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.