Final League Table for Season 2014-2015

Final League Table for Season 2014-2015

Notts County Pathway Academy

Dear Players of Hucknall Sports u16s

We would like to invite to attend the official launch of the Notts County Pathway Academy taking place this Thursday 15:00 - 16:30 at Rolls-Royce Leisure, Hucknall.

The Notts County Pathway Academy provides an excellent opportunity for 16-18 year olds to progress in to the world of professional football. At least one student from the Notts County Pathway Academy will be offered a full professional contract upon completion of the full educational program. All coaching, strength and conditioning training and nutrition at the NCPA will mirror exactly what is carried out at Meadow lane.

As well as the fantastic football opportunity both Notts County and Rolls-Royce Leisure have worked hard to ensure that all students receive a first class education. We have partnered with North Notts College who will see all students gain qualifications that will open pathways to university, remain part of the NCPA to study a HND or HNC, or begin a career in diet and nutrition, personal training, fitness instructing, physiotherapy, sports coaching plus many more.

Thursday will give you the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the program by speaking to members of staff from Notts County and North Notts college while there will also be an opportunity to view the full facility including the recently upgraded gym, fitness suite and sauna which will play a major part in the physical development of the players. 

You can confirm your attendance by emailing recruit@nottscountypathwayacademy.co.uk or by simply turning up on the day. If you are unable to attend but would like more information then you have the option of attending our open evening on Tuesday 28th April at Meadow Lane. Times will be confirmed however full details of the open will evening will be across the media who are covering the official launch this Thursday. Alternatively you can register your interest and we will keep you informed.

Kind regards

The NCPA

For further information please follow the link below;

http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/article/notts-county-rolls-royce-ncpa-2371023.aspx

Sports display their own Dunkirk spirt

U16's Saturday Division One

Dunkirk 2 Hucknall Sports 0

28/3/15

Hucknall Sports last game of a 'roller-coaster' season took them to Lenton Lane and a match against Champions-elect Dunkirk. Sports had lost 5-1 against this opposition with a full strength squad to select from earlier in the season. So the prospect of facing them with only 9 fit players meant that this was going require a monumental effort to get anything out of the game.

Playing with a strong wind at their backs in the first half Sports were able to defend their goal reasonably easily. The only threat from Dunkirk came in the form of ex-Sports striker Adrian Lang but Hucknall keeper Kal Orton did well to come off his line on a couple of occasions and force his shots wide of the target. At the other end of the pitch Hucknall's best efforts came from a couple of long range efforts, one from Jarrod Davies and the other from Ellis Evans. With both teams defenses on top the score at half-time was 0-0.

Half-Time: Dunkirk 0 Hucknall Sports 0 

An injured Kieran Worthington had the best chance for Sports in the second half and was only inches away when he smashed in a first time shot after a flick on from a Dante Diriso corner. But, with only 15mins left to go Dunkirk finally broke through after poor marking from a corner saw the ball bundled into the net. Good work from Charlie Blatherwick set James Hallam free with a run on goal but his shot just missed at the far post from a difficult angle. Jarrod Davies looked set for a shot of his own only to stumble at the last moment when just about to 'pull the trigger'. Despite great resolve from Sports another corner presented Dunkirk with the decisive goal in the final moments of the game.

Full-Time: Dunkirk 2 Hucknall Sports 0

This match typified the spirit of Hucknall Sports. If you give them a 'mountain to climb' then they will pull together and give it everything they have and today that was certainly the case. To a man they all showed great pride in their work and made the opposition really work hard for their victory. That said, two goals conceded from corners points to a lack of concentration and not doing the basic things right. This is easily addressed on the training ground but has to be remembered on match day also.

James Stenson MOM

Today's Man of the Match award goes to James Stenson who along with Joe Newton had a tremendous game in the centre of defense. His block in the second half was reminiscent of John Terry at his very best for Chelsea - well done James (sorry to hear that you've broken your arm whilst at work!!!)

Not sure whether this will be our final game playing under the name 'Hucknall Sports' but if it is then thanks for all your efforts over the past 10 years. We've certainly experienced the high's and low's of football but I wouldn't swap the experience for anything. I'm really excited about the next next chapter where we will look to provide ourselves with an opportunity to play men's football.

Sports bad luck continues

U16's Saturday Division One

Long Eaton 5 Hucknall Sports 3

14/3/15

Sports raced into a 3-1 lead before half-time thanks to goals from Hallam, Towle and Worthington and looked all set for 3 points against bottom of the league Long Eaton. However, they lost Jarrod Davies, Mitch Davies and Keiran Green to injury before half time and could take nothing for granted.

Half-Time: Long Eaton 1 Hucknall Sports 3

The game turned completely on its head in the second half as the injuries took their toll on Sports. Long Eaton got themselves back into the game with a long range wind assisted effort and level with a well taken free kick after Joe Newton was adjudged to have fouled. Maleek Batten also limped out of the game leaving Sports bereft of their normally combative midfield. James Hallam made a great run and was unlucky not to find the net thanks to a save from Long Eaton's goalie. The opposition extended their lead further and then caught Sports with a sucker punch on the break as Hucknall went in search of the equaliser.

Full-Time: Long Eaton 5 Hucknall Sports 3

Well if Sports didn't have 'bad luck' then they would have no 'luck' at all. Before half-time this game looked all over and it appeared a formality that we would win. However, the injuries were simply too much for us to cope with and the final weeks will see us in a real 'dog-fight' at the bottom of the table.

Kieran Worthington MOM

Today's Man of the Match was Kieran Worthington. This boy has been so patient all season waiting for his chance to shine but he has taken his opportunity terrifically well and is now one of the first names on the team sheet - well done Wortho, it's a real pity that we had to move you to left back to cover for the injured Greeny but keep it up.

Hallam's Double brings victory at last for Sports

U16's Saturday Division One

Notts Coltz 0 Hucknall Sports 2

21/3/15

Sports penultimate match in the U16's Division One season saw them away to high flying Notts Coltz. Hucknall's recent bad luck has seen them drawn into the relegation battle and with 3 players missing trying to win away at Coltz was going to take a monumental effort.

Sports started with a changed line-up of Tom Eastwood and Jarrod Davies at the heart of midfield and James Stenson returned at the heart of defense along side Joe Newton. Both teams started quietly and clear cut chances were few and far between. Hucknall created an opportunity from a great corner by Eastwood but the ball was scrambled away to safety after being cleared off the line. Coltz lively front line broke free from Sports defenders but good work from Kal Orton narrowed the angle and the shot drifted wide. Hucknall took the lead when Ellis Evans cushioned header directly from a goal kick set James Hallam free and he made no mistake in smashing the ball home.
Unfortunately, Sport lost Tom Eastwood on the final whistle of the half when a late tackle ripped a gash in his knee. Thankfully, reports from hospital are that he has severe bruising and a cut that required stitches but no lasting damage.

Half-Time: Notts Coltz 0 Hucknall Sports 1 

Ryan Towle entered the game in place of Eastwood in midfield and showed some great composure on the ball at times as Sport looked to preserve their lead. Coltz, playing in their final game of the season, had other ideas and looked dangerous as they put in a series of crosses that Sports did really well to deal with. Hucknall Keeper Kal Orton was in fine form and capped off a great display with an unbelievable save to deny Coltz striker. Sports were playing on the break now and almost extended their lead when the impressive Kieran Worthington put James Hallam through but his thunderbolt shot just missed the far post. In a final role of the dice Coltz swapped to a forward line of 4 but it was Sports who took advantage of the space at the back when good work from Jarrod Davies broke up play in midfield and his terrific pass set Hallam free who made no mistake in coolly lobbing the keeper to give Sports a hard earned victory.

Full-Time: Notts Coltz 0 Hucknall Sports 2

In a 'roller coaster' of a final few games this was a brilliant victory. By the time the match was drawing to a close Sport were fielding only 10 fit players but their desire and will to win saw them over the line. It's been a while since we had a clean sheet and special mention to the work of the defensive group for their efforts today.

James Hallam MOM

The Man of the Match award goes to James Hallam who was back to his absolute best. He took his goals really well and provided a constant threat - well done James, keep it going.
Final word is to say that every boy who took part can hold their head high after this performance - well done everyone and let's have the same again next weekend.

Dante's Double all for nothing?

U16's Saturday Division One

Hucknall Sports 3 Lowdham 2

7/3/15

Although this game was abandoned due to reasons we are all aware of it is important to highlight some of the great play.

Playing on a different Goosedale pitch to normal and wearing our away kick so as not to clash with the opposition colours Hucknall Sports entered this game seeking victory against relegation threatened Lowdham.

Playing into the wind Sports sensibly played short passes to move the ball forward and were rewarded with an early goal by Jarrod Davies after good work on the left side from Mitch Davies. Soon after James Hallam was unlucky to see his shot just miss at the far post after a good move set him free. Playing on the right wing, Kieran Worthington was causing all sorts of problems and his interplay with Ellis Evans was a delight to see. Sports didn't really look troubled in defense but conceded an own goal after a cruel deflection from an inswinging corner and at half time the scores were level at 1-1

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Lowdham 1

Sports took the game to Lowdham in the second half but despite lots of pressure it was the opposition who took the lead from the penalty spot after their striker was brought down in a challenge with Hucknall keeper Kal Orton. Sports brought on Dante Diriso, Maleek Batten and Dylan Smith and the game almost immediately turned around. Diriso scored two stunning goals and almost helped himself to a hat trick when a raking shot from distance just missed the angle of post and bar. Tom Eastwood was unlucky not to put the game to bed with a great header. But with 1 min of extra time to play the game was abandoned.

Full-Time (ALMOST) : Hucknall Sports 3 Lowdham 2

Apart from the final moments of madness this was a terrific game that saw Sports returning to their old form. There was some great play today and the performances of Ellis Evans, Kieran Worthington and Matt Leivers all stood out.

MOM Dante Diriso

However, today's Man of the Match by an absolute mile was Dante Diriso. His performance after coming on as a second half substitute was nothing short of amazing. Well done Dante and let's hope that your efforts were not in vain.

Lack of discipline costs Sports

U16's Saturday Division One

Edwalton 3 Hucknall Sports 2

28/2/15

After a two week break Sports got back to league action seeking a win to ease any worries of relegation against an in-form Edwalton team. Earlier in the season gale force winds had played havoc for the teams first meeting and Edwalton snatched victory with a wind assisted shot late in the game.

As seems to be the case for Sports they started fantastically well and could have been 2 goals to the good inside the first 10mins. James Hallam picked out Tom Eastwood at the far post but his shot was adjudged off-side and soon after Hallam couldn't believe his eyes when he rounded the keeper only to see his shot cleared off the line against the post and across the area to rebound to safety off the other post - unbelievable. Jarrod Davies saw a good header narrowly miss the target but thankfully the goal came soon after when Joe Newton grabbed his first of the season when heading in from a corner. Sports were rampant and went in search of another goal that their play deserved. Dante Diriso and Ellis Evans in particular caught the eye with some terrific play. Charlie Blatherwick entered the game and his injection of pace on the left side caused problems but Sports just could not capitalise on their dominance. Totally against the run of play Edwalton got themselves back into the game when a long punt free-kick from around the half way line evaded everyone and ended in the back of the net. Sports couldn't believe their bad luck and entered the break all square but wondering how this could be the case after playing so well.

Half-Time: Edwalton 1 Hucknall Sports 1

The roles totally reversed after half-time and Edwalton played the better football. A neat through ball split Sports back line and a well taken finish but them into the lead. Hucknall started to lose their shape and looked for the long ball all too often instead of sticking to their passing game. Sports thought they had got themselves an equaliser from a Jarrod Davies header only to see it cleared off the line. But Hucknall did managed to get themselves level when Davies bundled the ball home from close range after a Ryan Towle free kick. Unfortunately, Sports went behind once more when an Edwalton long range effort rebounded off the woodwork straight into the path of their left winger to tap into an open net. Appeals for offside were unsurprisingly waved away. Hucknall fought like daemons to try and get another equaliser and another shot was clear off the line with Sports appealing for a goal. Kieran Worthington went close when set free by Kieran Green only for his lobbed shot to just drift over the bar. In the end Sports lost out once more to a single goal and victory was Edwaltons.

Full-Time: Edwalton 3 Hucknall Sports 2

This was the classic game of two halves. Sports were magnificent in the first but after going a goal behind they were only a shadow of themselves in the second. We have to believe in our game plan from start to end, whether we are winning or losing. Sure we can point to some rotten luck and dubious officiating but we also need to be disciplined and continued to play proper football not just hit and hope for the best.

MOM Joe Newton

Some great performances today, in particular from Mitch Davies, Dante Diriso and Ellis Evans. But today's Man of the Match goes to Joe Newton who continued his great run of form with a terrific first half display where he drove the team forward from the center of defense time and again. Well done Joe - keep it up.

Last minute goal brings heartbreak for Sports in the Shield

U16's Saturday Shield

Pelican 1 Hucknall Sports 0

7/2/15

After good results in the early rounds of the Notts FA Shield Sports traveled to the Dave Eastwood ground for a Quarter-final match against Pelican. Despite playing well in the two league meetings this season Sports had been on the wrong side of a 5-1 and 6-1 scoreline.

Hucknall started the game in great form and put on a mesmerising display of passing football from back to front. In the first 10 mins a blatant handball from Pelican's last man resulted in a lenient yellow rather than red card and moments later another crunching tackle was punished with a booking with Hucknall looking through on goal again. Tom Eastwood's dangerous corner to the far post looked like it only needed the narrowest of touches but the ball just evaded the on-rushing Ryan Towle. Eastwood was unlucky to be pulled up off-side after a nice pass from Jarrod Davies split the defense. Soon after another foul saw a Towle free kick headed just wide by Eastwood and James Hallam was unlucky after his hard work to win the ball in the final third saw his shot blocked with the keeper all at sea. Hucknall's defense coped well with Pelican's lightening fast attacks but were indebted to Kal Orton for a fabulous finger tip save from a free-kick to keep the scores level at half-time.

Half-Time: Pelican 0 Hucknall Sports 1

In the second half the robust tackles were once again in evidence but Sports gave as good as they got. Hucknall continued to play the better football and James Hallam was unlucky again not to put his team into the lead when a break from Jarrod Davies put him through on goal only to see his shot skim the angle of post and cross-bar. The same player was again unlucky to see another shot just miss at the right-hand side with the goalkeeper floundering. Dante Diriso, playing on the right wing drove in a fabulous shot only for a tremendous block from the Pelican skipper to deny a certain goal. Tom Eastwood was hacked down just inside the opposition half and although the foul was given there was no sign of the second yellow that would have seen Pelican reduced to 10 men. In the final moments with both teams looking for the winner Paddy Webb broke Sports hearts with a goal with less than 2 minutes to go. Sports just couldn't come back with so little time left and the whistle blew to put Pelican through to the semi's.

Full-Time: Pelican 1 Hucknall Sports 0

Sports can hold their heads up high even in defeat as against one of the strongest teams in the County they will know that they did more than enough to win this game. Hucknall deserved better than this and on another day they would have been playing against 10 men, maybe even 9.

The entire team are winners of the Man of the Match award this week as they all played terrifically well. We asked for the training ground moves to be brought into match-day and so they were. If this is to be the last Shield game under the banner of Hucknall Sports for the boys it was certainly memorable. Well done everyone, you left nothing in the locker and gave your all for Sports - thanks a million.

Blues pip Sports in Thriller

U16's Saturday Division 1

Hucknall Sports 2 Trowell Blues 3

17/1/15

Despite drawing in the league in September Trowell had handed out a sound thrashing in the Cup just after Christmas to Sports so Hucknall went into this match looking to restore some pride and set the record straight.

Playing with a reshaped line-up Sports finally got a chance to play Ellis Evans in the 'hole' behind Hallam up front and the good football soon returned. Hucknall took the game to Trowell and looked in fine fettle. The opposition recognised the need to win the midfield battle and looked to impose themselves on game with a series of bruising challenges. But Hucknall's combination of Jarrod and Mitch Davies went toe-to-toe and gave as good as they got. Sports needed a goal to reward all their great play and they thought they had released Tom Eastwood for a run in on goal only to see the off-side flag being raised by the opposition linesman. But it was Blues who struck first when Gee slotted home a well taken shot. Soon after Sports appealed for a penalty after a goal bound shot hit the arm of the blues defender on the line but to no avail and half time arrived with Sports losing 1-0

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 0 Trowell Blue 1

Sports introduced Charlie Blatherwick into the game just before the break with the instruction to chase everything down up front but frustratingly Trowell smashed a fluke goal from just inside the half-way line in the early moments of the second half with keeper Orton powerless to do anything. Sports refused to be bowed and got themselves back in the game when Blatherwick tucked away a neat shot and soon after the scores were level when Hallam reacted first to a loose ball in the opposition penalty area. It was anyone's game now and Sports pushed for another goal to put themselves into the lead but it just wouldn't come and with a draw looking the most likely outcome Blue stole the points when bundling in the winner from a corner.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 2 Trowell Blues 3

Ryan Towle MOM

Today's Man of the Match was Ryan Towle who had a terrific game at 'sweeper'. He listened to his instructions and carried them out to the full. Well done Ryan - keep it going now.

It's never nice to lose and after clawing ourselves back into this game we deserved something for our effort. Even the opposition manager suggested that a draw would have been a fair result. But let's not feel sorry for ourselves and instead look at the positives in this game. To a man, we stood up and be counted. Everyone played their part and didn't shirk a single challenge. Our stylish football returned and playing like this will bring it's rewards in the remaining games of the season and beyond. Well done guys and keep the faith.

Shot shy Sports pay the ultimate price

U16's Saturday Division 1

Hucknall Sports 1 Edwalton 2

10/1/15

In a welcome change Sports could boast 16 players for their game against Edwalton. A howling wind blowing directly down the pitch meant that this was always going to be a bit of a lottery with the winning team likely to be the one who could handle the conditions the best.

Sports won the toss and elected to play with the wind at their backs in first half. However, all instructions to test the keeper and gamble on the conditions with long range shots were forgotten. Instead Hucknall elected to maintain their passing game in the hope of picking their way through the opposition defense. Unfortunately, no matter how much possession they boasted the final pass was almost impossible to judge and regularly ran out of play or through to the keeper. Lang stumbled as he was about to pull the trigger and Hallam unselfishly squared across goal instead of driving on and smashing home. Sports managed just one shot from outside the area in the entire half of play and went into half time with the score level.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 0 Pelican 0

Edwalton took the lead when Sports failed to react to the second phase and stood watching as the opposition headed a bouncing ball home. Moments later Edwalton extended the lead further when they used the conditions to perfection to punt a long, wind assisted, shot up and over Keeper Orton. With time running out Towle couldn't quite get his shot away with the goal at his mercy and with only minutes left Lang scored after great work from Hallam. But time ran out and Sports trudge off knowing that they had missed another opportunity to take points.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Edwalton 2

We can blame the conditions for a poor game but there is no excuse for not changing your game to suit them. As mentioned before football is not all about ability, some times its about be clever enough to see things differently.

Dylan Smith MOM

Today's Man of the Match was Dylan Smith who had a simply terrific game. Playing at right-back he showed for the ball time and again. He also took the opportunity to drive his team forward when the opportunity presented itself - well done Dylan, keep it going

Pelican put Sports to the sword

U16's Saturday Division 1

Hucknall Sports 1 Pelican 6

3/1/15

Sports first game back after the Christmas break saw them take on Pelican. In their only previous meeting Hucknall considered themselves unluckly to lose after playing well and failing to take their opportunities to score.

After recent snow the Goosesale pitch was heavy but perfectly playable and Sports started reasonably well and were unlucky not to take the lead when Hallam's shot was well saved by the Pelican keeper. Sports appealed for a penalty for the late challenge on Hallam before he got his shot away but it was waved away by the official. Hucknall players seems to be finding the conditions more difficult than their opponents and time and again Sports players seemed to be slipping over. Pelican took the lead with a well taken goal and extended it further when a speculative shot to the near post crept in. Late in the half Sports had another goal scoring opportunity denied when Pelican's keeper made another terrific save. That said, Sports considered themselves still in with a shout despite being two goals down at half time.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 0 Pelican 2

For the second game running Sports were almost unrecognisable in the second half of the game. Sure they lost Mitch Davies from midfield by there was still plenty of quality on show to mean that this should not have been crucial. However, Pelican ran riot and notched up another 4 goals to put the match well beyond the reach of Sports. Adey Lang did managed to grab a consolation goal to take his seasons tally to 15 but this was scant reward.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Pelican 6

This was another disappointing result for Sports. We need to learn that there is more to winning a match than football ability alone. Sometime it is the things that you do without the ball that really have a effect.

Joe Newton MOM

Today's Man of the Match was Joe Newton who was commanding at the heart of defence for Sports. He also took the opportunity to drive his team forward and showed some real fight and determination - well done Joe.

Final word goes to Pelican for a really nice style of football that was very pleasing on the eye unless you were an Hucknall Sports supporter.