came from opposition management and the referee who all picked out the same player for the award – well done Mitch, truly awesome performance.

Special mention goes to the defensive unit of skipper Stenson, Towle, Smith, Leivers, Worthington and not forgetting Keeper Orton and THAT save and our first clean sheet of the season in the league - well done boys.

Phew what a game!

#properfootball

Keyworth exact revenge on Sports

U16's Division One

Hucknall Sports 1 Keyworth Utd 2

23/11/14

Hucknall Sports entertained Division One Keyworth United for the third time this season and entered the game full of confidence after winning their previous encounters by 5-1 and 7-1.

As seems to be the case with Hucknall recently they started the game really well and used the space of the Cottage pitch at Goosedale to full effect. Jarrod Davies fired in a stinging drive that the Keyworth did well to turn around the corner. Soon after James Hallam broke free on the right side and rounded his marked to square a ball to Adey Lang who just couldn’t get his shot away before being closed down. In defence things were pretty quiet for Sports apart from long range free kicks and the occasional corner, one of which Sports were relieved to see just miss the target. In the move of the game Sports scored one of their trademark goals. Keeper Orton fed the ball to Matt Leivers who threaded a neat pass through to Mitch Davies in midfield. He in turn found Hallam on the edge of United’s box and in a single move he spun and smashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Sports lead was all too short lived though and as shot from Keyworth’s left winger was only parried into the path of their striker to score easily. Sports continued to create chances and Hallam looked to have scored his second after a neat interchange with Lang only to see his lofted shot rebound back off the cross –bar and away to safety.

Half-Time: Hucknall 1 Keyworth United 1

A head injury to Lang meant that Danny Darlow entered the game and Sports pushed Ellis Evans up front to partner Hallam in the second half. Hucknall gave it a real go in trying to get another goal to take the lead but it just wouldn’t come. In fact it was Keyworth who took the lead when a free-kick awarded in midfield was blasted to the far left side and a clever header looped up and over Orton into the Sports goal. Not for the first time this season Hucknall were left scratching their head and this was now going to be a real test of character. Jarrod Davies continued to provide the drive from Sports midfield and went as close as any Hucknall player to grabbing an equaliser on a couple of occasions – once with a shot in the area that clattered the angle of post and cross-bar and another when a towering header flew just over. In the dying moments Hallam won a penalty when he was unceremoniously taken out by the Keyworth goalkeeper but Lang’s penalty was well saved and Sports crashed to a surprising defeat.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Keyworth Utd 2

Looking back on this game the day after it is a real struggle to understand how Sports failed to get something from this match. But that’s football and we start again next weekend against West Bridgford Spider looking to make amends. Compliments from opposition supporters and management that Sports are the best ‘footballing’ team in the league are nice, but 3 points would be nicer.

MOM Mitch Davies

Today’s winner of the Man of the Match award was Mitch Davies. His work rate in midfield is second to none and he continues to improve by taking the training ground routines onto the pitch on match day – well done Mitch.

Finally, all the team and coaches would like to say a huge thank you to Audi Nottingham and especially Vonny Hallam for their continued sponsoring of the team and supply of this seasons new away kit.

Back row (left to right) Danny Darlow, Adey Lang, James Hallam, Ellis Evans, Jarrod Davies, Ryan Towle, Tom Eastwood, Joe Newton, James Stenson, Kal Orton

Front row (left to right) Kieran Worthington, Dante Diriso, Matt Leivers, Mitch Davies, Kieran Green (Skipper), Dylan Smith

#properfootball

No Luck for Sports

U16's Saturday Division One

Hucknall Sports 2 Dunkirk 5

15/11/14

After two successive weeks of cup games and a total of 24 goals Hucknall Sports entertained Dunkirk with confidence running high.

Dunkirk had the first attack of the game but Sports had the first scoring opportunity when James Hallam linked well with strike partner Adey Lang who cleverly lobbed the keeper but looked on in agony as his shot was scrambled off the line. Another terrific move saw Tom Eastwood set free on the left and his shot narrowly missed at the far post. With Sports having all the play it was important to make it pay and score the goal that they deserved. A clinical move involving Ellis Evans saw Jarrod Davies play a through ball to set James Hallam free in front of goal and he finished brilliantly to put Sports ahead. Dunkirk were shocked and the volume level from the touch line was increased as their defence looked vulnerable every time Sports got a hold of the ball. A hopeful ‘punt’ up field from Dunkirk brought about some indecision between Hucknall's defence and goalkeeper to present an easy chance to equalise and no mistake was made. But Sports were in no mood to take a back seat in this game and stormed forward time and again. Their brilliant build-up play was utterly mesmerising  but unfortunately they just couldn’t find the end product to put the ball into the net. Towards the end of the half Lang thought he’d won a penalty as he broke away from the Dunkirk keeper but his honesty in staying on his feet meant that the referee didn’t judge the tackle as a foul.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Dunkirk 1

Hucknall started the second half as they left off the first. But against the run of play Dunkirk took the lead with a good finish from a cross from the right hand side and then went further into the lead moments later. Sports were scratching their heads wondering how they could be losing this game after having all the play. Showing great resolve they got themselves back in the game when an Eastwood corner found Danny Darlow at the far post. His goal bound header was well saved but Jarrod Davies was on hand to smash in the rebound for his 11^th goal of the season to give Sports a chance.  A dubious free-kick awarded to Dunkirk wide on the left side should have presented no danger to Sports but a speculative ball looking for a far post header dropped into the back of the net after deceiving everyone. To add insult to injury Dunkirk put the game out of sight when they scored a fluke goal straight from a corner – if Sports didn’t have bad luck, then they would have no luck at all. As if things couldn’t get any worse Joe Newton was sent off for a second bookable offense and then Hucknall Skipper James Stenson was carried off with a nasty looking injury. Even playing with 10 men Hucknall were still creating chances but despite all their efforts the game was lost.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 2 Dunkirk 5

Sometimes it’s just not your day and today that was certainly the case for Sports. No one could question their desire and effort and there is little doubt that they played the best football. But next week is another game and a chance to put things right.

After all the events of Friday nights “Children in Need” it’s worth remembering that we are the lucky ones.

MOM Matt Leivers

Today’s winner of the Man of the Match award was Matt Leivers. He’s waited a long time to be given a chance to regularly start for Sports and even though he is playing out of position he has taken the opportunity with both hands -Well done Matt

#properfootball

Seventh Heaven for Sports

U16's Saturday Cup

Hucknall Sports 7 Keyworth Utd 1

8/11/14

Sports entertained Division One Keyworth United in the first round of the U16’s Saturday Cup. After a slow start to their season United had improved and came into this game with confidence high after a great draw with high flying Notts Coltz in the previous week.

For the first time in a long time Sports managed to field 16 players for a game with Maleek Batten welcomed back after an absence of almost 4 weeks with injury. Sports started at a blistering pace and a terrific run from Matt Leivers drew the defender out of position to enable Tom Eastwood to drive into the penalty area and he looked for all the world like he had put Sports into the lead only for the final shot to rebound off the inside of the post and into the goalies hands. Soon after a towering header from Jarrod Davies flew just over the bar from an Adey Lang corner and as other Hucknall chances went begging you couldn’t help wondering if Sports would live to regret them. Keyworth weathered the storm and when Sports central defenders got themselves into a muddle to present the easiest of chances to score they took the lead. This gave them all the confidence they needed and Sports where indebted to their returning keeper Kal Orton for an unbelievable point-blank save and moments later they held their breath as a breakaway from Keyworth resulted in a shot that just missed at the far post. The game seesawed for a little while but gradually Sports started to find more space in between the lines with Ellis Evans starting to pull the strings. A good move from Hucknall released Adey Lang on the right wing and his driven cross was headed in his own net by Keyworth’s centre-half. As Hucknall turned up the pressure Ryan Towle ghosted in at the far post to crunch his header home and put Sports into the lead. 10 minutes before half-time Hucknall introduced Dylan Smith and Mitch Davies to lock the door on any more chances for the opposition and Sports cruised to half-time with a goal advantage.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 2 Keyworth Utd 1

Hucknall kept the same shape in the second half and produced what was probably their best 40 minutes of the season so far. Adey Lang and James Hallam set about putting the game to bed and plundered 4 goals between them with Lang grabbing his second hat-trick of the season against Keyworth with a tremendous rasping volley the pick of the bunch and Hallam showing the strikers instinct to smash home from close range after great work from Tom Eastwood ;-) Sports introduced Batten and Kieran Worthington to close the game out and Batten was rewarded for his fight back from injury with his first goal of the season and Worthington’s brilliant left foot drive looked set for the top corner only to be gathered in at the last moment. Jarrod Davies neat turn and shot was also saved and another shot from Lang skimmed just wide but in the end Sports were just too strong for the opposition and the game was won.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 7 Keyworth Utd 1

It’s not possible to praise the boys highly enough for their play in this game and all 16 boys played their part in the victory. After going a goal down and maybe riding their luck a little they simply dominated the opposition from 30 mins into the game until the end. The play was simply breathtaking at times and the speed of attack amazing. Rest assured nobody will want to draw Sports in the next round.

MOM Adey Lang

There were many contenders for this week’s Man of the Match with Matt Leivers and Dylan Smith in particular counting themselves unlucky not to take the award after having their best games of the seasons. But today’s winner was Adey Lang for not only a terrific display of goal scoring but equally importantly some terrific training ground hold up play. Keyworth will be happy to see the back of him after he scored his second hat-trick of the season against them – awesome Adey, well done.

Finally, all the team and coaches would like to say a huge thank you to Audi Nottingham and Vonny Hallam for sponsoring our new away kit which looked simply terrific and was befitting today’s great performance.

#properfootball

Shield Victory for Sports

U16's Saturday Notts Shield - Round 2

Hucknall Sports 17 Sherwood Youth 0

1/11/14

After a one week gap due to school holidays Hucknall Sports U16’s entertained Sherwood Youth at Goosedale Sports Complex in the second round of the Notts Shield.

Sports changed their line-up slightly for this game and elected to go for a 4-3-3 formation with Ellis Evans playing in the ‘hole’ in front of a midfield three of Jarrod Davies, Tom Eastwood and Danny Darlow.

It wasn’t long before Hucknall had their first shot on goal when Adey Lang broke clear of his marker to square the ball to James Hallam who was unlucky to narrowly miss the target. The opening goal soon came though when Tom Eastwood smacked a looping shot up and over the advancing keeper and Sports were on their way. Hallam got himself on the score sheet as did Eastwood once again and all credit to the Sports strikers for unselfishly sticking to the game-plan and drawing defenders out of position to create the space in front of goal for the midfielders with Jarrod Davies being the main beneficiary as he helped himself to 5 first half goals. With Sports on top Ryan Towle, Charlie Blatherwick and Keiran Worthington all entered the game and as the goals flew in by half time the score was already 8-0.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 8 Sherwood Youth 0

More changes were made and Keaton Sharpe was rewarded for helping Hucknall through their mini goalkeeper crisis with a run outfield. In fact by the time this game was done Sharpe had played in pretty much every position possible including Keeper, Defender, Midfield and Striker. Try as they might though his Sports team mates just couldn’t tee him up for a goal. Many substitutions were made and boys were given chances to try different positions to what they might normally play but this didn’t stop the goal-fest. Davies secured his double hat-trick and Kieran Worthington scored his first goal for Sports with a neat header directly from a corner. Adey Lang grabbed a brace that included one shot that would probably have ended up in Bestwood Village had it not smashed into the back of the net. Returning from injury Towle and Blatherwick also got on the score sheet and by full time Sports had racked up 17 with the opposition unlucky not to find the net themselves for a consolation goal that they deserved.

Hucknalls goal scorers were: Danny Darlow 1, Jarrod Davies 6, Tom Eastwood 2, James Hallam 1, Adey Lang 2, Kieran Worthington 1, Charlie Blatherwick 1, Ryan Towle 1 and 2 own-goals.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 17 Sherwood Youth 0

Looking at the league positions before the game this appeared to be a game that Sports should have won and so they did. The value in this fixture is the rare opportunity to try out new formations and take training ground moves into a competitive match midway through the season. There were some really pleasing elements to Sports play and their patience on the ball was exemplary at times. Stiffer tests await in the next round for sure, but well done to everyone today.

MOM James Stenson

Today’s winner of the Man of the Match award was Skipper James Stenson for leading by example with a terrific professional attitude and respect for the opposition – thanks James.

A special mention for the opposition who fulfilled this fixture to the best of their abilities. They could have followed the lead of other teams in the competition and not even had the courage to play the game but they didn’t. Hucknall Sports players and parents will remember us losing by similar scores in our mini-soccer days. So all the best to Sherwood for the remainder of the season and thanks for the game.

Many thanks to Jo and Martin Eastwood of Belmar Services for sponsoring our new Training Tops – see picture attached.

Back row (left to right) Joe Newton, Ellis Evans, James Hallam, Danny Darlow, Keaton Sharpe, Ryan Towle, Jarrod Davies, James Stenson, Charles Blatherwick, Adey Lang,
Front row (left to right) Dante Diriso, Tom Eastwood, Kieran Worthington, Dylan Smith, Matt Leivers,
Kieran Green

Fluke Goal leaves Sports gutted

U16's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Hucknall Sports 1 Notts Coltz 2

18/10/14

Sports entertained Notts Coltz at Goosedale Sports complex with both teams looking to bounce back from defeats in the previous weeks.

Fair to say that both teams line-ups were almost unrecognisable with Sports playing Kal Orton at right-back instead of his customary goalkeeper position. Whilst in midfield last weeks MOM winner Ellis Evans moved to a more central position. The opening moments of the game were fairly even but Sports had the better of the chances to score.  A Tom Eastwood inswinging free-kick evaded everyone and narrowly missed at the far post. A near post shot by Mitch Davies from a Lang corner was cleared off the line and a repeat move almost brought about a goal moments later. Eventually Sports did take the lead when Lang smashed home from just inside the box after good work from strike partner James Hallam. In defense Sports rarely looked troubled as Notts reverted to a long ball game with Hucknall Keeper Keaton Sharpe safely dealing with everything that made its way through to him. Hucknall's best chance to extend their lead came towards the end of the half when the mercurial Danny Darlow jinked his way around a couple of players and pulled the ball back to the penalty spot where Lang blasted a first time shot that looked for all the world to be headed for the back of the net until a miraculous save from Notts keeper scrambled it away. 

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Notts Coltz 0

The second half was very similar to the first with Sports playing on the break with their lightning fast strikers terrorising Notts backline. Lang tested the keeper with a stinging shot that was parried away and then looked all set for a goal-bound shot only for a tremendous last ditched tackle from Darian Roberts to deny him. Coltz continued with their long ball tactics and got a lucky break when Sports failed to clear their lines and the ball was driven home. With 10 minutes to go Notts took the lead for the first time in the game when a 'shinned' attempt at a shot swerved away from the goal and Dylan Smith back-headed clearance rebounded off the head of the Coltz right winger and looped into the back of the net. Sports refused to throw in the towel and debutant Kieran Worthington had a terrific effort snatched from the top corner. Still chances fell to Sports but try as they might the goal just wouldn't come.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Notts Coltz 2

How Sports didn't get something out of this game I will never know. They created all the best chances and played all the creative football. Another wonderful performance from the opposition keeper has denied them of victory. It's never nice to lose, particularly when playing so well but Hucknall should keep their heads high and opposition management and coaches were full of praise for how well we did. 

Tom Eastwood MOM

Man of the Match today was Tom Eastwood. From the first moments of the game he drove his team forward. His team mates need to gamble a little more to make sure they get themselves into the box to be on the end of some terrific crosses. But this was an exhibition of wing-play that his old coach Andy Dorrans would have been so proud of, as are his current coaches - well done Tom.

Sports run out of steam against Pelican

U16's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Pelican 5 Hucknall Sports 1

12/10/14

On a good run of form Sports traveled over to Clifton Bridge for an away game with Pelican. This is a new team by name only as they contain some well known faces from top division one sides of the recent past.

Pelican got off to a good start and Sports were thankful to Keaton Sharpe's efforts in goal for keeping the scores level in the first moments of the game. But gradually Sports found their rhythm they began to dominate midfield. Mitch Davies curled a lovely pass into the feet of Adey Lang who was tripped in the penalty as he rounded the keeper looking odds on to score. From the penalty spot the Pelican keeper redeemed himself with a terrific double save to deny the unlucky Lang not once by twice. Pelican grabbed themselves a lead when Sports old-boy Buckley Gibson-Brown scored from a corner but Sports had done more than enough to suggest that they could find a way back into this game.

Half-Time: Pelican 1 Hucknall Sports 0

With Dylan Smith suffering from flu-like symptoms Dante Diriso entered the game and fifteen minutes into the second half Sports got themselves an equaliser when Jarrod Davies smash home his fourth of the season from inside the penalty box after a clever pass from Lang. Sports were tiring but continued to create chances with James Hallam narrowly missing from a difficult chance and then Lang got on the end of a terrific Ellis Evans through-ball to lob the keeper but watched in agony as the ball hit the post and bounced away to safety. Pelican introduced their speedy wingers and in a matter of 15 minutes put the game to bed with a four goal salvo. Having only arrived at the game with one substitute Smith had to re-enter the game when Diriso himself making a last ditched tackle and in the end Sports were out on their feet after a magnificent effort from only 9 fully fit players.

Full-Time: Pelican 5 Hucknall Sports 1

Looking at the final scoreline you would be forgiven for thinking this was a walkover for Pelican - however this would be far from the truth.
The fact of this game is that Sports didn't have enough fit players or substitutes to continue to play at the same pace as Pelican for the entire game. Had the match finished after 60 mins the game would have been all square - but through no fault of the boys on the pitch they simply couldn't last the distance.
This should take nothing away from a terrific performance where Sports played some great stuff and with a bit of luck in front of goal things would have been a lot different. Sure we have things to work on but its is clear that we have enough to match the best teams in the league.

Ellis Evans MOM

Man of the Match today was Ellis Evans. His ability to controlled the ball on  'six pence' was appreciated by both his own and opposition coaches. Couple this with the ability to pick a great pass and you have a lethal combination. Great stuff Els - keep it going.

Classy Sports too good for Long Eaton

U16's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Hucknall Sports 4 Long Eaton 1

5/10/14

Sports second home game of the season saw them up against Long Eaton United. Hucknall had made a steady start in their first 4 games but United were still searching for their first points. Injuries to Skipper Keiran Green and keeper Kal Orton meant that Sports had to make changes to the starting line-up again and brought in Keaton Sharpe for his debut in goal.

Playing on the super-flat surface that is the Cottage Pitch at Goosedale really suits Sports expansive game and from the off they looked in good form. Had it not been for a sterling performance in goal from the Long Eaton keeper Hucknall would have been out of sight in the first half but saves from James Hallam, Adey Lang and Ryan Towle kept the scores level. Sports needed a moment of magic and predictably it arrived in the form of Ellis Evans. He controlled the ball neatly in midfield and dinked a beautifully waited lob into the path of Lang who skilfully nicked the ball over the on-rushing keeper for a terrific opening goal. The chances kept coming for Sports with Jarrod Davies narrowly missing with a header from an inswinging Tom Eastwood corner. Eastwood himself was unlucky not to get on the score sheet when he volleyed just wide at the far post from a trademark Towle cross. Long Eaton’s best chances came from long punts over the Sports defence and the odd corner. But keeper Sharpe was alive to any danger and took full command of his penalty area. He also helped continue Sports football philosophy by quickly setting the attack going with some great distribution. Hucknall defenders were finding more time on the ball and it was great to see them having the confidence to ‘play from the back’ and move their team forward. This was a good half for Sports but more goals were needed to close the game out.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Long Eaton United 0

Sports were even more dominant in the second half as once again the combination of Mitch Davies and Jarrod Davies took a strangle hold of midfield. Time and again they broke up play and set Sports off on wave after wave of attacks. When the pass forward was not available they had the good sense to recycle and be patient. Everyone was playing well by now. Matt Leivers brought his training ground game to match-day and showed what a talented footballer he is. He continually made himself available to take possession from Sports keeper and then played simple, but effective, passes to the midfielders. Hucknall moved further into the lead when Jarrod Davies was upended in the penalty area and Lang grabbed his second of the game by dispatching the spot-kick to the bottom corner. Davies then got himself on the score sheet with another contender for ‘Goal of the Season’ after he drifted in from the left-side to curl a sublime effort beyond the reach of Long Eaton’s keeper and into the top right corner – not bad for a centre-half! Danny Darlow and Dante Diriso entered the game to keep the pressure up for more goals and Darlow almost scored with an outrageous effort that narrowly missed to the right of the goal. Hallam and Lang were terrorising their markers now and once more Long Eaton had their keeper to thank for keeping the score down. The last goal of the game deservedly went to Hallam after Lang broke free on the right side and squared the ball from the goal line for him to smash into the net. In the final moments Long Eaton grabbed themselves a consolation goal but this game well over before then.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 4 Long Eaton United 1

The performance of Sports today was reminiscent to the opening game of the season against Keyworth. The whole team contributed massively to a great display of ‘proper football’. We have to keep our concentration and not be distracted by what is going on off the field of play. Patience was definitely the order of the day and eventually good football was the winner.

Matt Leivers MOM

Choosing a Man of the Match is incredibly difficult when everyone has done so well, but today’s winner was Matt Leivers. Anyone playing at wing-back nowadays has to have great control and creativity and thankfully in Matt we have exactly that – well done and keep it going.

Davies Double helps salvage a point for Sports

U16's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Lowdham Colts 3 Hucknall Sports 3

27/9/14

Horrendous traffic in the Lowdham area due to the ‘World Ploughing Championships’ (really?) meant that this game was delayed by almost an hour. Adrian Evans stepped in to replace the official referee who was stuck in traffic himself.

Sports looked half asleep as the game started and were punished in the very first minute when a corner to the edge of the penalty area was expertly smashed home on the volley by Lowdham. Hucknall were understandably rattled and Lowdham’s confidence was sky high. Some 15 mins into the game the referee arrived and Ady took a well deserved rest. Colts drove forward again and a dangerous cross to the near post was turned into his own net by Sports centre-half Joe Newton. Then poor defending allowed Lowdham to go 3-0 when Sports keeper parried the ball away but his team mates could only stand and watch as the diminutive Lowdham winger tucked the ball home. The game was only 25mins old and Sports had their backs well and truly against the wall. The narrow pitch, continual flow of injuries and inevitable wasted time waiting for the ball to be retrieved from the stream meant that Sports frustration grew and grew. They simply couldn’t find a rhythm and started to look for a long-ball forward instead of sticking to their game plan. Finally, they got themselves into the game when good play from Adey Lang in midfield saw him slip in Jarrod Davies who side-footed the ball home to give his team hope of a second half come-back.

Half-Time: Lowdham Colts 3 Hucknall Sports 1

The message to Sports at half time was simply - “believe in your style of play and you will get rewarded”.

Thankfully the good football started to return for Hucknall. Jarrod and Mitch Davies gradually took a hold of the midfield. Patience on the ball and shorter passing also emerged and things looked a lot more promising. The back four got themselves organised and keeper Kal Orton was able to feed the ball out to his full backs on a more regular basis. Sports got their second goal when Jarrod Davies skilfully beat two opposition players in midfield and played a simple pass just behind James Hallam who produced a sublime back-heel back to Davies who made no mistake with a curled shot around the Keeper and into the far corner – a contender for goal of the season but Sports were not done yet. Now it was time for Sports to be on top but the equalising goal just wouldn’t come. Danny Darlow’s shot was well saved and efforts from Lang and Hallam were blocked. With less than 10mins remaining Hucknall had to throw caution to the wind and adopted a 3-4-3 formation with Ellis Evans moving into midfield and Tom Eastwood joining Hallam and Lang up front. This brought about the move of the game when Evans started a 20-pass move that saw Sports patiently move the ball from side to side before Jarrod Davies once again provided the final impetus to drive at the Lowdham defence and thread a lovely waited pass (straight out of Rues coaching manual) to Eastwood who took a touch and then belted the ball into the roof of the net.

If anyone looked odds on to win now it was Hucknall Sports but time got the better of them and in the end they had to settle for a draw.

Full-Time: Lowdham Colts 3 Hucknall Sports 3

The lead up to today’s game was far from ideal with many boys having to abandon their parents cars and walk from the outskirts of Lowdham to the ground in order to give this game any chance of starting. But Sports can’t use that as an excuse. The lesson HAS to be learnt that good, patient, controlled football is the only way forward and so it proved to be. Sports final goal was from the ‘top drawer’ and a managers dream

This was far from vintage Sports football but you have to applaud the team spirit and inner belief that brings your team back from 3-0 down to eventually draw 3-3.

Some good play from many today. Special mention to Ellis Evans for stepping in at an unaccustomed left-back position and making some tremendous passes to move his team forward, particularly in the second half. 

Jarrod Davies MOM

However, today’s winner of the Man of the Match award was Jarrod Davies. His play reminded us that he has many different dimensions to his game not just defending and his goals reminded us of our promotion campaign where he contributed so well – great job Jarrod, keep it up.

Finally, our best wishes for a speedy recovery go to Ronnie of Lowdham Colts who suffered a broken jaw during the game – get well soon.

Honours Even between Sports and Trowell

U16's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Trowell Blue 1 Hucknall Sports 1

20/9/14

Game three in the 2014-2015 season saw Sports travel over to Pitt Lane for their match with Trowell Blue. Having strengthened their squad with the acquisition of various Division One players Trowell had their sights set on the top of the table and had started the season with a victory over West Bridgford who Sports had been unlucky to lose to in the previous week.

In what seems to already become a trend with Sports this season they were forced to adjust the starting line-up again to cope with injuries to Skipper Kieran Green and dangerous winger Dante Diriso. Fortunately, centre-half James Stenson had made a miraculous recovery in time to replace the absent Joe Newton and Matt Leivers also returned to take part in his first game of the season. Hucknall started well and the combination of Ryan Towle, Danny Darlow and Maleek Batten worked nicely to continually slice a way through the left side of Trowell’s team. A super first-time ‘round the corner’ pass from Adey Lang set James Hallam free for Sports first attempt on goal which the opposition goalkeeper did well to turn around the corner. Then a mazey run from Darlow saw him drift past three Trowell players before releasing a cracking shot that was also just tipped away by the Trowell keeper. Hucknall were definitely looking the most dangerous but needed a goal to reward them for all their efforts. Maleek Batten gathered the ball on his own half-way line, got his head up, and drove forward. His turn of pace was electric and in a matter of seconds he was bearing down on goal only to be tripped by a desperate lunge from the Blues defender and the referee awarded the most obvious penalty likely to be seen all weekend. Birthday-boy Adey Lang stepped up to expertly dispatch his spot-kick to the bottom left corner for his fourth goal of the season and take his team into the break deservedly leading by 1-0

Half-Time: Trowell Blue 0 Hucknall Sports 1

The second half was a fairly evenly matched affair. A terrific run from defence by Jarrod Davies saw him crudely hacked down in full flight but the resultant free-kick was well dealt with by Trowell backline. In a repeat situation James Hallam was unceremoniously tripped just as he had played in Mitch Davies who rounded the keeper only for play to be brought back and a yellow-card issued – no advantage to Sports unfortunately. Hallam’s injury looked nasty and he had to be replaced by the mercurial Charlie Blatherwick. As Sports legs started to tire Trowell started to looked more dangerous. But Sports Keeper Orton was in good form and made a neat tip around the corner from a dangerous long range effort followed by a towering punch from an in-swinging free-kick. Then Trowell got a lucky break when a clearance in the Hucknall six yard box deflected off the legs of their centre-forward and bobbled into the back of the net. Trowell were on top now, but in a fast moving breakaway Eastwood put in a dangerous cross to the near post and Blatherwick’s brave header saw him clash heads with his marker which resulted in him having to leave the field of play with suspected concussion. The final moments were end-to-end as each team tried to find a winner. Lang was released through on goal only to lose his balance as he rounded the keeper and the ball ran to safety. Despite claims for a penalty the referee, after consulting with his linesman, awarded a goal kick which appeared to the be the correct decision.

Still time for one more piece of action when Sports defenders failed to deal with a long punt up field and were grateful to Dylan Smith for a tremendous block as the Trowell striker set his sights on goal.

Full-Time: Trowell Blue 1 Hucknall Sports 1

Sports continue to play some really attractive football which is very pleasing on the eye. But they also need to remember to stick to their game and not be distracted by opposition players or match-day officials. In truth either team could have won this match but in the end a draw was about the right result.

MOM Dylan Smith

Once again there were many fantastic performances from Sports today. The reshaped defence with Jarrod Davies at heart did brilliantly well and limited a dangerous Trowell team to only a handful of clear cut chances. Mitch Davies and Maleek Batten  really bossed the midfield, particularly in the first half. Danny Darlow and Tom Eastwood both provided the danger from the flanks. Whilst, up front Hallam and Lang continue to look really dangerous and with them Sports know that they are always in with a shout of a goal. However, today’s winner was our ‘silent assassin’ Dylan Smith. Playing in an unfamiliar left-back position he was simply brilliant. He never missed a tackle, but what was really pleasing was his confidence to drive the team forward, show for the ball from midfield and make some really clever passes to pick out his team mates – well done Dylan, keep up the great work.

Spiders beat Sports

U16's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Hucknall Sports 0 West Bridgford 2

13/9/14

Sport Management duo of Rue Hallam and Stewart Bowley were both unable to attend this game but massive thanks to Julian Davies, Justin Stenson and Ady Evans for putting their hands up to take over the reigns for the day. Sports had been soundly thumped by Spiders towards the end of last season in a game when it seemed that no matter how hard they tried nothing was going to go right but were determined to try and set the records straight and entered the game brimming with confidence after a terrific opening day performance.

The curse of the Captains armband had struck after only one game and this seasons Skipper Kieran Green is now sidelined for 3 weeks with knee ligament damaged. Also, influential centre-half James Stenson was ruled out after being carried off in the closing moments of the previous weeks fantastic victory. To add to Hucknall's problems Dante Diriso and Matt Leivers were also struggling with niggling injuries which meant both were unlikely to play a full part in the game. And so it was that Sports sent out a reshaped lineup, particularly at the back with Tom Eastwood filling in at left back.

The rest of the information in this match report is based on feedback from players and parents. The general consensus appears to be that Sports had the majority of the possession without hitting the same highs as the previous weeks. With a little more luck in front of goal they could have been out of sight before Spiders even registered their opening goal. In the second half after going a goal down to a poor piece of defensive play Sports elected to play a three at the back but just couldn't find the net to get them a foothold in the game.

Sometimes it's just not your day and no matter how hard you try the football 'gods' are not smiling on you. But this is only game 2 of a long season and there is no need to panic or be overly concerned. Yes we have injuries but they will get sorted and boys will return when they are fit and well (not before!). In the meantime we have a squad large enough to cope. We will not change our style of play, instead we will redouble our efforts and good football will win out eventually.

Danny Darlow MOM

Mitch Davies MOM

For this game we are awarding two MOM the match awards. One to Mitch Davies for an incredible show of energy in midfield and the other to Danny Darlow for a terrific show of football skills and his continued resurgence in form. Well done Mitch and Danny - keep it going.

Lang hat-trick gets Sports season off to a flyer

U16's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Keyworth United 1 Hucknall Sports 5

8/9/14

Hucknall Sports travelled across the county to newly promoted Keyworth United for their first game of the season in the U16’s Division One of Notts Youth League. Keyworth had won promotion with an impressive run of just one defeat in their league campaign and boasted Division 2’s most prolific strikers. Over the summer Hucknall welcomed Ady Lang to their squad that still boast six players from mini soccer days and steady results in pre-season gave them hope for another impressive season in the top flight.

In a slight change to their normal formation Ryan Towle started at right-back and he set the tempo for the teams play in the first half. He drove the team forward at every opportunity. All the training ground moves were delivered on match day to produce a series of chances for Hucknall to score. But try as they might Sports just could not find the Keyworth goal thanks to a combination of great goalkeeping and bad luck in hitting the woodwork three times. Lang was unlucky to see his lob just drift over the bar and his strike partner James Hallam looked odds on to score from a terrific header only for the keeper to produce a magnificent reaction save. A towering far post header from Jarrod Davies smacked the cross-bar and was booted away to safety. Whilst in defence Sports were rarely troubled and built play sensibly from the back through midfield and on to the strikers. As always Danny Darlow show his classy skills but he’s now added a newfound physical side that could prove to be a lethal combination for him as the season progresses. Along with the impressive midfield quartet of Tom Eastwood, Jarrod Davies and Mitch Davies, Darlow helped Sports dominate the play and their ball retention was terrific throughout. But as Sports chances went begging you started to wonder if they would prove crucial to the final outcome of the game. Unfortunately, a momentary lapse in concentration showed the qualities that Keyworth possess and they clinically punished Sports by scrambling in a cross from close range despite the best efforts of Hucknall keeper Kal Orton.  

Half-Time: Keyworth United 1 Hucknall Sports 0

After a great first half Sports elected to keep the same line-up for the second half and got themselves back into the game when debutant Ady Lang carefully placed a well taken free-kick into the bottom corner. Ellis Evans entered the match in place of the hard working Mitch Davies and scored with is his first touch to put Sports into the lead for the first time in the game. Hucknall were rampant now and the confidence flowed through the team. Lang score his second and put Sports further ahead when a terrific right wing run saw him cut into the area and clip the ball past the keeper. With 20mins still left to go Maleek Batten got a chance for a cameo appearance and made a killer pass with his first touch to set James Hallam free to skip around the keeper and score his first goal of the season which was just reward for an awesome performance. Unfortunately, a bad looking injury to James Stenson forced Hucknall into one final substitution and Towle re-entered the game at the heart of midfield to see out the final 10 minutes. Sports scored what was probably their most satisfying goal when a wonderful move saw Skipper Kieran Green combine nicely with Evans to play Hallam into the left wing position. He drove past the Keyworth defender and unselfishly squared the ball to Lang who coolly side-footed home to celebrate a terrific hat-trick on his league debut.

Full-Time: Keyworth United 1 Hucknall Sports 5

This was such a pleasing start to the season for Sports and the manner in which they won the game drew praise from the very sporting opposition management team. Sometimes it’s easy to let your heads drop when things aren’t going your way. But today’s victory was testament to a patient approach and commitment to playing football the right way.

Jarrod Davies MOM

Finding a Man of the Match in this game was almost impossible such was the level of performance from the entire squad. A hat-trick from Ady Lang coupled with terrific play from James Hallam made them both prime candidates. Danny Darlow’s virtuoso midfield performance was total joy and in defence any of the back line of Towle, Stenson, Newton and Green could have picked up the award. But the eventual winner was Jarrod Davies who showed that there is much more to his game than just defending. Time and again he broke up play and ensured that Sports retained possession by playing simple but really effective passes. He nearly grabbed a goal and ran himself into the ground - Well done Jarrod.

2014-2015 Registration Cards