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

No Luck for Sports

U16's Saturday Division One

Hucknall Sports 2 Dunkirk 5

15/11/14

After two successive weeks of cup games and a total of 24 goals Hucknall Sports entertained Dunkirk with confidence running high.

Dunkirk had the first attack of the game but Sports had the first scoring opportunity when James Hallam linked well with strike partner Adey Lang who cleverly lobbed the keeper but looked on in agony as his shot was scrambled off the line. Another terrific move saw Tom Eastwood set free on the left and his shot narrowly missed at the far post. With Sports having all the play it was important to make it pay and score the goal that they deserved. A clinical move involving Ellis Evans saw Jarrod Davies play a through ball to set James Hallam free in front of goal and he finished brilliantly to put Sports ahead. Dunkirk were shocked and the volume level from the touch line was increased as their defence looked vulnerable every time Sports got a hold of the ball. A hopeful ‘punt’ up field from Dunkirk brought about some indecision between Hucknall's defence and goalkeeper to present an easy chance to equalise and no mistake was made. But Sports were in no mood to take a back seat in this game and stormed forward time and again. Their brilliant build-up play was utterly mesmerising  but unfortunately they just couldn’t find the end product to put the ball into the net. Towards the end of the half Lang thought he’d won a penalty as he broke away from the Dunkirk keeper but his honesty in staying on his feet meant that the referee didn’t judge the tackle as a foul.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 1 Dunkirk 1

Hucknall started the second half as they left off the first. But against the run of play Dunkirk took the lead with a good finish from a cross from the right hand side and then went further into the lead moments later. Sports were scratching their heads wondering how they could be losing this game after having all the play. Showing great resolve they got themselves back in the game when an Eastwood corner found Danny Darlow at the far post. His goal bound header was well saved but Jarrod Davies was on hand to smash in the rebound for his 11^th goal of the season to give Sports a chance.  A dubious free-kick awarded to Dunkirk wide on the left side should have presented no danger to Sports but a speculative ball looking for a far post header dropped into the back of the net after deceiving everyone. To add insult to injury Dunkirk put the game out of sight when they scored a fluke goal straight from a corner – if Sports didn’t have bad luck, then they would have no luck at all. As if things couldn’t get any worse Joe Newton was sent off for a second bookable offense and then Hucknall Skipper James Stenson was carried off with a nasty looking injury. Even playing with 10 men Hucknall were still creating chances but despite all their efforts the game was lost.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 2 Dunkirk 5

Sometimes it’s just not your day and today that was certainly the case for Sports. No one could question their desire and effort and there is little doubt that they played the best football. But next week is another game and a chance to put things right.

After all the events of Friday nights “Children in Need” it’s worth remembering that we are the lucky ones.

MOM Matt Leivers

Today’s winner of the Man of the Match award was Matt Leivers. He’s waited a long time to be given a chance to regularly start for Sports and even though he is playing out of position he has taken the opportunity with both hands -Well done Matt

#properfootball

Seventh Heaven for Sports

U16's Saturday Cup

Hucknall Sports 7 Keyworth Utd 1

8/11/14

Sports entertained Division One Keyworth United in the first round of the U16’s Saturday Cup. After a slow start to their season United had improved and came into this game with confidence high after a great draw with high flying Notts Coltz in the previous week.

For the first time in a long time Sports managed to field 16 players for a game with Maleek Batten welcomed back after an absence of almost 4 weeks with injury. Sports started at a blistering pace and a terrific run from Matt Leivers drew the defender out of position to enable Tom Eastwood to drive into the penalty area and he looked for all the world like he had put Sports into the lead only for the final shot to rebound off the inside of the post and into the goalies hands. Soon after a towering header from Jarrod Davies flew just over the bar from an Adey Lang corner and as other Hucknall chances went begging you couldn’t help wondering if Sports would live to regret them. Keyworth weathered the storm and when Sports central defenders got themselves into a muddle to present the easiest of chances to score they took the lead. This gave them all the confidence they needed and Sports where indebted to their returning keeper Kal Orton for an unbelievable point-blank save and moments later they held their breath as a breakaway from Keyworth resulted in a shot that just missed at the far post. The game seesawed for a little while but gradually Sports started to find more space in between the lines with Ellis Evans starting to pull the strings. A good move from Hucknall released Adey Lang on the right wing and his driven cross was headed in his own net by Keyworth’s centre-half. As Hucknall turned up the pressure Ryan Towle ghosted in at the far post to crunch his header home and put Sports into the lead. 10 minutes before half-time Hucknall introduced Dylan Smith and Mitch Davies to lock the door on any more chances for the opposition and Sports cruised to half-time with a goal advantage.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 2 Keyworth Utd 1

Hucknall kept the same shape in the second half and produced what was probably their best 40 minutes of the season so far. Adey Lang and James Hallam set about putting the game to bed and plundered 4 goals between them with Lang grabbing his second hat-trick of the season against Keyworth with a tremendous rasping volley the pick of the bunch and Hallam showing the strikers instinct to smash home from close range after great work from Tom Eastwood ;-) Sports introduced Batten and Kieran Worthington to close the game out and Batten was rewarded for his fight back from injury with his first goal of the season and Worthington’s brilliant left foot drive looked set for the top corner only to be gathered in at the last moment. Jarrod Davies neat turn and shot was also saved and another shot from Lang skimmed just wide but in the end Sports were just too strong for the opposition and the game was won.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 7 Keyworth Utd 1

It’s not possible to praise the boys highly enough for their play in this game and all 16 boys played their part in the victory. After going a goal down and maybe riding their luck a little they simply dominated the opposition from 30 mins into the game until the end. The play was simply breathtaking at times and the speed of attack amazing. Rest assured nobody will want to draw Sports in the next round.

MOM Adey Lang

There were many contenders for this week’s Man of the Match with Matt Leivers and Dylan Smith in particular counting themselves unlucky not to take the award after having their best games of the seasons. But today’s winner was Adey Lang for not only a terrific display of goal scoring but equally importantly some terrific training ground hold up play. Keyworth will be happy to see the back of him after he scored his second hat-trick of the season against them – awesome Adey, well done.

Finally, all the team and coaches would like to say a huge thank you to Audi Nottingham and Vonny Hallam for sponsoring our new away kit which looked simply terrific and was befitting today’s great performance.

#properfootball

Shield Victory for Sports

U16's Saturday Notts Shield - Round 2

Hucknall Sports 17 Sherwood Youth 0

1/11/14

After a one week gap due to school holidays Hucknall Sports U16’s entertained Sherwood Youth at Goosedale Sports Complex in the second round of the Notts Shield.

Sports changed their line-up slightly for this game and elected to go for a 4-3-3 formation with Ellis Evans playing in the ‘hole’ in front of a midfield three of Jarrod Davies, Tom Eastwood and Danny Darlow.

It wasn’t long before Hucknall had their first shot on goal when Adey Lang broke clear of his marker to square the ball to James Hallam who was unlucky to narrowly miss the target. The opening goal soon came though when Tom Eastwood smacked a looping shot up and over the advancing keeper and Sports were on their way. Hallam got himself on the score sheet as did Eastwood once again and all credit to the Sports strikers for unselfishly sticking to the game-plan and drawing defenders out of position to create the space in front of goal for the midfielders with Jarrod Davies being the main beneficiary as he helped himself to 5 first half goals. With Sports on top Ryan Towle, Charlie Blatherwick and Keiran Worthington all entered the game and as the goals flew in by half time the score was already 8-0.

Half-Time: Hucknall Sports 8 Sherwood Youth 0

More changes were made and Keaton Sharpe was rewarded for helping Hucknall through their mini goalkeeper crisis with a run outfield. In fact by the time this game was done Sharpe had played in pretty much every position possible including Keeper, Defender, Midfield and Striker. Try as they might though his Sports team mates just couldn’t tee him up for a goal. Many substitutions were made and boys were given chances to try different positions to what they might normally play but this didn’t stop the goal-fest. Davies secured his double hat-trick and Kieran Worthington scored his first goal for Sports with a neat header directly from a corner. Adey Lang grabbed a brace that included one shot that would probably have ended up in Bestwood Village had it not smashed into the back of the net. Returning from injury Towle and Blatherwick also got on the score sheet and by full time Sports had racked up 17 with the opposition unlucky not to find the net themselves for a consolation goal that they deserved.

Hucknalls goal scorers were: Danny Darlow 1, Jarrod Davies 6, Tom Eastwood 2, James Hallam 1, Adey Lang 2, Kieran Worthington 1, Charlie Blatherwick 1, Ryan Towle 1 and 2 own-goals.

Full-Time: Hucknall Sports 17 Sherwood Youth 0

Looking at the league positions before the game this appeared to be a game that Sports should have won and so they did. The value in this fixture is the rare opportunity to try out new formations and take training ground moves into a competitive match midway through the season. There were some really pleasing elements to Sports play and their patience on the ball was exemplary at times. Stiffer tests await in the next round for sure, but well done to everyone today.

MOM James Stenson

Today’s winner of the Man of the Match award was Skipper James Stenson for leading by example with a terrific professional attitude and respect for the opposition – thanks James.

A special mention for the opposition who fulfilled this fixture to the best of their abilities. They could have followed the lead of other teams in the competition and not even had the courage to play the game but they didn’t. Hucknall Sports players and parents will remember us losing by similar scores in our mini-soccer days. So all the best to Sherwood for the remainder of the season and thanks for the game.

Many thanks to Jo and Martin Eastwood of Belmar Services for sponsoring our new Training Tops – see picture attached.

Back row (left to right) Joe Newton, Ellis Evans, James Hallam, Danny Darlow, Keaton Sharpe, Ryan Towle, Jarrod Davies, James Stenson, Charles Blatherwick, Adey Lang,
Front row (left to right) Dante Diriso, Tom Eastwood, Kieran Worthington, Dylan Smith, Matt Leivers,
Kieran Green

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.