Sports up to second after double over Rolls

U14's Saturday Division 1b 

Rolls Royce 1 Hucknall Sports 3

23/4/13   

A large crowd bathed in late evening sunshine turned out to take in the local derby between Rolls Royce Leisure and Hucknall Sports at Watnall Road on Tuesday evening. Sports had won the first encounter 3-0 but both teams still had lots to play for in this final meeting between the two teams this season.

Playing on Rolls first team pitch should have meant that the very best of playing surfaces was guaranteed but in truth it was probably one of the worst pitches seen all year. Nevertheless, both teams set about trying to play good football and it was Rolls who started the brighter. Sports Keeper Kal Orton was called upon to make a number of saves and pushed one shot onto the cross-bar to keep his team in the game earlier on. Rolls put over a dangerous corner that Hucknall Sports defenders were happy to see cleared at the second attempt and for the second game running Sports held out during earlier pressure before gradually getting themselves into gear. Tom Eastwood and Dante Diriso provided the width and were a menace to their markers all night long. Sports free-kick specialist Ryan Towle put in a couple of fantastic efforts, one that just evaded the goal and the other that Eastwood narrowly missed getting on the end of. Hucknall were on top but needed a goal to reward their hard work and it wasn’t long before TOWLE obliged. He picked up the ball in midfield, created the space for his shot and then smashed it over Rolls keeper into the back of the net for a late contender for ‘Goal of the Season’. Rolls heads dropped and Sports sensed an opportunity for more goals. A series of dangerous corners were scrambled clear by the opposition until, with 10mins before half time, another Diriso corner picked out Sports Skipper JOE NEWTON who somehow bundled the ball into the back of the net with a combination of head, knee and foot. Sports went into the break leading 2-0.

Half time: Rolls Royce 0 Hucknall Sports 2

Charlie Blatherwick and Matt Leivers entered the game at half-time with the message to ensure that Hucknall kept possession of the ball and both carried out their instructions to the letter. Leivers once again caught the eye with his fantastic technique proving invaluable on such a poor surface. Time and again he provided the ‘out ball’ for Sports to take pressure off of themselves and drive his team forward. In central midfield Maleek Batten continued his impressive form to ensure that Sports won every 50:50 ball and deny Rolls any time. The opposition won a few free-kicks but none really tested Sports keeper. As the game entered the last 10mins Rolls punted a long ball over the top that Keeper Orton handle outside of his box to present another free-kick opportunity. But once again Rolls couldn’t hit the target. With only minutes left over elaborate play in midfield from Hucknall presented an opportunity for Kieran Beales to score and setup a grandstand finish. Only for Sports to immediately hit back when Eastwood and Blatherwick combined to set JAMES HALLAM free to score after rounding both central defender and goalkeeper.

Full time:  Rolls Royce 1 Hucknall Sports 3

Once again Sports started too slowly in this game and can thank Kal Orton and his defenders for keeping the team in the game early on. That said, once Sports settled they played some great stuff.

Selecting a Man of the Match was almost impossible as the entire team played so well. Special mentions go to the entire back four of Dylan Smith, Joe Newton, James Stenson and Kieran Green for defending so well in poor conditions.

But the award goes to Ryan Towle for an inspirational performance. His goal will live long in the memory – well done Ryan, keep it up.

Super Sports Stun League Leaders

U14's Saturday Division 1b 

Hucknall Sports 3 Lowdham Colts 0

20/4/13   

Fantastic sunshine greeted both teams as they arrived at Goosedale Sports Complex for this Division 1b fixture that saw Sports playing against league leaders Lowdham Colts. The opposition were unbeaten in 5 games since losing to Sports 2-1 just after Christmas so a close match was expected by all concerned.

Injury to Charlie Blatherwick meant that Sports started the game with Ryan Towle and Maleek Batten in centre midfield. Whilst last week’s Man-of-the-Match Ellis Evans retained his place alongside James Hallam up front.

Lowdham came charging out of the blocks and played some lovely football early on but were unable to capitalise. Sports on the other hand looked tired and their football was labored but a breakaway on the left side presented TOM EASTWOOD with a chance to shoot and he kept up his wonderful scoring record going by dispatching the ball low to the goalkeepers left. Lowdham were stunned but had no time to gather themselves before an exquisite ball from Maleek Batten put ELLIS (Welsh Wizard) EVANS through and he skilfully clipped the ball over the top of the onrushing keeper. Evans had a terrific game and gathered the ball off of his midfield to deliver telling passes both left and right time and again. He very nearly got a second goal when connecting with a neat header only for the keeper to make a good save down to his right. Before half-time Mitch Davies, returning from injury, entered the game in place of the impressive Ryan Towle. Sports midfield were first to everything and ensured their team made it to the break leading comfortably at 2-0.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 2 Lowdham Colts 0

Matt Leivers came on at half time and slotted into the right side of midfield. Sports readied themselves for an onslaught from Lowdham who were desperate for an early goal to get themselves back into the game. But Hucknall were in no mood to throw away their lead and if anything they took an even stronger grip of the game. The defensive unit of Kieran Green, Captain Joe Newton, James Stenson and Dylan Smith were absolutely immense and repelled all that Lowdham had to throw at them. Up front Diriso moved alongside Hallam and the pair stretched Lowdham all over the park. DANTE DIRISO latched onto a through ball and smashed the ball home for a goal that his performance totally deserved. Diriso very nearly followed up with a second moments later only for a fabulous last ditch tackle to clear the ball off of his toe as he was about to shoot. Having been on such a good run and being in sight of the League Championship Lowdham’s frustration grew as they simply could not get a foothold in the match.  But it’s hard to recall a shot on goal in the second half, such was Sports dominance. In the last 10mins Towle re-entered the match and helped steer his team home for a well deserved victory.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 3 Lowdham Colts 0

When this game started Sports looked ragged but Tom Eastwood’s goal settled the nerves and from that point onward Hucknall were great.

Not for the first time this season the choice of man of the match was extremely difficult with every boy making such a massive contribution. Evans continued his great form, Eastwood terrorised another right-back, Matt Leivers played wonderfully well and the list of contenders goes on and on. But the standout performance today was from the newest member of the squad Maleek Batten. His determination to win everything in midfield was clear for all to see from the outset. But his game is not just about strength as he also showed that he has an eye for a pass – well done Maleek, very impressive.

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Thrilling Draw for Sports

U14's Saturday Division 1b 

Keyworth 3 Hucknall Sports 3

13/4/13   

After almost a month without a game Hucknall Sports travelled to Keyworth United for their sixth match in a very even league where it seems anyone can beat anyone.

With James Stenson serving a one match ban Sports had to shuffle the pack and Ryan Towle moved into central defence alongside Skipper Joe Newton. Charlie Blatherwick and new-boy Maleek Batten renewed their impressive partnership in midfield whilst Diriso and Hallam started up front. Playing into a strong wind Hucknall got off to a fantastic start when TOM EASTWOOD surged forward and somehow summoned the strength to combat the wind with a shot that looped up and over the keeper to put his team into the lead. But almost immediately Keyworth struck back when a lofted corner caught the wind and flew to the back post where it was easily converted. Sports were much the better team and their clever passing game actually made playing into the wind an advantage. Time and again Sports attacked both the left and right flanks with Eastwood and Diriso terrorising their markers. Blatherwick dictated play from the centre of midfield and Batten provided the strength to ensure that Hucknall won all the 50:50 balls. Batten linked up well with Eastwood and was unlucky to see run and shot just drift wide. Eastwood’s fantastic run to the heart of defence had the crowd on the edge of the seat but just as he was about to ‘pull the trigger’ Keyworth’s defender made an immaculate tackle. Further shots from Blatherwick, Hallam, Eastwood , Evans and Diriso showed how much Sports were on top. But poor marking in central midfield provided an opportunity for Keyworth to shoot from distance and the ball arrowed to the top corner to give Kal Orton now chance at all. Unbelievably, after having all the play Sports went into the break losing 2-1.

Half time: Keyworth United 2 Hucknall Sports 1

Hucknall got off to the worst possible start when they failed to clear their lines and gifted an easy goal for Keyworth to extend their lead to 3-1. How would Sports react? Well the answer empathic and the boys gathered themselves for a tremendous spell of pressure football that saw the score two goals in 10mins to level the scores. First MALEEK BATTEN smashed home from close range after Joe Newton’s effort headed towards the goal. Then, after good work from Dylan Smith, JAMES HALLAM ‘toe poked’ into the bottom corner to setup a grandstand finish to the game. A trademark Ryan Towle long range free-kick look to be heading over the Keyworth goalies head but he just managed to keep the ball out. Sport’s sense victory and drove forward again and again but shots from Evans and Eastwood were kept out with last ditched blocks. The last ‘play’ of the game saw Sports awarded a free kick on the edge of the box but Towle’s shot couldn’t beat the wall and in the end the points were shared.

Full time:  Keyworth Unted 3 Hucknall Sports 3

This was a terrific game with Sports playing some brilliant stuff throughout the match. In the end they just couldn’t get the winning goal that their performance deserved but after being down 3-1 with 20mins to go a draw is a good result.

Be proud of yourselves for playing a fantastic game and the rewards will come by continuing to play the same way.

Today’s winner of the Man of the Match Award was Ellis Evans for a wonderful performance up front. Ellis played clever game and found space time and time again to push his team forward – well done Ellis, awesome.

Disappointing end to a great game

Under 14 Saturday Cup
16-3-13
Long Eaton 2 Hucknall Sports 1

Sport drew first division rivals Long Eaton in the first round of the YEL Cup and arrived at the game in great spirit after a fantastic win the previous week.

Both teams are renowned for playing a 'passing' game but were going to have their work cut out on a truly dreadful pitch. Credit then to them both for getting the ball down and playing some nice football and the opening exchanges were very evenly matched. Hucknall welcomed back Mitch Davies into midfield and along with the impressive Ryan Towle, Matt Leivers and Tom Eastwood they set about ensuring that the opposition would not be able to control play as they like to do. Long Eaton struck first with a well taken goal  but Sports hit back almost immediately when Eastwood's shot looped over the keeper only to cannon back off of angle and post. Soon after Sports were awarded a free kick on the left side of the penalty area and this time they did get back on level terms when MITCH DAVIES smashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Soon after Dante Diriso made a dangerous run and was unlucky to see his shot hit the side netting. James Hallam linked well with Eastwood on the left side and smashed a ball across the area that Sports just could not convert. Hucknall were well on top as the referee blew for half time.

Half time: Long Eaton 1 Hucknall Sports 1

Sports introduced Ellis Evans in the second half and he was instrumental in feeding Diriso wide on the right but as he lined up his shot the Long Eaton defender got a block in and the ball was put out for a corner. Hucknall looked odds-on to take the lead and a great header from James Stenson looked goal bound but was cleared as it headed for the back of the net.
With time running down both teams gambled for the winner by pushing players forward and Long Eaton scored what turned out to be the winner when a slide-rule pass put in their left winger for his second of the game. Sports were not ready to give up hopes of an equaliser and Tom Eastwood's shot looked to be heading over the keeper only for him to make a great save.
In the final moments of the game and with Sports pushing more and more men forward they got caught on the break and were punished with a red card for James Stenson's last minute challenge.

Full time: Long Eaton 2 Hucknall Sports1

No one can fault Sports players effort in this game where they played well enough to win two matches let alone one. On a poor pitch they did some great stuff and continued where they left off the previous week.
There were so many good performances that the entire team were in line to take the award for man of the match for the second week running.

Unfortunately though, all the good play was over shadowed by the accusations of disrespecting the referee and opposition manager.
We can argue for a more common sense approach to the awarding of a red card with only moments to go but the other matters are very serious issues and our fate is in the hands of the FA.

Sparkling Sports stun Rolls

U14's Saturday Division 1b 

Hucknall Sports 3 Rolls Royce 0

9/3/13   

On a wet and windy day Hucknall Sports entertained local rivals Rolls Royce in the first meeting of the two teams since both clinched promotion to Division 1b at Christmas. The league table showed that there was nothing between the two teams and in the last encounter a Kieran Beales hat-trick had secured Rolls victory.

Once again Sports had to make last minute changes to their starting line-up when inspirational midfielder Mitch Davies pulled-up in the pre-match warm-up. Charlie Blatherwick was installed as his replacement alongside Ryan Towle with James Stenson resuming his defensive partnership with skipper Joe Newton after Kal Orton returned from injury. Hucknall set off like an express train and totally dominated the play early on with their midfield taking control and dictating play. Blatherwick in particular relished his return to the Sports team and set about giving a master class on creative football. The link from front to back was great to see for Sports supporters and it was BLATHERWICK who scored the first goal when a twisting, turning, run through midfield presented him with the opportunity to shoot and his deflected shot just crept in at the bottom left corner. Strikers Dante Diriso and James Hallam worked tirelessly to find space to receive the ball and pulled their markers all over the pitch. Hallam so nearly got on the score sheet himself when great cross from wide on the right found him unmarked only for Rolls keeper to block well. Tom Eastwood continued to find space on the left flank and his interplay with Diriso stood out. Time and again he managed to beat his opponent to the byline and cross dangerously but unfortunately Sports just could not capitalise. A looping EASTWOOD shot narrowly missed the target but he then secured Sports second goal when he smashed home after great work from Hallam on the right-hand side.

Rolls occasionally looked dangerous and persisted with their familiar long-ball approach looking to release the strikers but Sports defence were in no mood to allow a goal today and withstood everything, Kieren Green and Dylan Smith particularly catching the eye.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 2 Rolls Royce 0

An injury to James Stenson just before half-time meant that he was unable to return for the second half and once more Sports had to reshuffle the ‘pack’. Ryan Towle dropped to centre-half and new signing Maleek Batten took his place in midfield.

The next goal was going to be vital and Hucknall anticipated Rolls would come flying out of the blocks for the second half but instead the opposition appeared subdued. Sports continued where they left off and if anything gained an even tighter grip of the game. Matt Leivers maintained his wonderful run of form with a tireless display in midfield and he showed some lovely touches when cleverly threading passes to his strikers. HALLAM deservedly got on the score sheet when his lightening speed took him clear of the Rolls last man to finish exquisitely. Rolls only shot on target in the second half came from a free-kick that Kal Orton gathered in with little fuss. Tom Eastwood had a chance for his second of the game when Diriso released him late on but the impressive Rolls keeper saved expertly to keep the ball out.

The final whistle blew and Sports celebrated victory.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 3 Rolls Royce 0

What a different a week makes! Sports couldn’t get out of first gear against Hyson Green but today they were ‘at it’ from the very first whistle.

Hucknall’s coaching staff finally saw the training ground potential converted into match day brilliance with a performance of the very highest quality.

The challenge now is to reproduce this level of performance every week and show that you really do ‘WANT IT’.

First the first time in the running of this team the award for Man of the Match was given to the entire team – well done everyone.

Freak Goal Punishes Sports

U14's Saturday Division 1b 

Hyson Green 1 Hucknall Sports 0

2/3/13   

After a no game the previous week Hucknall Sports travelled to Melbourne Park to take on Hyson Green. The run up to the game had not been ideal for Sports with Goalie Kal Orton and left back Kieran Green both suffering injuries. Fortunately Sports centre-half James Stenson didn’t hesitate to volunteer for the keepers shirt and Green showed real character to play through the pain barrier rather than letting his team mates down. Hucknall had to shuffle the pack and the line-up was almost unrecognisable from previous weeks with Ryan Towle dropped into the back four, Matt Leivers playing right-back, Dylan Smith right midfield and new boy Maleek Batten playing centre midfield.

On a dreadful pitch both teams started very cautiously. Sports created the first chance of note when Dante Diriso played in James Hallam but just as he was about to ‘pull the trigger’ the ball bobbled and his shot went astray. Hyson Green won a few corners which Sports defended without too much trouble. Stand-in Keeper James Stenson was commanding at the back and gathered any loose ball comfortably. Late on in the half Sports pressure from their own corner saw shots from Tom Eastwood and James Hallam blocked as Hyson Green ensured they had loads of bodies behind the ball. Eastwood had a strong shout for a penalty turned away by the referee but in truth the first half was one to forget with neither team troubling the opposition goalkeeper or managing to play particularly well.

Half time: Hyson Green 0 Hucknall Sports 0

The opposition started nicely in the second half and introduce their lightening striker within moments of the restart. Jacob Barlow narrowly missed out on converting a James Hallam pass with the ball just running out of play before he could get a hold of it. A nice move saw a half-chance fall to Tom Eastwood but he couldn’t find the target from a difficult angle. New boy Maleek Batten showed a great turn of pace to beat the Hyson Green back line to the ball and his shot troubled the goalie who gathered in at the second opportunity.

With the game looking like it was heading for a 0-0 draw Hyson Green won a corner on the left and Sports were left scratching their heads as the ball curled straight in at the far post.

Although time was running out Sports refused to give in and drove forward but just couldn’t breach the backline of the opposition before the final whistle blew.

Full time:  Hyson Green 1 Hucknall Sports 0

Quite how Sports failed to get something out of the game defies belief and it is hard to recall a shot from Hyson Green on target.

We can feel sorry for ourselves or decided to do something about it next Saturday. This team can achieve great things if they want to – it’s really in your hands boys.

Today’s winner of the Man of the Match Award was Matt Leivers for another outstanding performance – well done Matt and keep it up.