Sports Miss Out on Top Spot

U14's Saturday Division 1b 

Hucknall Sports 1 Long Eaton Utd 2

16/2/13   

Hucknall Sports hosted table-topping Long Eaton United in their third game of Division One knowing that a win would put them joint top.

Missing a number of boys Sports could only field 11 players but they started the match wonderfully with a passing game that their opponents could only stand and admire. They stroked the ball around looking for an opening and showed wonderful patience. Long Eaton’s defence was continually undone, particularly down the left-hand side where Matt Leivers, Tom Eastwood and Jacob Barlow all combined well. Eastwood managed to get around the back and put in a number of dangerous crosses that just evaded Sports front line. Midway through the half Long Eaton has their best period of pressure and forced a number of corners. However, Sports defence stood strong with the centre-half partnership of James Stenson and Joe Newton dealing admirably with everything that United had to throw at them. On the rare occasion that Sports backline was breached Keeper Kal Orton was in imperious form and stopped everything. Long Eaton’s frustration started to show and inevitably it seems in Division One this means that the tackles start to fly in. Eventually, after one too many flying lunges Referee Dennis has no choice but to book United’s midfielder. Shortly before the end of the half an innocent ball played to the edge of the box drew a challenge that was adjudge to be a foul and United made no mistake with the resulting spot kick. Hucknall were continually being fouled in the middle of the park but just couldn’t make their free-kicks punish the offenders. The half-time whistle blew with United leading 1-0.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 0 Long Eaton Utd 1

Hucknall gathered themselves together at half time and came flying out of the blocks at the start of the second half. A series of attacks stretch Long Eaton’s defence to the max and eventually Sports got their reward. DANTE DIRISO picked up the ball wide on the right and drove into the penalty area. He evaded a number of challenges and fooled the United defence by smashing the ball home from a tight angle as they stood waiting for the cross. Eventually, the heavy pitch and lack of substitutes started to catch up with Sports midfield and Long Eaton began to dictate the play. Keeper Orton was being called on more and more and pulled off two outstanding saves to keep his team in the game. United retook the lead after winning a free-kick wide on the left and curled a neat finish high to the top right corner.

Sport still had their chances and James Hallam worked incredibly hard to find an opening but probably the best opportunity feel to Ryan Towle who’s free kick from just missed the target late on.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 1 Long Eaton Utd 2

Hucknall’s boys left the field battered and bruised but can take lots of positives from this game and know that they able to compete with all that this division has to throw at them. Long Eaton should be congratulated on playing some nice football but it was two ‘soft’ fouls that lead to their goals that enabled the win.

Today’s winner of the Man of the Match Award was Kal Orton for a simply outstanding goalkeeping performance – well done Kal, awesome.

Leivers inspires Sports to victory

U14's Saturday Division 1b 

Lowdham Colts 1 Hucknall Sports 2

9/2/13   

Hucknall Sports travelled the short distance to Lowdham for their second game in Division 1b of the YEL to play a Lowdham Colts team who had started with a draw and a loss. Sports were missing Dylan Smith and Charlie Blatherwick but fielded a strong squad of 12 boys looking to put last week’s Shield disappointment behind them.

A last minute change of venue saw the game kick-off at Lowdham Playing Fields on a dreadful, boggy, pitch with long grass and a disgusting amount of dog mess!

Despite the conditions Hucknall started like an express train. Dante Diriso on the right and Jacob Barlow on the left provided the width to enable Sports to get around the back of Colts defence, with Barlow in particular proving a constant threat. For all their pressure and good play it looked like Hucknall would not be rewarded with a goal. But then a wonderful move stared in their own half when Kieran Green expertly ‘showed’ for the ball from a throw-in by Matt Leivers released JAMES HALLAM from his marker to put his team into the lead with a well taken goal.

This was quickly followed by cool play from James Stenson who snuffed out any danger with a ball back to keeper Kal Orton who set Green free to storm up the pitch and find TOM EASTWOOD who smashed the ball beyond the Colts keeper for a great second goal for Sports.

Hucknall thought they had scored a third when Eastwood picked out Hallam at the far post but a combination of goalkeeper and woodwork saw the ball bounce extremely close to being over the line before being hoofed clear. Colts breathed a mighty sigh of relief as the half-time whistle blew and they regrouped in the changing rooms to collect their thoughts.

Half time: Lowdham Colts 0 Hucknall Sports 2

Sports had the first attack of the second half but, predictably for a team used to playing at the highest level, Lowdham reorganised themselves and looked much more threatening going forward. Hucknall’s backline of Matt Leivers, James Stenson, Captain Joe Newton and Kieran Green really had to be on their toes as wave after wave of attacks were repelled. Colts got themselves back into the game when a jinking run through midfield managed to evade a number of Sports tackles and the ball was slotted into the net. A good chance to equalised was spurned at the far post but gradually Sports took back control of the match. Hucknall reorganised their midfield to take on a stronger shape and finished the game in the  ascendancy.

Hallam’s late free kick was well saved and in the final moments a mesmerising run from Diriso brought a magnificent save from Colts keeper.

The final whistle blew and Sports were victorious.

Full time:  Lowdham Colts 1 Hucknall Sports 2

Hucknall’s first half performance was a joy to watch for their coaching staff and fans. The boys movement was fantastic and they made the game look easy. In the second half it was a battling performance that saw them through.

You don’t win games in this division without everyone making a contribution and that was certainly the case today where every boy can consider it a job well done.

Today’s winner of the Man of the Match Award was Matt Leivers.

Playing his first full game for Sports since signing in November he showed what a talented boy he is. He has had to be patient for an opportunity to start but after a performance like today’s I am sure he won’t have to wait too much longer for the next.

Well done Matt – outstanding performance at right back.

Sports lose out to Ashfield once again

U14's Saturday Shield Quarter-final 

Hucknall Sports 1 Ashfield Youth 2

2/2/13   

Sports reward for a fantastic 3-1 victory against West Bridgford Spiders in the previous round of the Shield was a home fixture against Ashfield Youth of the Mansfield Chad league. Ashfield are a highly rated side and regularly win the Division One Championship. Last year they beat Sports in extra-time and made it all the way to the Shield final.

From the first tackle of the game it was clear that Ashfield had decided on a physical approach to the game and Sports knew that they would be in for a bruising encounter. Referee Dave Dennis was the perfect man to officiate and made it very clear that he was in charge and would not tolerate any dangerous play. Sports started well and the new ‘Christmas’ tree formation worked reasonably well with Dante Diriso and Tom Eastwood providing the threat on the wings. Hucknall struck first when a neat free-kick from Ryan Towle was expertly headed home by JAMES STENSON. Ashfield were clearly rattled and immediately pushed forward for the equaliser and looked dangerous from a series of corners and ‘Stoke City-style’ long throws. Tempers flared when an innocent looking tackle from Mitch Davies left an Ashfield player writhing on the floor only for the same player quickly recover and then lash out a boot in retaliation. Referee Dennis awarded a yellow card to Sports Davies and had no choice but to send off the Ashfield boy despite protest from their management. Sports were living dangerously and conceding far too many free kicks. Keeper Kal Orton made a fantastic save to keep his team in the lead. However, a free kick on the edge of the penalty area was expertly dispatched by Ashfield striker BRANDAN RICHARDS to the top corner and the teams went into half-time with the scores level.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 1 Ashfield 1

Things settled down in the second half but neither team really played their best football. Sports repeatedly looked for the long ball instead of being patient and keeping possession. Ashfield ensured the game was continually stopped by making numerous substitutions. Tom Eastwood’s looping shot evaded the Ashfield keeper but agonisingly dropped the wrong side of the cross-bar. Sports best chance came 10mins from time when Charlie Blatherwick set James Hallam free. Hallam’s cross from wide right found Matt Leivers who squared to Blatherwick in the box but neither he nor Tom Eastwood could get a shot away on target. Almost immediately Ashfield broke to the other end of the pitch, Sports midfield appeared to stop playing looking for an infringement and the visitor scored what proved to be the winning goal.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 1 Ashfield Youth 2

This was certainly not a great game of football and there were far too many nasty elements to the game to make it enjoyable. For the second year running Sports have pushed one of Mansfield’s best teams all the way but eventually came up just short.

We wish Ashfield Youth all the best in the next round but can’t help wondering of what might have been.

Sports defensive four of Dylan Smith, Joe Newton, James Stenson and Kieran Green were immense today but the Man of the Match award went to Mitch Davies. He set the example to his team mates by continually ‘showing’ for the ball and made sure that Sports keep possession as much as possible as per the pre-match instructions – well done Mitch, great effort. 

Honours even on return to Division One

U14's Saturday Division 1B 

Hucknall Sports 2 Hyson Green 2

12/1/13   

Having secured promotion back to Division 1b Sports first game saw them up against Hyson Green. The last time that the teams had met in league action Sports had come out on top with a win and a draw. However, due to limited availability and last minute injuries Hucknall started this match with just 11 players and they knew they would all have to work extremely hard to get a positive result.

Changes to the squad meant a different formation was required. Jacob Barlow played the striker role with James Hallam, Dante Diriso slotted into right midfield with Ellis Evans on the left and Tom Eastwood moved to centre mid alongside Ryan Towle. Hucknall started the better and Eastwood in particular relished his new role and tested the keeper early after a good run and shot. Barlow showed some clever touches to hold up the ball and create the chance for the midfield to link up with the strikers. Sports created the opening when an inch perfect pass from Ryan Towle found HALLAM who finished with all the quality of the top striker that he is. Eastwood and Hallam tested the keeper once again but were unfortunate to see their shots just drift wide. Hyson Green started to win more of the ball in midfield as the half progressed and won a series of corners that Hucknall’s defenders dealt with manfully. Keeper Kal Orton took a kick in the ribs when diving at the feet of the on rushing Green striker and Dylan Smith had to be alert to cleverly clear the ball with three Green strikers bearing down on him. But Sports went into the break leading 1-0.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 1 Hyson Green 0

Sports made the perfect start to the second half when EASTWOOD won the ball in midfield, beat a couple of men and smashed an unstoppable shot high into the top corner for an early contender for ‘goal of the season’. Then Hyson Green’s scored an identical goal of their own giving Kal Orton no chance with a shot to the top corner also. It was ‘game on’ now and Green quickly scored an equaliser when they managed to get around the back of Sports defence to put in a cross that was easily converted. Understandably Green’s tails were up and they bombarded the Hucknall goal but tremendous defending from the back-line saw tackle after tackle keep the score line level. Hucknall were reduced to playing on the break and a Barlow found space on a couple of occasions and was unlucky to be closed down just as he was about to test the keeper. Sports thought they had restored the lead when a fantastic shot from outside the box was pushed onto the cross-bar and bounced on the line before being clear to safety. The final whistle blew with both teams looking for a winner. But in the end a draw was probably the right result in a wonderfully entertaining game.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 2 Hyson Green 2

Sports fielded 11 heroes today in this game and although they will be disappointed not to have won they should be proud of a wonderful team performance. Fantastic goals, wonderful midfield play and amazing defending all contributed to terrific game.

Amongst many great performances the work rate of Tom Eastwood stood out and Keeper Kal Orton deserves special mention for his bravery.

But Sports Man of the Match today was James Stenson for a stunning performance at the heart of defence – well done James. Alongside captain Joe Newton they ‘bossed’ the dangerous Hyson Green strike partnership and I can’t remember a single chance to score being offered.

Welcome to Division One boys.

Sports forced to settle for Runners-up

U14's Saturday Division 2A 

Rolls Royce 3 Hucknall Sports 0

15/12/12   

The last game of the season in Division 2a saw Hucknall Sports away to Rolls Royce in a Championship decider after both teams had already secured promotion. Once again poor weather in the preceding days mean that this game was in the balance but a blustery, sunny, morning allowed the game to go ahead.

A stiff wind in the face of Sports attackers is normally a good sign as the ball holds up well and allows them to play their creative passing game. However, the conditions got the better of Hucknall’s defence early on and they couldn’t have made a worse start when the blinding low sun made it almost impossible to deal with a couple of hoofed balls over the top and after 10mins they were two goals down. A great move on the left side presented a chance for Owen Everton to get his team back into the game but his first time volley just drifted over the bar. Tom Eastwood provided much of the spark and was unlucky with his run and shot. Good play from Rolls saw a screamer of a shot cannon back off of the cross-bar and a third goal before half time left Sports with a mountain to climb.

Half time: Rolls Royce 3 Hucknall Sports 0

Predictably, Sports came out of the blocks the faster at the start of the second half looking for an early goal that would surely change the game and won a series of free-kicks around the Rolls penalty area. But efforts from Dante Diriso, Mitch Davies, Charlie Blatherwick and Ryan Towle all failed to test the keeper. Diriso looked the more lively of Hucknall’s strikers and his shot from the edge of the penalty area appeared bound for the back of the net only to be denied by a fine save by Eddie Ridley. Eastwood was re-introduced on the left side and could have won a penalty but chose to stay on his feet rather than go down after a heavy challenge. Possession stats in the second half would have shown 80% in favour of Hucknall but despite all Sports efforts they could not breach the impressive Rolls back line.

Full time:  Rolls Royce 3 Hucknall Sports 0

Sometimes you have to accept that it is simply not your day. No one can say that Sports didn’t put the effort in although some boys did look a little wary even before the start of the game.

All credit to Rolls for dealing with the conditions much better than Sports and on the day hat-trick hero Kieran Beales was the difference between the two teams.

Sports Man of the Match was Dante Diriso for a gutsy performance both in attack and midfield – well done Dante.

Bill Shankley once said that footballer is ‘more important than life and death’, given the events in Connecticut this week we all know that is not the case.

Sports players will be rightly disappointed with the result of this game but a record of 1 loss in 14 games is fantastic so hold your heads up and be proud.

Congratulation on Promotion and see you all in the New Year for Division 1 football.

Promotion for Hucknall Sports

U14's Saturday Division 2A 

West Bridgford Harriers 1 Hucknall Sports 2

8/12/12   

Back row: Owen Everton, James Stenson, James Hallam, Dylan Smith, Mitch Davies, Rue Hallam, Ryan Towle, Ellis Evans, Joe Newton, Stewart Bowley
Middle row: Dante Diriso, Kal Orton, Jacob Barlow, Ollie Bowley, Matt Leivers
Front row: Kieran Green, Tom Eastwood

A dreadful weeks weather meant that Sports promotion decider with West Bridgford was in the balance for the entire week with the pitch only being deemed playable late on Friday evening. So it was that unbeaten Hucknall arrived at Rushcliffe Leisure Centre knowing that a single point would be enough. However, Harriers had always done well against Sports and hadn’t lost to them in the last three meetings so no one was taking anything for granted.

Playing with the sun at their backs Sports started very well and quickly produced a series of attacks on the left flank with joint top scorer Tom Eastwood featuring well and unlucky to see his great run and shot blaze over the cross-bar early on. The lively Dante Diriso setup another opening for Eastwood with a neat pass to split the defence but Harriers keeper did well and pushed the ball to safety. Hucknall were on top but needed a goal for all the hard work they were putting in. A foul on the left side presented a chance for Ryan Towle to test the keeper but his strong shot drifted wide at the far post. Soon after Sports were awarded another free-kick in a central position 25 yards from goal. This time it was ‘blonde bombshell’ Mitch Davies chance to try his luck. He skilfully curved the ball around the wall and although the opposition keeper managed to get a hand to it he could not stop the ball from going into the back of the net. Not long afterwards good work from James Hallam put the lightening fast Owen Everton in on goal but his shot narrowly missed and Harriers breathed a mighty sigh of relief. Then Hallam wriggled free from his marker to  latch onto a ball over the top but as he rounded the keeper his legs were taken and a penalty was rightly awarded which Towle expertly dispatched to the bottom right corner. Harriers did mount a small fightback as the half drew to a close but it was too little too late and in truth Sports defence were rarely tested in the first half.

Half time: West Bridgford Harriers 0 Hucknall Sports 2

The sun was now so low that Sports backline and Keeper Kal Orton knew that they had to be at maximum concentration to see this match through. Early on Matt Leivers and Jacob Barlow were introduced and Barlow in particular stretched the Harriers right back time and again. West Bridgford knew that it was now or never for them, if they lost this game they were out of the promotion hunt. They gradually took control of midfield and started to play the type of football they are renowned for though it has to be said that Sports didn’t help their cause by continually trying to take on everyone in front of them rather than letting the ball do the work with a simple pass. Hucknall looked to score on the counter and chances were plentiful with Ollie Bowley, Barlow and Hallam all testing the keeper.

Harriers won a series of corners and made their height advantage count on one occasion when they met the ball first to power home a header to get themselves on the score sheet. Keeper Kal Orton made some fantastic interceptions and continues to show the bravery that few other keepers in the league possess. His outstanding moment came when he made a fantastic save when one-on-one with the Harriers striker. At the other end the Harriers keeper made an equally outstanding save to deny Dante Dirsio what would have been a contender for goal of the season when he beat away a shot that looked bound for the top corner. As the final whistle blew Sports celebrated victory and promotion back to Division One.

Full time:  West Bridgford Harriers 1 Hucknall Sports 2

Sometimes it is just about getting the ‘job done’ and so it proved today for Sports.

This was certainly not their best footballing performance, but if you can beat a team like West Bridgford when not playing particularly then you can’t be too critical.

Hucknall’s defensive line were immense, particularly in the first half, and they can all be very pleased with their performance – well done Dylan Smith, Captain Joe Newton, James Stenson, Kieran Green and Matt Leivers.

However, today’s winner of the Man of the Match award was Goalkeeper Kal Orton for a simply awesome display of goalkeeping. There is no braver keeper in the league and when he needs to make a save he can be relied upon to do so. He’s the quite man of the team but his performance today spoke volumes, particularly in the second half.

So, one more game to go to decide who are League Champions. We fear no one and bring it on!

Sports not afraid of Spiders

U14's Saturday Shield Competition

Hucknall Sports 3 West Bridgford Spiders 1

01/12/12

Goosedale Sports Complex hosted the Shield clash between Hucknall Sports and West Bridgford Spiders, the Division 1A team sitting respectfully in third spot.

Unbeaten Hucknall were looking to maintain their run of form and would need an outstanding performance to overcome a side a division above and with their inspirational manager Stewart Bowley missing due to work commitments.

Sports had a reshuffled side with Hallam and Diriso chosen to spearhead the attack for this game between two fabulous football teams.

On a bright sunny day but heavy pitch, West Bridgford  started the game as expected, a strong, big team, showing why they are in the top division, passing the ball well and winning plenty of fifty fifty balls. However Sports started the game stronger and forcing most of the play into the opposition half, making many chances with Diriso, Towle and Eastwood coming close. After some great wing play by Everton the ball was lobbed into the box with Hallam chasing down only to see his shot cleared off the line by some great defending.  However Spiders began to press hard into the last quarter of the first half, testing Kal Orton who displayed a brilliant performance giving the Bridgford  side very few chances to break the deadlock. Bowley and Evans were introduced to keep the pressure on Spiders and made an immediate impact as Hucknall then took the lead.

A free kick from Mitch Davies, was cleared away then Evans returned towards the six yard box, when it fell to a surprised James Stenson way up the pitch who turned well and powered home a strike from just inside the box, right into the top corner only minutes before the break.

As half time approached Sports were deserved leaders but knew a single goal was not going to be enough to beat a dangerous Bridgford  side and Sports defence of Smith, Newton, Stenson and Green would have to be at their best in the second half.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 1 – West Bridgford  Spiders 0

Sports introduced Barlow and Leivers at the break to bolster the team for Spiders second half assault which did begin as the second half got under way but Sports were strong in all departments and soaked up the pressure well and dealt with a rejuvenated Bridgford  side.

Inevitably as in the first half Sports began again to break down the opposition with slick passing football and strength in midfield to win the ball and speed up front to unsettle the Spiders defence. Few real clear cut chances were made by any of the two sides so with a tiring Spiders defence mid way through the half Sports re-introduced Eastwood and Diriso to inject some pace and it almost had an immediate impact with the two driving at the heart of the defence and Eastwood skipping past two then the keeper to slot home.

This inspired Sports for more and began to dominate the game pushing forward in numbers but got caught with good wing play by Spiders who were awarded a penalty which was dispatched well giving Orton no chance.

This made for a tense final five minutes with Spiders pushing for an equaliser and nearly succeeded with Newton having to clear a lobbed shot off his own line to deny Spiders.

But the final say was left to Hallam whose pace took him past the Bridgford  back line and rounded the keeper to dispatch the winner with only two minutes remaining and they went on to run down the clock for an outstanding win

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 3 West Bridgford  Spiders 1

In heavy conditions much credit to both teams for a great game of football. There is very little between the two sides which gives Sports great confidence to finish the season on a high and shows Sports time to join the big teams in division 1B after Christmas may now be here.
Man of the Match today was an impossible choice for stand in managers Andrew and Justin, so the entire team was chosen for their fantastic giant killing performance with every player in the squad showing determination, heart and desire to do their best for the team well done boy`s. Keep it up!!!