Hallam’s double put Sports through to next round

U14's Saturday Shield 

Hucknall Sports 3 Farndon Colts 2

6/10/12   

The first round of the Shield saw Hucknall Sports drawn against Farndon Colts of the Mansfield Chad league. Both teams had a 100% start to the season so a tight game was predicted before a ball was even kicked.

Sports started with a front two of James Hallam and the season’s most improved player so far Dante Diriso. Hucknall looked menacing and a strong run early on from Tom Eastwood only lacked a finishing shot on target to surely put his team into the lead. Hallam was dangerous as ever and had a couple of ‘sighters’ that Farndon’s keeper dealt well with. But he put his team into the lead when a clever ball from Diriso put Hallam clear and he smashed his shot in at the near post. Great play on the right side from Owen Everton presented another chance for Hallam but he was unlucky to see his effort just miss the target. A free-kick awarded to Sports just before half time presented a chance for Diriso to show his shooting prowess and his terrific dipping shot produced a fantastic save from Farndon’s keeper once more. In defence Sports back four held strong and no clear chances were really created by the opposition. The strong central partnership of Joe Newton and James Stenson dealt well with everything they were asked to do.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 1 Farndon Colts 0

Farndon came flying out of the blocks after half time and drew level after 5mins of the restart when a great move on the left side caught Sports napping and the visitors were back in the game. The oppositions confidence was clear for all to see and Hucknall rode their luck at times. Farndon should have taken the lead but failed to hit the target when a scrambled clearance presented a clear opportunity to score.

Sports reacted well and heeded the wake-up call. Kieran Green continued his great start to the season with a wonderful run and cross that Ollie Bowley looked favourite to convert only for the keeper to tip the ball away at the last moment. Diriso’s header was gathered in just before it crossed the line during a goal mouth scramble. Finally, the second Sports goal arrived when the ever reliable Hallam smashed in a shot from just inside the area after a combination of blocks by Colts defenders and keeper ‘pin-balled’ around area. Now it was Hucknall’s time to be on top and the game was put beyond Farndon when Diriso pounced on a through ball. His speed enabled him to be first to the ball with defender and goalkeeper ready to pounce and he side-footed the ball into the net. Colts managed to score a consolation goal with the last kick of the game to reduce the deficit but the result of this game was already established by then.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 3 Farndon Colts 2

This was a great cup tie and the result could have gone either way. Farndon can feel themselves unlucky not to get something from a match that they contributed so much to but Sports just shaded it and deserved the victory in the end.

Dante Diriso and Owen Everton were both contenders for Man of the Match and James Hallam third ‘double’ of the season put him in the frame also. But today’s winner was James (Steno) Stenson who produced a faultless performance add the heart of defence to ensure the opposition were limited to only scraps of chances to score – well done James, brilliant.

Green’s stunner inspires Sports

U14's Saturday Division 2a 

Hucknall Sports 3 Cotgrave Colts 1

22/9/12   

Sports entertained Cotgrave Colts at Goosdale Sports Complex in a game that would see Hucknall go 2 points clear at the top if they were able to win. However, Cotgrave are somewhat of bogey team and their victory over Sports last season effectively cost them promotion so nobody was taking this match for granted.

For the first time this season Sports where able to include Charlie Blatherwick in the squad but started the game with the team that beat Toton in such convincing fashion the previous week. Striker partners Dante Diriso and Ellis Evans posed an immediate threat with Diriso particularly unlucky to see his strong run and shot narrowly miss the far post. Jacob Barlow returned to the starting line-up after missing the previous week and combined well with Kieran Green on the left-hand side to provide dangerous crosses that Sports were just unable to convert. Cotgrave were rocking and surely it was only a matter of time but against the run of play a long ‘punt’ caught out Sports normally reliable central defenders and the opposition took the lead with a well taken finish. 25mins in and Hucknall made a pre-planned change and introduced James Hallam, Ollie Bowley and Blatherwick. Almost immediately Hallam looked to have levelled the scores as he burst through only for his shot to drift just wide, free-kicks from Blatherwick and Ryan Towle grazed the cross-bar. Sports remained focussed and then a simple through-ball found Hallam who beat both goalie and defender to the ball to clip it into the bottom right corner.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 1 Cotgrave Colts 1

Sports regrouped for the second half and organised their defence knowing the Cotgrave tactic would be to feed the dangerous Brad Eyers. A wonderfully timed tackle from Dylan Smith sent the message loud and clear that no more sloppiness would be tolerated in the backline. Hucknall probed and probed but Cosgrave’s goalkeeper was in inspired form and made wonderful saves to deny Blatherwick, Hallam and Diriso. Sports would have to come up with something special but little did the supporters know just what was about to happen. Kieran Green picked up the ball in his own half and surged forward past 4 Cotgrave players before dribbling into the box and smashing a fantastic shot into the far corner. Even the opposition Manager and Referee complimented on what a fantastic goal it was. Cotgrave were stunned but refused to give up and drove forward desperately trying to get the equaliser. As play broke down on the edge of Hucknall’s penalty area good interplay between Bowley and Evans put Hallam through and he finished wonderfully to secure the points for his team.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 3 Cotgrave Colts 1 

Sports looked nervous early on but battled hard to win a game that they might not have done last season. That’s three wins in a row, but this is no time to get carried away as there are many more tough challenges awaiting.

Candidates for Man of the Match included Dante Diriso and James Hallam who both played a major part in the victory. But the winner today for a moment of wonderful inspirational football and all round great performance was Kieran Green. I doubt we will see a better goal all season – well done Kieran, fantastic game today.

Eastwood double steers Sports to victory

U14's Saturday Division 2a 

Toton Tigers 0 Hucknall Sports 4

15/9/12   

Hucknall Sports second game of the new season took them away to Toton Tigers, a team who had been relegated from Division One recently. The location for the match was Chetwyn Army Barracks and what a ‘fantastic’ pitch awaited the Hucknall boys - if there is a better surface in the YEL then I have not seen it.

James Hallam, Jacob Barlow and Charlie Blatherwick were all missing for this game  and Sports took the opportunity to try a new front line consisting of Ollie Bowley, Dante Diriso and Ellis Evans. Shortly after kick-off Diriso showed a sign of what was to come by racing clear of his marker only to see his shot narrowly miss the target. Time and again he tormented the Toton defence and showed that he could shoot with both his right and left feet. Hucknall’s breakthrough goal came from newly appointed skipper Joe Newton when he rose at the near post to power home a Diriso corner. Owen Everton continued his great start to the season with a brilliant run and that went narrowly wide. Then, Diriso got on the score sheet  with a well taken goal of his own. Sports were playing some nice football and Bowley combined well with Tom Eastwood on the left side only for his shot to just miss the far post. Toton looked to get themselves back in the game and put together a spell of pressure that Hucknall’s defence did well to repel.

Half time: Toton Tigers 0 Hucknall Sports 2

The next goal was going to be vital and Toton surged forward and won a number of corners early on in the second half. Hucknall’s back line of Dylan Smith, Joe Newton, James Stenson and Kieran Green had to be on their toes but stood strong and in truth no clear cut chances were created. Sports continued to spray the ball around nicely and extended their lead when Eastwood burst through the Toton back line. The same boy then smashed a screamer into the top corner to take his season tally to 3 in 2 games – not bad for a midfielder. Then the move of the game saw Green move the ball forward with neat inter-passing between himself and Evans to present Eastwood with a chance to cross. The crowd held their breath as Mitch Davies leaped like a salmon at the far post but just failed to find the target. Further chances for Evans and Everton went begging but Sports were home and dry to record their second consecutive victory.

Full time:  Toton Tigers 0 Hucknall Sports 4 

The performance today was breathtaking at times and Sports boys certainly made the most of the playing surface with an exhibition of really stylish football.

Every boy contributed massively to the game and picking a man of the match was almost impossible.

New signing Kieran Green, Ryan Towle and Dante Diriso were immense. The entire defensive line was awesome and the new look front line created many, many, chances.

The eventual winner was Tom Eastwood for an outstanding performance that included two great goals and some fantastic wing play – well done Tom.

Keep it up boys, but there is a long way to go yet.

Winning start to the season for Sports

U14's Saturday Division 2a 

Hucknall Sports 4 Bottesford 2

8/9/12   

Hucknall Sports started the new season with a home game against new boys Bottesford at Wigwam Playing Fields.

Strong sunshine greeted both sides and it was clearly a day to conserve your energy.

Hucknall started with a formation looking for early goals and after series of near misses the goal came after good work from Jacob Barlow and Tom Eastwood saw a terrific cross cleverly diverted first time into the opposition goal  by Owen Everton. Sports looked dangerous and Dante Diriso tormented the left back with some fantastic wing play. Later in the game Ollie Bowley continue the right wing assault but a number of corners went unpunished by Hucknall. Botteford worked a neat break and equalised from a penalty awarded when new skipper Joe Newton was adjudged to have felled his man. Sports grabbed the lead once more through a terrific run and shot from Tom Eastwood but a mistake by at the back let Bottesford back in again to level the game 2-2 at half time.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 2 Bottesford 2

Playing with the breeze in their faces Hucknall braced themselves for a long ball attack but all credit to Bottesford for playing a passing game instead. As is often the case for Sports they tend to play better against the breeze and uphill and so it proved to be. Good work from the hard working midfield presented an opportunity for Everton to swing a lovely cross to the far post for Hallam to convert nicely and then a second from Hallam swung the game Sports way. Hucknall could have had more goals but the Bottesford keeper saved well from Hallam and Ryan Towle was unlucky to see his tremendous free kick smash against the cross-bar.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 4 Bottesford 2 

In draining conditions this was a great team effort by Sports. The performance wasn’t perfect, but in the end it was good enough and it’s encouraging that we can win even when not playing at our best.

Good performances from many players with Owen Everton, James Stenson and Mitch Davies catching the eye in particular.

However, today’s Man of the Match award goes to James Hallam for a terrific performance in leading the line and scoring the goals that saw his team to victory. Well done James – brilliant.

Season 2012-2013 Awaits...

    * Player Registration forms - yes
    * Registration Cards back from FA - no
    * Team Sponsor - yes
    * New kit -yes
    * New training balls - yes
    * Insurance certificates - ongoing
    * Club Membership forms - ongoing
    * Contact details update with FA - yes
    * Pitch Allocation confirmed - yes
    * Team formation for start of season - ongoing
    * Captain chosen - ongoing
    * Friendly matches - ongoing
    * Summer training - ongoing
    * Subscription payments - ongoing
    * Match day kitchen staff volunteers - ongoing
    * Last minute new signing - ongoing

With just two weeks to go to the start of the new season the above list gives a brief insight into the responsiblities of a local soccer manager.

Still have not been able to field my first choice team in a friendly game.

Uncertain as to whether key a player from last season will be able to play this year due to moving schools.

Frustrated that parents are not answering 'text' messages when trying to arrange

matches and training.

It seems that my plans for a good pre-season are in disarray.

Let's see what happens in two weeks time. Watch this space...

Classy Towle inspires Sports to Victory

Hucknall Sports U13's White 5 Wollaton Hall 1
Saturday 28th April 2012
YEL Division 2

On the last weekend of the season Hucknall Sports entertained Wollaton Hall knowing that only a victory would do to keep the team in with a chance of promotion to Division One.

Once again Sports played an adventurous formation with Dylan Smith moved into midfield after his wonderful Man of the Match performance in the previous week. From the first whistle Hucknall swarmed all over the Wollaton goal and created chance after chance. The opening goal came from ‘Super Striker’ James Hallam who headed in at the far post from a well taken free-kick by Ryan Towle. In fact Towle had another three free kicks from similar range and very nearly scored on each occasion. Then he showed pure class with a defence-splitting pass to put in Ollie Bowley who scored neatly with a shot to the bottom corner. Charlie Blatherwick was unlucky to see his fabulous run and shot narrowly evade the far post and Hallam’s fantastic run and cross begged for someone to put it into the net by was cleared by some last gasp defending by Wollaton. Sports attack were definitely on top but much credit has to go to the defenders in Hucknall’s team who showed the intelligence and composure to drive the team forward. Ellis Evans, James Stenson and Joe Newton played wonderful football to see Sports pass their way from defence through to attack rather than simply ‘booting’ the ball and hoping for the best. Sports Keeper Kal Orton was a spectator for the entire first half, but knew that the second would be busier with the visitors playing with the wind at their backs.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 2 Wollaton Hall 0

Playing up the slope and with the wind in their faces Sports introduced wingers Jacob Barlow and Dante Diriso with instructions to play ‘wide’ and attempt to turn the Wollaton defence around. Both boys carried out their instructions to the letter and Barlow put on a master class of wing play and finishing by smashing two wonderful goals and narrowly missing out on his hat-trick when the opposition goalie made a wonder-save. Harry Saxton dropped into the left back position and showed what a great footballer he is by taking his lead from the other defenders to drive his team forward. One of his many runs and passes will live long on the memory when he broke from the back, beat three men and set Diriso free on the right-side with a wonderful cross-field ball. Sports confidence was sky-high and the football was scintillating. Appropriately, the final goal of the season belonged to James Hallam who smashed his 21st goal to see his team home. Wollaton did get a consolation goal very late on but today was well and truly Hucknall Sports day.


Many of the boys contended today’s Man of the Match award and special mention has to go to Jacob Barlow and Harry Saxton for putting in great performances. However, the award went to Rylan Towle for his midfield-masterclass. Towle had a hand in just about everything and whilst he was disappointed not to get on the score sheet this should take nothing away from a brilliant performance – well done Ryan.


Sports smashed in 13 goals in the last three games of the season and finished as the form team of the league. But ultimately paid the price for two sloppy performances when losing to teams that they really should be beating and as a result have missed out on promotion by 1pt.

The boys have showed that they are more than capable of competing with the best the county has to offer. Hucknall are the only team to have beaten the runaway Division winners Hyson Green and were unlucky to lose in extra time to Mansfield Division One winners and County Cup finalist Ashfield. So we go into next season with the confidence that we can do well once more.

Thanks to Michael Dawson for celebrating the end of the season with the boys and thanks for a great season boys.

Smith inspires Sports to Victory

Edwalton Cavaliers 1 Hucknall Sports U13's White 4
Saturday 14th April 2
YEL Saturday Division 2

Sports travelled south of the river for their penultimate league against Trophy Finalists Edwalton Cavaliers. Fair to say that Edwalton have had a ‘mixed’ season but results showed that they could play well against the top teams in the league so Sports could not take this game lightly.


Hucknall setup with their new attack minded formation and very nearly took advantage early on when Jacob Barlow put Ollie Bowley clear on goal only for Cav’s goalie to save at his near post. Ryan Towle put a free-kick just over the cross-bar and Edwalton’s goalie collected well from a corner with Sports just about to pounce. Edwalton took the lead with a wonder shot that Sports defence could do nothing about after a break away from a long ball over the top. Hucknall looked a little rattled and for a while they lost their composure. Edwalton were unlucky to see another shot hit the cross-bar. Whilst at the other end Sports penalty appeals were waved away by the young referee after Towle was bundled to the floor with a tackle from behind. Both teams had to be spoken to by the referee as the tackles started to fly in and half time came just in time for everyone to compose themselves.


Half time: Edwalton Cavaliers 1 Hucknall Sports 0


Sports introduced James Hallam, Charles Blatherwick and Dylan Smith for the second half, but it was Edwalton who started the better and they penned Sports into their own half for the first 10 minutes. Hucknall were crying out for someone to get a hold of the ball and dictate play. Cometh the hour, cometh the ‘Silent Assassin’ Dylan Smith. Playing in right midfield instead of full-back Smith set the example that his team mates needed. He made the right decisions at the right time and showed what a fabulous player he is. His hard work in winning the ball created the opportunity that Hucknall needed to get back into the game. In the space of 15 minutes a Smith goal and two more from Charles Blatherwick had got Sports back into the game. Then an own goal as Hallam was ready to pounce at the far post made it 4-1 to Sports and it was game over.


This was the definitive game of ‘two halves’ for Sports. The first was lots of industry without creating too many clear chances. The second was much better and more like the Sports team their fans expect to see.


All players contributed well at times in this game but the clear winner for Man of the Match was Dylan Smith. Great to see someone so young have such an impact and inspire his team mates to play the football they are capable of – Brilliant Dylan.

Edwalton had their moments too and we wish them all the best for next week’s Final.