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

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.

Dunkirk defeat Sports

U15's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Hucknall Sports 1 Dunkirk Colts 3

12/4/14

Sports welcomed Dunkirk Clots to Goosedale Saturday’s Division One game. Dunkirk had a slow start to the season but improved dramatically after the return of various ex-academy players and recently made it to the Final of the League Cup.

Playing with the wind at their backs Colts started the stronger of the two teams and laid siege to Sports goal from the outset. As seems to be the pattern of recent games Hucknall’s defensive line worked extremely hard to stop their goal from being breeched and made some fantastic last ditched tackles to deny the opposition. Sports Keeper, Kal Orton, continued his impressive run of form with another series to truly world-class saves that left the Dunkirk management team with their heads in the hands wondering what they needed to do. Finally, and somewhat inevitably, the goal came when poor tracking back by Sports midfielders allowed Dunkirk a shot on goal that arrowed into the top corner with Orton powerless to do anything about it. However, the lead was quickly pegged back after a sweeping left-sided moved from Hucknall saw Tom Eastwood cross for Maleek Batten to calmly side foot into the net. This gave Sports the confidence to move forward and James Hallam worried the Colts defence time and again with his blistering pace and combative style. Hucknall finished the half on top but just couldn’t find a goal to move their team into the lead.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Dunkirk 1

Hucknall had the wind at their backs for the second half and started confidently enough and early on the combination of Batten and Hallam looked like it would bring more goals. Batten broke down play high in the opposition half but just couldn’t find his team mate with the goal begging. Hallam looked to have been upended in the box after a trademark run saw him power past a number of Dunkirk defenders but the fact that he stayed on his feet appeared to encourage the referee that no infringement had taken place. Dunkirk retook the lead after a well worked move saw them cross from the left side and finish neatly. This was quickly followed by the decisive goal as Sports marking went astray. Hallam tried disparately to get his team back into the game but just could find a way past the opposition keeper after a terrific run in the final moments of the match.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Dunkirk 3

There was a time when playing well but losing to a top team in the division was worthy of praise and Sports certainly had their moments in this game. But you couldn’t help think that this was a missed opportunity for Sports to grab a result that would have sent a really strong message to the other teams that they are a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, second half instructions were ignored and some players appeared more intent on trying to wind-up opposition players or talk with team mates instead of concentrating on the game.

Kal Orton  MOM

Sports Man of the Match today was Kal Orton who was simply outstanding. It has been said many times, but he is simply the most naturally gifted Goalkeeper in the Division and continues to have a spectacular season for Sports.

Two games left, both of which are winnable - COYS

Football Anyone?

U15's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Dunkirk Colts 3 Hucknall Sports 1

30/3/14

Hucknall Sports travelled to Lenton Lane for their first meeting of the season with high flying Dunkirk Colts. Earlier in the week Dunkirk had progressed to the final of the Cup with a comfortable 3-0 over table-toppers Greenwood Meadow so Sports were expecting a tough game.

Dunkirk kicked-off in a style more reminiscent of a rugby match than a football game and booted the ball sky high and 40 yards up to the far corner.  Sports resisted the temptation to copy the opposition and decided to play a more cultured style of football. Their midfield quartet of Tom Eastwood, Mitch Davies, Dante Diriso and Ryan Towle grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck from the first whistle and made sure that their team took control midfield.  Ellis Evans continued his terrific season and cleverly found space in the ‘hole’ to bring Sports wide players and strikers into the play. James Hallam started as the lone-striker but such was his determination and drive Dunkirk assigned four defenders to mark him. Even with such close attention he still managed to find a way through on goal and refused to give up on any through balls from his team mates. The combination of Evans and Hallam opened up the Colts defence to wonderful effect after only 10mins when Evans threaded a delightful ball in between Dunkirks defensive line for Hallam to sprint clear and clip the ball cleverly into the far corner. Dunkirk were stunned and the coaching volume was cranked up to the max in a desperate attempt to get their boys back into the game. Still Sports created the gaps and Dante Diriso sprinted clear of his marker to put in a brilliant cross with his ‘wrong’ foot only for it to evade the onrushing Hallam. Twenty minutes in Sports introduced five changes including the return of the mercurial Charlie Blatherwick. Danny Darlow continued his strong partnership with Matt Leivers and opened up the Dunkirk left back position with more clever Sports play. Tom Eastwood confidently took the ball from a short-corner and jinked his way into the box and was just about to ‘pull the trigger’ when a defender nicked the ball away. Another attack saw Sports smash the woodwork and a good opportunity for a shot on goal was blasted into the wall. Sports Keeper Orton produced a couple of terrific saves and Colts normally deadly strike force were wasteful at times and even contrived to miss an open goal.

Half-Time: Dunkirk 0 Hucknall Sports 1

With games coming quick and fast over the next few weeks Sports shuffled the deck once more at half-time and partnered Darlow with Ellis up front. Dunkirk re-entered the pitch with their managers instructions ‘ringing’ in their ears after an abject first half performance that belied there recent form. His instructions were clear to all and the long punt up field was used repeatedly. Sports backline of Jarrod Davies and James Stenson looked strong but were powerless to do anything about the equaliser after 20mins when a neat swivel and shot in the box found the back of the net. Dunkirk adopted a more physical approach and Sports players soon started dropping like flies after some brutal challenges. In the last 20mins of the game Hucknall lost three players to injury and unfortunately conceded two further goals, albeit one after a blatant push on Dylan Smith and the other with a shot that took a cruel deflection off Kieran Green into the net. Still time for Ryan Towle to hit the cross-bar from a terrific inswinging corner but in the end it was Dunkirk who walked away with all three points.

Full-Time: Dunkirk Colts 3 Hucknall Sports 1

With only 20mins left to play it looked like Sports would grab a famous victory but unfortunately the combative style of football from Dunkirk finally won out. However, much credit has to go to all 15 Hucknall boys for giving Colts one hell of a scare. Our football was terrific, particularly in the first half.

Kal Orton MOM

Sports Man of the Match today was Kal ‘the cat’ Orton for an unbelievable display of goalkeeping. The opposition players and management had their heads in their hands and looked on in sheer disbelief at some of the saves that he made. I doubt there was a better performance all weekend from any goalkeeper in the country. Well done Kal – simply outstanding.

I can’t finish this report without commenting on the contrast in styles of play. On the one hand Dunkirk punted the ball diagonally long to the corners to try and create their openings on goal. Whereas Sports on the other hand weaved a series of intricate passes to create their own openings. The result suggests that long balls are the most effective, but please shoot me if we EVER start to play like that - Brian Clough would be turning in his grave!

Honours Even between Sports and Colts

U15's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Hucknall Sports 2 Lowdham Colts 2

23/3/14

After yet another two week  break Hucknall Sports welcomed Lowdham Colts to Goosedale for this Division One fixture looking for a win to move them back up to third-place in the league and set-up a grandstand finish to the season.

Five minutes into the match it was clear that some of the Lowdham boys had arrived with an agenda to ‘rough-up’ Sports in an attempt to distract them from the game. Sports are no angels and can certainly hold their own, but it was disappointing to see opposition players high-fiving each other after one particularly bad foul but massive credit to Colts Manager for taking the offending player off shortly afterwards. The game settled down and Sports sought to get their traditional passing game going but time and again they were frustrated by the Cottage pitch surface as the ball bumped and bobbled all over the place. A ‘soft’ free kick for alleged pushing at a throw-in enable Colts to take the lead when an unmarked player scored with a neat header at the near post. Hucknall struck back within a minute when great combination play from Tom Eastwood and Ellis Evans presented a chance for Danny Darlow to finesse a shot beyond the keeper and into the far corner. Sports were on top now and Darlow nearly scored again soon after when a replica shot was pushed onto the post after a great save from the Colts keeper. Dante Diriso looked all set to smash in a shot only for a communication mix-up to see his own player take the ball away from him. The same player watched in amazement as his terrific corner to the ‘back stick’ went begging with no Sport player able to get their head on it.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Lowdam Colts 1

Ryan Towle entered the fray in the second half and put Sports into the lead with a neatly taken free-kick from 25 yards. Hucknall looked odds on to extend their lead as Hallam burst through only for the referee to miss a blatant hand-ball and moments later Kieran Green burst clear on the left side and delivered a magnificent cross that Evans looked certain to tap into the open net only for a wicked bobble to take the ball away from him. Colts best chances came from a series of long range free-kicks from the half-way line but Hucknall’s central defensive unit of James Stenson and Joe Newton stood firm. Colts did eventually score an equaliser when Newton’s defensive header looped up and over Sports Keeper Kal Orton. This setup a frenetic last 10 minutes that saw both teams looking to snatch victory but in the end the referees whistle blew and the result was a draw.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 2 Lowdham Colts 2

It is a mark of how high Sports are setting their sights this season that this result feels like 3 points lost rather than 1 point gained. Sports need to remain calm in matches like these and stick to their game plan. All too often we were too quick to pass the ball from 20 yards away instead of driving forward and making the opposition commit before playing a simple 5 yard pass instead. However, there were some moments of real quality and once again the partnership of Matt Leivers, Danny Darlow and Ellis Evans worked well. Also the central midfield pairing of Mitch Davies and Tom Eastwood looked strong and very creative and certainly provide a different option in that position.

James Stenson MOM

Man of the Match today was James Stenson. His promising start to the season as team Captain had been cruelly cut short with a nasty injury that saw him unable to play for 8 weeks so it was great to have him back and playing at his magnificent best. His partnership with Joe Newton looked great and they were rarely trouble by a combative Colts forward line. Both boys set a terrific example of commitment to the team and go about their business quietly and efficiently. But James’s support from the touchline during his recuperation in the wettest winter on record shows how much he cares for the team and is a quality that others should aspire to.

Opposition Keeper foils Sports

U15's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Greenwood Meadows 2 Hucknall Sports 0

8/3/14

Two weeks after moving to third in the division with a great victory over Hyson Green Sports made the trip to top of the league Greenwood Meadows in confident mood.

Hucknall won the toss and elected to play into the wind on a dreadful pitch that would do nothing to encourage good football. Greenwood started the brightest and managed to get around the back of Sports defence on a number of occasions early on but no real threat on goal was generated thanks to some sound defending. Gradually, Hucknall found their passing game and the combination of Matt Leivers, Danny Darlow and Ellis Evans started to create openings to release Sports strikers. One such move saw Evans release James Hallam from his markers only to be denied by a tremendous saved from the opposition goalie. Meadows took the lead in dubious circumstances when Sports goalie and both centre half’s were bundled into the back of the net along with the ball from a wind-assisted corner, but unfortunately this was completely missed by the referee and the goal stood.

Sports introduced Ethan Barnes and Ryan Towle before half-time and Barnes looked all set to score only to be crudely tugged back as he was about to shoot. His resultant shot beat the keeper but came back off the post. The incident was unspotted by both the opposition linesman and referee.

Half-Time: Greenwood Meadows 1 Hucknall Sports 0

Sports adopted a different setup in the second half with Dante Diriso playing wide on the right hand-side and Towle moved to the left. The oppositions game plan was clearly waste as much time as they could possibly as they continually stood in front of the ball or kicked it away but alas the referee did nothing to punish this tactic. Midfield dynamo Mitch Davies had to leave the field after a kick to the head and James Stenson deputised whilst he recovered. Sports worked their socks off and the opposition goalie made a couple of terrific saves. Another appeal for a Sports penalty was waved away after Tom Eastwood was felled in a goalmouth scramble. A free-kick from Towle was plucked off of the head of Hallam and another kick from Davies was skilfully saved. With 5 minutes to go Sports pushed men forward in search of the equaliser. Jarrod Davies, who had bolstered Sports defence to be one of the best in the league when he returned to the club midway through the season, was inches from getting in on goal as he surged forward. A rapid break-away saw Sports outnumbered at the back and Greenwood’s man-mountain of a centre-forward found the back of the net to close the game out.

Full-Time: Greenwood Meadows 2 Hucknall Sports 0

Games like these leave a sour taste in the mouth and it’s very easy to find yourself getting annoyed with the antics of the opposition and poor officiating from the referee.

But let’s concentrate on the positives instead. Sports demonstrated that they are able to compete with the top teams in this division and the oppositions player of the match was clearly their keeper. There are more than enough points left to win to suggest that this league is far from finished yet.

MOM Kieran 'Greeny' Green

Man of the Match today was Kieran ‘Greeny’ Green who in truth is a contender every week for this award such is his level of performance. But this week, when playing against tough opposition, he stood out from the crowd with an assured lesson in defending and also prompting his team forward – awesome Greeny, keep it going.

Kal the Cat inspires Sports to Third

U15's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Hucknall Sports 3 Hyson Green 0

22/2/14

After another week without football Sports next game in Division One saw them up against their last opponents Hyson Green. That game had been really tough for both sets of boys due to strong howling winds and a dreadful pitch. Sports had had to come from behind twice but goals from new signing Ethan Barnes had helped them to eventually secure victory. This time around weather conditions were much improved and even the sun came out to welcome back Sports Skipper James Stenson from his 3 month injury lay off.

Hucknall started the game really, really, well and could have been out of sight in the first 10mins but chances went begging as James Hallam, Danny Darlow, Maleek Batten and Ethan Barnes all struggled to find the net. Frustration started to show and Hucknall’s  game plan went out of the window. Sports were unrecognisable as they started to look for long balls every time instead of varying their play. Changes were made to try and remind the boys of the plan but the frustration remained and Sports just couldn’t find a route to goal. In defence Hucknall were only troubled by Hyson Greens speculative, wind assisted, long balls over the top but centre-backs Joe Newton and Ryan Towle stood firm and anything that did get past them was expertly fielded by Kal Orton in goal.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 0 Hyson Green 0

Charles Blatherwick joined James Hallam up front in the second half and grabbed Sports first goal with an exquisite piece of skill that saw him dribble past 3 opposition defenders, ‘Ronaldo Chop’ in from the goal line and smash the ball low into the bottom right corner. This settled Sports and their usual style of football quickly returned. Maleek Batten danced his way through and was unlucky to see his shot deflected away. A good move started by Kieran Green drove Sports forward, Evans found Blatherwick on the edge of the box and with everyone expecting a shot he cleverly played in Dante Diriso who took his chance well and moved Sports further into the lead.

Hyson Green gathered themselves for a final effort to try and get themselves back into the game and had their best period of play midway through the second half where they forced a number of corners which were dealt with clinically by Sports. The turning point of the game came from the most unlikely of sources – Sports Goalie Kal Orton. As the opposition pushed for a goal he made what has to rank as the best save ever made by a boy in this league when firstly diving to his left to parry the ball away and then reacting quickly to flip the follow-up point blank shot up and over the bar. Moments later he showed fantastic vision to pick out Sports striker James Hallam who burst clear from his markers and killed the game off with a lovely finish when he finessed the ball around the on-rushing keeper.  

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 3 Hyson Green 0

After a frustrating start to the game Sports eventually got the result they deserved. It was nice to have a full squad for the first time in ages and particularly pleasing to get James Stenson back into a game. This is a great squad where everyone has earned the right to ask for a place in the starting line up. The victory takes Sports to joint third in the division with eight games to go and we fear nobody.

MOM - Joe Newton

Today’s Man of the Match went to Joe Newton for a tremendous performance at centre half. He has played every minute of every game this season and leads the team by example as you would expect from a skipper. As well as stout defending he even found time for a Beckenbauer-like shot to the top corner only for it to drift wide – well done Joe, keep it up.

The final word has to go to Kal Orton and THAT save – there are no words left to describe it, so I’ll leave you to your own. 

Barnes Debut Double moves Sports up to Fifth

U15's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Hyson Green 2 Hucknall Sports 4

8/2/14

Hucknall Sports stop-start season saw them travel the short distance to Greenwich Avenue in Basford for a match against Hyson Green in the only Division One fixture to survive the poor weather. Injuries, illness and suspension had left Sports squad looking a little threadbare recently so they joined the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United to make a ‘deadline day’ signing of their own by bringing in local boy Ethan Barnes.

Playing with the strong wind at their backs Hyson Green made the best possible start by smashing in a ‘worldly’ goal after only 5mins. But Sports have a strong believe in their own abilities nowadays and refused to be bowed. Lead by Ellis Evans and some terrific energy from midfielders Mitch Davies, Matt Leivers and Maleek Batten Sports cleverly used their passing game to move the team forward and started to carve out opportunities. Tom Eastwood found the head of Evans from a series of corners but playing into a ferocious wind made it really difficult to get anything on goal with power. Eastwood looked dangerous on the left but had to leave the game with a nasty ankle injury after his great drive into the box was cleared by a last ditched tackle from the opposition keeper. Evans moved over to the left in his place and substitute Ethan Barnes was brought on to partner James Hallam up front. Two minutes on, Barnes used to his pace to streak clear of the last defender before smashing an absolute screamer into the top corner to mark his debut for Sports. Moments later good work between Hallam and Barnes looked to have resulted in a penalty only for the referee to wave play on.

Hyson Green, encouraged by the strengthening wind, continued to pick out shots from range but Sports Keeper Kal Orton fielded them well and rarely looked troubled. However, with only moments of the first half left to play a hopeful looping cross to the far post evaded all Sports defenders and was bundled into the net by Hyson Green to go into the break leading 2-1.

Half-Time: Hyson Green 2 Hucknall Sports 1

Sports only change after the break was to bring on Dante Diriso who took up position the on right wing as Hucknall looked to quickly try and get themselves back on level terms. Their equaliser dully arrived when central defender Jarrod Davies won the ball on the edge of his own penalty box and charged forward. His pass found Diriso who showed brilliant vision to pick out Barnes in a crowded penalty area to score his second of the game with a neat finish low into the bottom right corner. Diriso looked dangerous whenever he got the ball and was rewarded with a chance to try his luck from distanced with a free-kick that narrow missed the target with the keeper looking on helplessly. More Diriso action followed in the form of a masterclass on taking corners in such difficult conditions. He skilfully drove the ball in dangerously time and again and finally picked out Jarrod Davies who smashed in a towering header to move Sports into the lead for the first time in the game. Hyson Green threw men forward adventurously but Sports defensive line of Dylan Smith, Joe Newton, Jarrod Davies and Kieran Green played magnificently to repelled everything that was thrown at them. Kieran Green was caught with a late challenge as he drove his team forward but all credit to the referee for playing advantage to Sports and allow Hallam to show his own terrific pace to race into the area and cleverly use the wind to loop the ball up and over the opposition defence to grab a well deserved goal. Still time for more chances from Sports as Batten and Davies tried to extend the lead even further but finally the game ended and Hucknall celebrated a hard-earned victory.

Full-Time: Hyson Green 2 Hucknall Sports 4

Both teams deserve massive credit for playing a fantastic game of football in such poor conditions. When other teams shied away and cancelled games these two sets of boys rolled their sleeves up and got on with it.

Sports won the game due to a fantastic team effort where everyone played their part. But the contribution of Dante Diriso and Ethan Barnes deserves special mention and they ran Jarrod Davies very close for the Man of the Match Award.

However, Jarrod was the deserved winner in a game that saw him play wonderfully well in defence, drive his team forward to assist the equalising goal and then cap it off with a towering header – well done Jarrod, keep it up.

MOM Jarrod Davies

This great run of just 1 defeat in their last 7 games has seen Sports move to fifth in the league but keep playing like this and you never know where you might be at the end of the season - Keep it up everyone.

Lightning provides flash of inspiration for Sports

Lightning bolt inspires Sports to victory
Picture copyright: Joanne Stenson

U15's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Hucknall Sports 4 Edwalton Cavaliers 2

25/1/14

After the local council declared Edwalton’s pitch unplayable this game was moved to Goosedale Sports Complex where an immaculate surface presented every opportunity for a great game of football.

Newly promoted Edwalton had found points hard to come by in Division One but their results showed that they had been unlucky to miss out by the odd goal here and there and Sports certainly were taking nothing for granted.

Hucknall won the toss and decided to play with a strong wind at their backs in the first half and started really well. They put Edwalton’s back line under immense pressure and this resulted in a number of dangerous Tom Eastwood and Dante Diriso corners but unfortunately Sports just could not covert them. The one occasion that Eastwood found James Hallam at the far post his headed was well saved by the impressive Edwalton keeper. A Diriso corner looked to be headed for the far corner only to see it clawed away at the last moment. Only 10 minutes into the game an injury to inspirational midfielder Mitch Davies saw him replaced by Maleek Batten who immediately imposed himself on the game with a neat inter-change on the edge of the box. But the shot was closed down just as he was about to ‘pull the trigger’. As the clock ticked away and the scores stayed level Sports became more hurried as they knew that the second half would be a different proposition. Finally, the goal came when a looping ball over the opposition defence saw Hallam bravely put himself in between opposition centre half’s and goalie to somehow scramble it into the net. But if Sports thought that this would open the floodgates they were wrong, well not in the football sense anyway.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Edwalton Cavaliers 0

Buoyed by an impressive defensive display Edwalton started the second half really well and a fine move saw them get themselves back into the game and level the scores. Hucknall were rattled and starting to get overrun in midfield. Clear cut opportunities for strikes on goal were non-existent as Sports insisted on playing down the middle instead of going wide. Edwalton on the other hand looked odds on to find another goal and with it possibly secure their first three points of the season.

Sports needed a spark of inspiration and it arrived in the most unlikely of sources. The heavens opened! Hail stones, lightning bolts and wild lashing rain brought a temporary halt to proceedings and both teams took shelter waiting for the weather to improve.

On their return to play Sports looked like a completely different team and were back to their magnificent best. Maleek Batten and Mitch Davies regained control of midfield and the left sided combination of Kieran Green and Tom Eastwood started to terrorise the opposition. Time and again they got around the back and on one occasion they found Hallam who was crudely upended by the goalkeeper to win a penalty. This was to prove the turning point of the game and much praise must go to Danny Darlow for showing the courage to step up in such tense circumstances. He dispatched his shot expertly, Edwalton’s heads dropped and before they could recover Darlow had got a second when he tiptoed his way through the mud to slot nicely into the bottom corner. Sports had not finished yet and Ellis Evans got himself a goal which was richly deserved for his terrific performance. In the final minutes Edwalton got a second but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Sports claimed victory from the jaws of defeat.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 4 Edwalton Cavaliers 2

Sports will know that but for the lightning bolt that stopped play this result could have been very different. However, the last 20 minutes of play from them was nothing short of brilliant. Hucknall scored three times and could have had at least a couple more. The challenge for them is to play like that from the outset in the remaining games of the season and you never know where that might take you.

Special mention goes to Sports central defensive partnership of Skipper Joe Newton and Jarrod Davies who gave the team a solid back line that was essential for the second half and helped build the platform for the eventual victory.

Ellis Evans

Man of the Match today was Ellis Evans for a wonderful display of creative football. Rue Hallam was right to mention that Ellis probably never made a pass of more than 15 yards all game but he never wasted a pass either. Some boys can used their strength to muscle their way through a match but players like Ellis prefer to use their football skills instead – keep it up Ellis.

Late update to this report. Could'nt resist including these pictures of our dedicated mums. Thanks for sharing Joanne Stenson.

Kelly Brandom

Vonny Hallam

Eleven Heroes

U15's Saturday Division One Notts Youth League

Hucknall Sports 1 Notts Colts 3

18/1/14

Sports first game after a 5 week break saw them take on Notts Colts. The opposition had made a solid start to the season but Sports were in confident mood after a run of 4 games unbeaten in the League.

Unfortunately, Sports were only able to muster 10 fit players for this game but were grateful to Danny Darlow deciding to play through the pain to at least make the numbers up to 11. The reshaped line-up saw a back four of Matt Leivers, Dylan Smith, Joe Newton and Kieran Green and the midfield comprised of Ellis Evans, Mitch Davies, Tom Eastwood and Dante Diriso.
The opening exchanges were fairly even and although Colts maybe carried more of a threat they didn't really create too many changes on goal. Sports new look defensive line defended a series of corners well and gradually the midfield started to impose themselves more. Mitch Davies was unlucky to see his free kick just miss at the top right corner and James Hallam was always a handful playing as the lone striker. Just before half-time Colts took the lead with a fluke goal when a clearance by Davies smashed into the opposition player and rebounded into the goal.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 0 Notts Colts 1

Rue Hallam and Justin Stenson took on the running of the team after half-time and played three at the back to enable Dante Diriso to play along striker James Hallam up front. This created much more pressure on the opposition back line and resulted in a great goal on the overlap from Mitch Davies. Unfortunately, the opposition punished Sports by scoring from a couple of free-kicks.
In the final 10 mins Sports had to play with only 10 men but refused to throw in the towel and gave absolutely everything for their team in search of the goals that their effort deserved. But in the end both time and energy ran out and Colts took the victory.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Notts Colts 3

On days like this when things seems to be conspiring against you the team needs everyone to pull together and show that they are up for the fight and all 11 boys did that today lead admirably by their skipper and man mountain Joe Newton who was today's winner of the Man of the Match award - well done Joe.
Sometimes you see best of a team in victory. 
Today we saw the best of a team even in defeat - #11heroes.