Monday, 24 January 2011
Evans inspires Sports to the Semi's
22/01/11 Saturday U12's Cup Underwood Villa 0 Hucknall Sports 3 Frosty conditions meant that this game was delayed by an hour as the venue was moved from Brinsley to Bestwood Village (Goosedale) and with both teams enduring a frustrating league campaign it was a chance to relax in this Cup Quarter-final match. The only change for Sports saw them rearrange their defensive line-up and deploy Dante Diriso at left-back in place of the holidaying Tom Eastwood. From the start it was clear that Sports had brought their confidence of the previous weeks with them and got the perfect start when Jacob Barlow bicycle-kicked his team into the lead when he latched onto a ball just inside the 6-yard box. Charlie Blatherwick's intelligent use of the ball saw him cutting the Villa defence apart with a great range of passes from his new position at the head of midfield and one such pass saw James Hallam's blistering run and shot narrowly miss the target at the far post. In defence Diriso showed his versatility by being able to both break-up play with great tackles and also setup attacks by driving his team forward. Villa did have a good spell of pressure midway through the half and might have punished Sports defence had it not been for Keeper Kal Orton who was alert to any dangers and quick off the mark. Sports finished the half pushing to extend the lead but had to settle for 1-0 as the whistle blew. Half Time: Underwood Villa 0 Hucknall Sports 1 For the second half Sports switched Ellis (Welsh Wizard) Evans into centre midfield where he made good use of the ball to release his team mates with a great range of passing. Buckly Gibson-Brown showed he had listened to the coaching instructions and proved a great threat on both the right and left wings. Evans vision set free Hallam who finished with the composure of someone twice his age to score after rounding the Underwood keeper. Centre-back Ryan Towle launched a thunderbolt strike from 30 yards after Villa cleared the ball from a corner but his shot narrowly missed the far post by inches. Then Towle started a 10-pass move which resulted in Oliver Bowley 'megging' the Villa defender with a weighted pass to setup Ellis Evans to round of his Man of the Match performance with a shot high into the top corner - the Sports fans went wild with appreciation and even drew applause from the neutrals for the skill of the football. Soon after the final whistle blew for a victory that saw Sports make the semi-final's of the Saturday U12 Cup and a home game against West Bridgford. Full Time: Underwood Villa 0 Hucknall Sports 3 There are so many good things to say about this performance, but the summary has to be that it was a great team performance. Strong when we needed to be strong and skilful also when creating a series of great moves. This set of boys have worked so hard get their season going and finally have started go see some rewards. Let's kick on now and take this type of performance into the League games. Man of the Match was almost impossible to chose today with great performances all around the pitch. Joe Newton was great in defence (again), Mitch Davies was awesome in midfield (again) and James Hallam a constant threat up front (again). However, for his terrific passing and wonderful goal the award goes to Ellis Evans - Well done Ell, great performance.
Sports give Long Eaton a real fright
15/01/11
Saturday U12's Division One
Long Eaton 3 Hucknall Sports 1
Blustery conditions greeted Hucknall and Long Eaton as they arrived at West Park for their second game in a week. Predictions of a thrashing for Sports had emerged from some of the Long Eaton players after they had won 4-0 the previous week.
Playing into the wind Sports started the better of the two teams and central midfielders Mitch Davies and Harry (H-Bomb) Saxton worked hard to take possession of the ball. Hucknall created the first of the games chances from a good cross by Jacob Barlow that Long Eaton managed to scramble away from James Hallam as he was waiting to pounce. Frustrated Long Eaton showed a moment of composure to sidestep a challenge on the edge of the Sports penalty area and finished well to take the lead and then in first half injury time United went 2-0 up with a half-volley goal that just eluded Sports keeper Kal Orton.
Half Time: Long Eaton 2 Hucknall Sports 0
Sports now had the advantage of the wind with at their backs and Long Eaton struggled to get out of their own half as Hucknall pushed forward. Good pressure from James Hallam created a defensive mix-up in the United backline and he fired Sports back into the game when intercepting a poor back pass. United were rattled and when Hucknall were awarded a free-kick wide on the left Sports fans sensed a chance to draw level but Blatherwick's goal-bound header was defended well. Sports right winger, Buckly Gibson-Brown, found himself clear on goal but just as he was about to shoot a last ditched United challenge cleared the ball. Then cruelly, with Sports going all out for an equaliser United broke and scored what a proved to be a vital third goal as the wind abated just long enough to allow rare second half Long Eaton shot to drift over the Sports goalie and into the back of the net.
Full Time: Long Eaton 3 Hucknall Sports 1
What a difference a week makes - The entire Sports squad showed tremendous believe in their ability to match the challenge of Long Eaton and on another day could easily have got something out of the game.
Many great performances all around the pitch mean that this weeks choice was particularly hard work. But for his fantastic heading, tackling and passing in midfield the award went to Mitch Davies.
His after-match video comments stating that the team had battled hard and closed down everything applied as much to him as the entire team - well done Mitch.
Let's take great heart from this performance and kick-on now for the rest of the season boys.
Saturday U12's Division One
Long Eaton 3 Hucknall Sports 1
Blustery conditions greeted Hucknall and Long Eaton as they arrived at West Park for their second game in a week. Predictions of a thrashing for Sports had emerged from some of the Long Eaton players after they had won 4-0 the previous week.
Playing into the wind Sports started the better of the two teams and central midfielders Mitch Davies and Harry (H-Bomb) Saxton worked hard to take possession of the ball. Hucknall created the first of the games chances from a good cross by Jacob Barlow that Long Eaton managed to scramble away from James Hallam as he was waiting to pounce. Frustrated Long Eaton showed a moment of composure to sidestep a challenge on the edge of the Sports penalty area and finished well to take the lead and then in first half injury time United went 2-0 up with a half-volley goal that just eluded Sports keeper Kal Orton.
Half Time: Long Eaton 2 Hucknall Sports 0
Sports now had the advantage of the wind with at their backs and Long Eaton struggled to get out of their own half as Hucknall pushed forward. Good pressure from James Hallam created a defensive mix-up in the United backline and he fired Sports back into the game when intercepting a poor back pass. United were rattled and when Hucknall were awarded a free-kick wide on the left Sports fans sensed a chance to draw level but Blatherwick's goal-bound header was defended well. Sports right winger, Buckly Gibson-Brown, found himself clear on goal but just as he was about to shoot a last ditched United challenge cleared the ball. Then cruelly, with Sports going all out for an equaliser United broke and scored what a proved to be a vital third goal as the wind abated just long enough to allow rare second half Long Eaton shot to drift over the Sports goalie and into the back of the net.
Full Time: Long Eaton 3 Hucknall Sports 1
What a difference a week makes - The entire Sports squad showed tremendous believe in their ability to match the challenge of Long Eaton and on another day could easily have got something out of the game.
Many great performances all around the pitch mean that this weeks choice was particularly hard work. But for his fantastic heading, tackling and passing in midfield the award went to Mitch Davies.
His after-match video comments stating that the team had battled hard and closed down everything applied as much to him as the entire team - well done Mitch.
Let's take great heart from this performance and kick-on now for the rest of the season boys.
Tough start to the new year for Sports
8/01/11
Saturday U12's Division One
Hucknall Sports 0 Long Eaton 4
Friday's light snow cleared in time for Sports to get back to Division One football action with a game against unbeaten Long Eaton United.
Sports started sluggishly and Long Eaton soon took full advantage with a well worked goal taking them into the lead after only minutes of the game. Hucknall then lost both Charlie Blatherwick and Mitch Davies in a matter of minutes to injury and had to introduce Harry Saxton and Dante Diriso in their place. Understandably, Sports midfield needed time to settle down but United were in no mood to allow that to happen and played some neat football to move into a three goal lead. Hucknall were struggling to find their passing range, but the introduction of Buckly Gibson-Brown brought about a positive effect and his long pass narrowly avoided putting James Hallam through on goal. Perhaps Sports best chance came from a long range Ryan Towle free-kick that the United keeper did well to hold onto at the second attempt.
Half Time: Hucknall Sports 0 Long Eaton United 3
Finally, Sports started to settle and the game levelled out into a battle of two midfields in the second half. Long Eaton extended their lead when Sports failed to close down the opposition striker who finished well. Late in the game Sports best move the match saw Mitch Davies put Gibson-Brown in behind the United defence and his cross was only narrowly put over the bar by the on rushing Dante Diriso.
Full Time: Hucknall Sports 0 Long Eaton United 4
After seven weeks without a competitive game Sports were bound to look a little 'rusty' and so it proved to be. We will get back to basics in training again this week and look to bring our composure from their into next Saturday's game.
Despite losing this game Sports had some notable performances. Ryan Towle and Joe Newton continue to look like a good defensive partnership and keeper Kal Orton did his reputation no harm at all with another great display. Ellis Evans showed more composure than most and looked to play some really clever football with neat passing and great vision. Today's Man of the Match went to Tom Eastwood for a great show of strength at left back. He coped with everything that United threw at him and showed what a valuable member of the team he is - well done Tommy.
Saturday U12's Division One
Hucknall Sports 0 Long Eaton 4
Friday's light snow cleared in time for Sports to get back to Division One football action with a game against unbeaten Long Eaton United.
Sports started sluggishly and Long Eaton soon took full advantage with a well worked goal taking them into the lead after only minutes of the game. Hucknall then lost both Charlie Blatherwick and Mitch Davies in a matter of minutes to injury and had to introduce Harry Saxton and Dante Diriso in their place. Understandably, Sports midfield needed time to settle down but United were in no mood to allow that to happen and played some neat football to move into a three goal lead. Hucknall were struggling to find their passing range, but the introduction of Buckly Gibson-Brown brought about a positive effect and his long pass narrowly avoided putting James Hallam through on goal. Perhaps Sports best chance came from a long range Ryan Towle free-kick that the United keeper did well to hold onto at the second attempt.
Half Time: Hucknall Sports 0 Long Eaton United 3
Finally, Sports started to settle and the game levelled out into a battle of two midfields in the second half. Long Eaton extended their lead when Sports failed to close down the opposition striker who finished well. Late in the game Sports best move the match saw Mitch Davies put Gibson-Brown in behind the United defence and his cross was only narrowly put over the bar by the on rushing Dante Diriso.
Full Time: Hucknall Sports 0 Long Eaton United 4
After seven weeks without a competitive game Sports were bound to look a little 'rusty' and so it proved to be. We will get back to basics in training again this week and look to bring our composure from their into next Saturday's game.
Despite losing this game Sports had some notable performances. Ryan Towle and Joe Newton continue to look like a good defensive partnership and keeper Kal Orton did his reputation no harm at all with another great display. Ellis Evans showed more composure than most and looked to play some really clever football with neat passing and great vision. Today's Man of the Match went to Tom Eastwood for a great show of strength at left back. He coped with everything that United threw at him and showed what a valuable member of the team he is - well done Tommy.
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Sports Season gets going
20/11/10
Saturday U12's Cup
Clifton AW 1 Hucknall Sports 3
Dark and damp conditions welcomed Sports to this weekends Cup match with Clifton All Whites at South Notts College on Farnborough Road. Both teams had met only two weeks previously and on that occasion, despite Sports having many chances to win the game before half time, it was Clifton who won 2-1.
All Whites started the game the better of the two teams and looked dangerous with their neat style of football creating space in and around the Sports defence. But Hucknall defended well and Keeper Kal Orton's handling was solid as a rock. At the other end of the pitch James Hallam was once again a constant threat and wingers Oliver Bowley and Jacob Barlow gradually started to find some space to try and put Hallam in on goal. Shortly after sending a shot narrowly wide of the Clifton goal Sports coaches were left scratching their heads when All Whites bundled the ball into the net to take the lead with a clear foul going unnoticed. Just before half-time Sports where awarded a free-kick for a deliberate back-pass but could not find a way to goal through a packed penalty area.
Half time: Clifton AW 1 Hucknall Sports 0
For the start of the second half Sports introduced Dante Diriso and William Brown and both boys went on to make a significant impact on the game. Charlie Blatherwick and Ellis Evans began to take a firm grip of the midfield and showed some sublime passes to split the Clifton defence time and again. One such pass found its way to Hallam whose strong shot squirmed out of the goalies grasp and into the back of the net. This was just the break that Hucknall had been seeking and as a result the whole team suddenly found an extra yard of pace and the confidence came flowing back - Sports looked like the Title Winners of last year.
Then the move of the game saw Hucknall turn defence into attack when Keeper Orton threw a long ball to Thomas Eastwood who ran the length of the pitch before putting in a ball that found its way to Hallam who slotted home with the coolness of a well practiced training ground finish ;-) Blatherwick and Evans combined again to create an opening for Dirso who goal from a narrow angle saw him lifted should high in celebration from his Hucknall team mates.
Sports fans wanted more goals but the final whistle blew for a great win and we all look forward to the next round of the Cup.
Final Score: Clifton AW 1 Hucknall Sports 3
This result is great reward for a team that has worked so hard recently but without getting any reward for their efforts on Match Days. As with previous weeks there were many great performances to provide nominations for Man of the Match.
Ryan Towle and Harry Saxton both deserve a special mention for adapting well to their new positions.
Thomas Eastwood and Jacob Barlow are putting together a great partnership on the left, whilst Welsh Wizard Ellis Evans and Dante Diriso looked dangerous on the right.
Up front James Hallam continues his good run of form, both scoring and providing goals.
But for providing a solid and courageous performance in goal, today's winner was Kal Orton - brilliant Kal and well done.
Saturday U12's Cup
Clifton AW 1 Hucknall Sports 3
Dark and damp conditions welcomed Sports to this weekends Cup match with Clifton All Whites at South Notts College on Farnborough Road. Both teams had met only two weeks previously and on that occasion, despite Sports having many chances to win the game before half time, it was Clifton who won 2-1.
All Whites started the game the better of the two teams and looked dangerous with their neat style of football creating space in and around the Sports defence. But Hucknall defended well and Keeper Kal Orton's handling was solid as a rock. At the other end of the pitch James Hallam was once again a constant threat and wingers Oliver Bowley and Jacob Barlow gradually started to find some space to try and put Hallam in on goal. Shortly after sending a shot narrowly wide of the Clifton goal Sports coaches were left scratching their heads when All Whites bundled the ball into the net to take the lead with a clear foul going unnoticed. Just before half-time Sports where awarded a free-kick for a deliberate back-pass but could not find a way to goal through a packed penalty area.
Half time: Clifton AW 1 Hucknall Sports 0
For the start of the second half Sports introduced Dante Diriso and William Brown and both boys went on to make a significant impact on the game. Charlie Blatherwick and Ellis Evans began to take a firm grip of the midfield and showed some sublime passes to split the Clifton defence time and again. One such pass found its way to Hallam whose strong shot squirmed out of the goalies grasp and into the back of the net. This was just the break that Hucknall had been seeking and as a result the whole team suddenly found an extra yard of pace and the confidence came flowing back - Sports looked like the Title Winners of last year.
Then the move of the game saw Hucknall turn defence into attack when Keeper Orton threw a long ball to Thomas Eastwood who ran the length of the pitch before putting in a ball that found its way to Hallam who slotted home with the coolness of a well practiced training ground finish ;-) Blatherwick and Evans combined again to create an opening for Dirso who goal from a narrow angle saw him lifted should high in celebration from his Hucknall team mates.
Sports fans wanted more goals but the final whistle blew for a great win and we all look forward to the next round of the Cup.
Final Score: Clifton AW 1 Hucknall Sports 3
This result is great reward for a team that has worked so hard recently but without getting any reward for their efforts on Match Days. As with previous weeks there were many great performances to provide nominations for Man of the Match.
Ryan Towle and Harry Saxton both deserve a special mention for adapting well to their new positions.
Thomas Eastwood and Jacob Barlow are putting together a great partnership on the left, whilst Welsh Wizard Ellis Evans and Dante Diriso looked dangerous on the right.
Up front James Hallam continues his good run of form, both scoring and providing goals.
But for providing a solid and courageous performance in goal, today's winner was Kal Orton - brilliant Kal and well done.
Vernon come-back breaks Sports hearts
13/11/10
Saturday U12's Division One
Hucknall Sports 2 Vernon Colts 4
Bright sunny weather welcomed Sports and Vernon to Newstead Recreation Ground for a match between the bottom two teams in the league, but if anyone was expecting a poor game then they were sadly mistaken. Sports and Vernon put on a great display that belied both their league positions.
Hucknall thought they would have to start this game with only 11 players after losing two boys to County representative teams, but fortunately both Dante Diriso and Buckly Gibson-Brown made the long journey back from York in time for kick-off.
Starting with a new midfield pairing of William Brown and Charlie Blatherwick Hucknall could have been in the lead after seconds of the game starting when Jacob Barlow's shot went narrowly wide after great work from Blatherwick to create the chance. This gave Sports the confidence to push forward time and again but somehow the Vernon goal remained in tact. James Hallam was in splendid form and he latched onto clever passes from Oliver Bowley, Ryan Towle and Charlie Blatherwick only to by denied by the either the woodwork or Vernon's giant of a goalkeeper. Sports keeper Kal Orton hardly had a save to make and his team were well on top. Harry Saxton narrowly missed out on getting on the end of a Towle free-kick but the half time whistle blew with Hucknall frustrated and the scores level.
Half time: Hucknall Sports 0 Vernon Colts 0
Sports began the second half in wonderful spirits and sought out the goal that their first half play had deserved. Finally, the breakthrough came with both Hallam and Gibson-Brown finding the back of the net in quick succession. Both goals coming as a result of great football with the team moving the ball cleverly from midfield to attack to stun Vernon. Surely, this was the queue for Hucknall to push on and take their first victory of the season. But Colts got themselves back into the game by converting a penalty. Even then Sports still looked the team most likely to push on and could have scored twice more before Vernon equalised.
A rampant Vernon pushed Sports further and further back as they went in search of the winner and with Hucknall's earlier discipline and formation nowhere to been seen the visitors turned 2-0 down into a 4-2 lead. Hucknall still had their chances and a fine Jacob Barlow run and cross was headed narrowly wide by the unlucky Towle.
Final Score: Hucknall Sports 2 Vernon Colts 4
As with previous weeks, Sports could have been well in the lead before half time but unfortunately history repeated itself and it just wasn't to be.
Candidates for Man of the Match were numerous in the game.
Jacob Barlow is carrying his great skill on the training ground into matches and posing a real threat once more.
Thomas Eastwood and Joe Newton continue to prove solid in defence, with both looking to push the team forward by running the ball forward rather than simply blasting it long.
James Hallam quite literally shed blood for his team and lead his team by great example to continually provide a serious threat to the Vernon goal.
But the award went to Birthday Boy and debutant Charlie Blatherwick, who showed enough skill in his centre midfield role to confirm that he is going to be a great asset to the team in any number of positions - welcome on board Charlie and well done.
Keep the faith boys.
Saturday U12's Division One
Hucknall Sports 2 Vernon Colts 4
Bright sunny weather welcomed Sports and Vernon to Newstead Recreation Ground for a match between the bottom two teams in the league, but if anyone was expecting a poor game then they were sadly mistaken. Sports and Vernon put on a great display that belied both their league positions.
Hucknall thought they would have to start this game with only 11 players after losing two boys to County representative teams, but fortunately both Dante Diriso and Buckly Gibson-Brown made the long journey back from York in time for kick-off.
Starting with a new midfield pairing of William Brown and Charlie Blatherwick Hucknall could have been in the lead after seconds of the game starting when Jacob Barlow's shot went narrowly wide after great work from Blatherwick to create the chance. This gave Sports the confidence to push forward time and again but somehow the Vernon goal remained in tact. James Hallam was in splendid form and he latched onto clever passes from Oliver Bowley, Ryan Towle and Charlie Blatherwick only to by denied by the either the woodwork or Vernon's giant of a goalkeeper. Sports keeper Kal Orton hardly had a save to make and his team were well on top. Harry Saxton narrowly missed out on getting on the end of a Towle free-kick but the half time whistle blew with Hucknall frustrated and the scores level.
Half time: Hucknall Sports 0 Vernon Colts 0
Sports began the second half in wonderful spirits and sought out the goal that their first half play had deserved. Finally, the breakthrough came with both Hallam and Gibson-Brown finding the back of the net in quick succession. Both goals coming as a result of great football with the team moving the ball cleverly from midfield to attack to stun Vernon. Surely, this was the queue for Hucknall to push on and take their first victory of the season. But Colts got themselves back into the game by converting a penalty. Even then Sports still looked the team most likely to push on and could have scored twice more before Vernon equalised.
A rampant Vernon pushed Sports further and further back as they went in search of the winner and with Hucknall's earlier discipline and formation nowhere to been seen the visitors turned 2-0 down into a 4-2 lead. Hucknall still had their chances and a fine Jacob Barlow run and cross was headed narrowly wide by the unlucky Towle.
Final Score: Hucknall Sports 2 Vernon Colts 4
As with previous weeks, Sports could have been well in the lead before half time but unfortunately history repeated itself and it just wasn't to be.
Candidates for Man of the Match were numerous in the game.
Jacob Barlow is carrying his great skill on the training ground into matches and posing a real threat once more.
Thomas Eastwood and Joe Newton continue to prove solid in defence, with both looking to push the team forward by running the ball forward rather than simply blasting it long.
James Hallam quite literally shed blood for his team and lead his team by great example to continually provide a serious threat to the Vernon goal.
But the award went to Birthday Boy and debutant Charlie Blatherwick, who showed enough skill in his centre midfield role to confirm that he is going to be a great asset to the team in any number of positions - welcome on board Charlie and well done.
Keep the faith boys.
Squandered Chances cost Sport dear
6/11/10
Saturday U12's Division One
Hucknall Sports 1 Clifton AW 2
After a weeks break Hucknall Sports U12's went into the game with Clifton AW knowing that a first win would move them up the league but unfortunately a catalogue of poor finishing, heroic goal line clearances and fantastic goalkeeping mean that Sport are still waiting for their first win of the season.
Playing with the slope and a slight breeze at their backs Sports started slowly and Clifton took the game by the scruff of the neck with a series of probing long balls that Hucknall keeper Kal Orton dealt with confidently. A breakaway goal from Clifton's newly signed striker put the visitors into the lead but Sports responded with a series of opportunities that they failed narrowly to convert. In one particularly amazing incident the Sports looked certain to score but the ball cannoned off a Clifton defender on the goal line and miraculously looped up and over the cross-bar. Further chances feel to Sports before the end of the half, but the goal just would not come.
Half time: Hucknall Sport 0 Clifton AW 1
Changes for the second half saw Ryan Towle moved to right-back, Dylan Smith pushed forward into midfield and Oliver Bowley to right midfield. James Hallam forced the Clifton keeper into a fine save early on but then his stunning long shot found the bottom corner and Sports were back in the game. Hucknall sensed victory and with Hallam in fine form surely it was only a matter of time before the second goal came for Sports. More great saves, glaring misses and unbelievable clearance meant that Clifton were still in the game and then with only 10 mins remaining All Whites broke forward to force themselves back into the lead once more. Still Sports pushed on and on, Hallam saw his goal-bound left footed clip the head of the Clifton centre half and loop over rather than drop into the net and then second half substitute William Brown saw his great shot well saved by the impressive Clifton keeper and for the second week running the final whistle arrived all too soon for Hucknall.
Final Score: Hucknall Sports 1 Clifton AW 2
On another day Sports would have been out of site by half time, but football is a cruel game and today the ball just would not find the back of the net.
A number of performances were worthy of note with Kal Orton, Mitch Davies, Jacob Barlow and Oliver Bowley all playing well but today's winner of the Man of the Match award was James Hallam. His fantastic display of inventive and intelligent forward play deserved more than his solitary goal - a truly great performance James.
Saturday U12's Division One
Hucknall Sports 1 Clifton AW 2
After a weeks break Hucknall Sports U12's went into the game with Clifton AW knowing that a first win would move them up the league but unfortunately a catalogue of poor finishing, heroic goal line clearances and fantastic goalkeeping mean that Sport are still waiting for their first win of the season.
Playing with the slope and a slight breeze at their backs Sports started slowly and Clifton took the game by the scruff of the neck with a series of probing long balls that Hucknall keeper Kal Orton dealt with confidently. A breakaway goal from Clifton's newly signed striker put the visitors into the lead but Sports responded with a series of opportunities that they failed narrowly to convert. In one particularly amazing incident the Sports looked certain to score but the ball cannoned off a Clifton defender on the goal line and miraculously looped up and over the cross-bar. Further chances feel to Sports before the end of the half, but the goal just would not come.
Half time: Hucknall Sport 0 Clifton AW 1
Changes for the second half saw Ryan Towle moved to right-back, Dylan Smith pushed forward into midfield and Oliver Bowley to right midfield. James Hallam forced the Clifton keeper into a fine save early on but then his stunning long shot found the bottom corner and Sports were back in the game. Hucknall sensed victory and with Hallam in fine form surely it was only a matter of time before the second goal came for Sports. More great saves, glaring misses and unbelievable clearance meant that Clifton were still in the game and then with only 10 mins remaining All Whites broke forward to force themselves back into the lead once more. Still Sports pushed on and on, Hallam saw his goal-bound left footed clip the head of the Clifton centre half and loop over rather than drop into the net and then second half substitute William Brown saw his great shot well saved by the impressive Clifton keeper and for the second week running the final whistle arrived all too soon for Hucknall.
Final Score: Hucknall Sports 1 Clifton AW 2
On another day Sports would have been out of site by half time, but football is a cruel game and today the ball just would not find the back of the net.
A number of performances were worthy of note with Kal Orton, Mitch Davies, Jacob Barlow and Oliver Bowley all playing well but today's winner of the Man of the Match award was James Hallam. His fantastic display of inventive and intelligent forward play deserved more than his solitary goal - a truly great performance James.
Monday, 18 October 2010
Much improved Sports narrowly miss out
16/10/10
Saturday U12's Division One
Hucknall Sports 1 Greenwood Meadows 4
In a reverse of last weeks fixture Hucknall Sports hosted Greenwood Meadows at their home ground in Newstead Village. A great pitch, bright sunshine and blustery winds made for perfect conditions for both teams.
Sports new found confidence and team spirit showed immediately when James Hallam created a chance for strike partner Ellis Evans in the first 5 mins. But unfortunately the Welsh Wizard just couldn't get enough on the ball to fully test the keeper from close range. Greenwood were rocked and Sports took a deserved lead when a masterful strike from the versatile Ryan Towle flew into the back of the net from all of 30 yards out.
Sports needed to weather the storm and were happy to see a Greenwood free-kick clip the cross-bar and go over. However, Greenwood capitalised on a mistake in midfield by Sports to work a clever equaliser that Kal Orton in the Sports goal could do nothing about. Soon after more bad luck (we have had plenty this season) when a shot bound for the safety of Sports Keeper Kal Orton's hands deflected off of Bowley and into the back of the net.
Hucknall are nothing if not resilient and showed great belief in themselves. Both sets of supporters held their breathe as Towle stepped up for a trademark free-kick. But unfortunately the blustery wind took his great shot off target and as Bowley lined himself for a rebound shot the referee blew for an infringement. Another chance for Sports to equalise arrived from a looping cross where Hallam was sent sprawling and Jacob Barlow narrowly avoided forcing the ball into the net. With Sports in the ascendency the half-time whistle blew with Greenwood in a narrow lead.
Half time Hucknall Sports 1 Greenwood Meadows 2
Second half changes for Sports made sure that the same energy levels and intensity were maintained. Hucknall's defensive line of Towle, Saxton, Newton and Eastwood covered everything that Greenwood could throw at them and it was going to take something special to score. Sports mistakenly thought they had been awarded a free-kick on the edge of their own area only to see the decision go the other way. Keeper, Kal Orton, looked to have made a great save from Greenwood's shot but their strikers were first to react to the rebound and bundled in the net from a position that, on a different day, might have been flagged for off-side.
Greenwood took their score to 4-1 after an outstanding free-kick from 30 yards from Adrian Lang, but once again Sports management were puzzled at the decision for what appeared to be a 50/50 challenge. Hucknall still had chances to get back into the game and William Brown went close for the second week running, but eventually time ran out on Sports and the whistle blew for a victory to Greenwood.
Full time: Hucknall Sports 1 Greenwood Meadows 4
This was a great effort against one of the best teams in the league. Sports refusal to roll-over and hand the game to Greenwood was commendable and all the players deserve much credit for giving maximum effort throughout.
Choosing a Man of the Match was extremely difficult today with Towle, Hallam, Evans, Saxton, Newton and Eastwood all doing well. But today's winner was Mitch Davies.
Mitch has been wonderfully consistent and close to winning the award on many occasions - well done kiddo and keep it up.
After a very difficult start to the season the signs are that Sports have turned the corner. Stick together boys and the rewards will come.
Saturday U12's Division One
Hucknall Sports 1 Greenwood Meadows 4
In a reverse of last weeks fixture Hucknall Sports hosted Greenwood Meadows at their home ground in Newstead Village. A great pitch, bright sunshine and blustery winds made for perfect conditions for both teams.
Sports new found confidence and team spirit showed immediately when James Hallam created a chance for strike partner Ellis Evans in the first 5 mins. But unfortunately the Welsh Wizard just couldn't get enough on the ball to fully test the keeper from close range. Greenwood were rocked and Sports took a deserved lead when a masterful strike from the versatile Ryan Towle flew into the back of the net from all of 30 yards out.
Sports needed to weather the storm and were happy to see a Greenwood free-kick clip the cross-bar and go over. However, Greenwood capitalised on a mistake in midfield by Sports to work a clever equaliser that Kal Orton in the Sports goal could do nothing about. Soon after more bad luck (we have had plenty this season) when a shot bound for the safety of Sports Keeper Kal Orton's hands deflected off of Bowley and into the back of the net.
Hucknall are nothing if not resilient and showed great belief in themselves. Both sets of supporters held their breathe as Towle stepped up for a trademark free-kick. But unfortunately the blustery wind took his great shot off target and as Bowley lined himself for a rebound shot the referee blew for an infringement. Another chance for Sports to equalise arrived from a looping cross where Hallam was sent sprawling and Jacob Barlow narrowly avoided forcing the ball into the net. With Sports in the ascendency the half-time whistle blew with Greenwood in a narrow lead.
Half time Hucknall Sports 1 Greenwood Meadows 2
Second half changes for Sports made sure that the same energy levels and intensity were maintained. Hucknall's defensive line of Towle, Saxton, Newton and Eastwood covered everything that Greenwood could throw at them and it was going to take something special to score. Sports mistakenly thought they had been awarded a free-kick on the edge of their own area only to see the decision go the other way. Keeper, Kal Orton, looked to have made a great save from Greenwood's shot but their strikers were first to react to the rebound and bundled in the net from a position that, on a different day, might have been flagged for off-side.
Greenwood took their score to 4-1 after an outstanding free-kick from 30 yards from Adrian Lang, but once again Sports management were puzzled at the decision for what appeared to be a 50/50 challenge. Hucknall still had chances to get back into the game and William Brown went close for the second week running, but eventually time ran out on Sports and the whistle blew for a victory to Greenwood.
Full time: Hucknall Sports 1 Greenwood Meadows 4
This was a great effort against one of the best teams in the league. Sports refusal to roll-over and hand the game to Greenwood was commendable and all the players deserve much credit for giving maximum effort throughout.
Choosing a Man of the Match was extremely difficult today with Towle, Hallam, Evans, Saxton, Newton and Eastwood all doing well. But today's winner was Mitch Davies.
Mitch has been wonderfully consistent and close to winning the award on many occasions - well done kiddo and keep it up.
After a very difficult start to the season the signs are that Sports have turned the corner. Stick together boys and the rewards will come.
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