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.

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.