Team Report - Season 2012-2013

After splitting the leagues in two this literally became a tale of two seasons for Hucknall Sports U14’s.

Prior to Christmas Sports played in Division 2a and came runners-up with a fantastic record of:
Played 10, Won 7, Draw 2, Lost 1

After Christmas the boys played in Division 1b and missed out on Runners-up by a single point.

Season highlights include:

• Promotion
• 3^rd place in Division 1b
• Narrowly losing to Ashfield, the eventual winners of the Nottinghamshire Shield
• Double over our local rivals

It’s with mixed emotions that I mention since September there have been a number of changes in personnel, with four boys leaving and three new additions coming in. All the new boys have made a massive impact and helped improve the standard of football in the team such that we have retained our status as a Division One team for next year.

Personal thanks from Stewart to ‘Rue’ Hallam who has crafted a fantastic set of training drills that has sought to teach the boys to play a wonderful attractive style of football. Also, thanks to Justin Stenson for helping coach the boys too.

Many thanks to Dave Newton, Julian Davies and Adrian Evans for having the courage to volunteer for the linesman duties.

Thanks to Vonny Hallam for looking after the teams finances.

Thanks to all the mums and dads for their fabulous support and making sure the boys turn up to matches on time and in good spirits.

Final thanks to our sponsors Nottingham Audi and Belmar Services for their invaluable support.

At last season’s Presentation Evening we were feeling a little sorry for ourselves after missing out on promotion by goal difference. So, huge credit to the boys for rolling their sleeves up and showing the determination to put that right this time around. The two mini seasons have proven to be extremely competitive with no easy games. As a manager you want your team to improve and we have certainly done that. The football at times has been breathtaking and the boys deserve all the plaudits they have received for a fantastic 9 months.

Squad for the season included:

1. Kal Orton
2. Dylan Smith
3. Joe Newton (Captain)
4. James Stenson
5. Kieran Green
6. Ellis Evans
7. Mitch Davies
8. Matt Leivers
9. Ryan Towle
10. Dante Diriso
11. James Hallam
12. Charlie Blatherwick
13. Tom Eastwood
14. Maleek Batten
15. Jacob Barlow
16. Oliver Bowley
17. Owen Everton

Players Player of the Year

It was great to be able to welcome this boy back "home" for this season. He started his football with Hucknall Sports at the age of 6 before having to leave for pastures new when his team folded.  His impact has been enormous and he has provided the final piece to our impressive defensive line.

But he is a defender in the new mould and is just as comfortable setting up a goal as preventing one. His attitude is exemplary and it is impossible to recall him having a bad game.

This seasons Players Player of the Year is KIERAN 'GREENY' GREEN. 

Managers Player of the Year

In such a special season it is fair to say that any of the boys could have won this award. But this boy just pipped his team mates. He can play many different positions from defence to attack. He is superstitious and despite having brand new kit he has worn his lucky socks from two seasons ago all year long. 

He has terrorised the opposition right-backs all season and is joint top scorer with 18 goals and when you consider he is a midfielder that is a terrific return.  I know that he will be an extremely popular choice with everyone connected to the team.

This year’s winner of Managers Player of the Year is TOM 'EASTY' EASTWOOD

Most Improved Player

The award for Most Improved Player was very close as every boy in the team has improved their performance this season. In the end the winning margin for the second season running was just one vote.

There are few things more satisfying for a coach than a boy improving his footballing ability. From the age of 6 there was never any doubt that this boy had pace and skill in abundance but this season he has added strength and stamina to make him a first choice on the team sheet.

Playing up front or in midfield, it is clear that he has put a great deal of his own time into perfecting his football skills and he and his team mates are reaping the benefits.

He is the baby of the team in age only.

The Winner of the Most Improved Player is – DANTE DIRISO

Valiant Sports settle for Third Place

U14's Saturday Division 1b 
Long Eaton United 2 Hucknall Sports 0

8/5/13  

Sports final game of the season took them to Long Eaton United in need of a point to secure Runners-Up spot. Playing on the first-team pitch should have made for a showcase of football between two of the best teams in the league. But the surface was dreadful and resembled a 'park' pitch instead. Earlier in the season the two teams had met and there had been 'issues' that  meant any thoughts of Long Eaton doing Sports a 'favour' were highly unlikely.


In a very cagey first half it was Maleek Batten and Tom Eastwood who looked the most dangerous players for Sports. Batten with his rampaging runs through midfield caused mayhem and Eastwood continued his fine form on the left wing and got around the back of the United defence on numerous occasions.

After early scares from the United left winger Sports defenders rarely looked troubled and dealt with everything that the opposition had to throw at them. But with defenders on top both teams went into the break all square.

Half time: Long Eaton 0 Hucknall Sports 0

Matt Leivers entered the game in the second half as Sports pushed forward looking for goals. A corner from Sports left looked like it had been turned into the net for an own goal only for it to graze the post and go wide.
Then a seemingly innocent run at Sports right back saw Long Eaton score from the narrowest of angles when the ball somehow found the back of the net only yards from the goal-line.
Hucknall changed to three at the back and reintroduce Hallam and Diriso but just couldn't find a way to goal.

Full time: Long Eaton 2 Hucknall Sports 0

I thought we looked a bit tired today and maybe let the occasion get the better of us instead of playing our normal game.

Man of the match was Dylan Smith for a great performance against one of the most dangerous strikers in the league - well done Dyl.

At the start of the season we would have snapped your hand off for Promotion and then 3rd place in Division 1b. But I can't help feeling that we were worthy of Runners-Up spot and missed an opportunity.

Have a great Summer boys and look forward to next season in Division 1 of Notts Youth League.

Last minute goal leaves Sports with all to play for in final game

U14's Saturday Division 1b 
Hucknall Sports 1 Keyworth United 1

27/4/13  

With Goosedale Sports Complex already given over to cricket Hucknall invited Keyworth United to make the long journey to Newstead Recreational Park instead. If Keyworth won they would clinch Runners-up spot and leave Sports in third.  

Both Dante Diriso and Ellis Evans were injured for this game and Sports mercurial midfielder Charlie Blatherwick was absent. So, not for the first time, Sports reshuffled the 'pack' . The teams started a little nervously and another poor pitch didn't really help generate good football. If anything Sports looked the more dangerous and Hallam did well early on to create a chance for Eastwood to shoot but he just couldn't get the ball out of his feet to enable a connection that would find the back of the net. Both teams won their share of corners but defenders handled the situation admirably. Chances were hard to come by but Eastwood had a serious shout for a penalty turned away and Towles dead-ball deliveries were ever dangerous but Sports just could not capitalise. 

Half time: Hucknall 0 Keyworth 0

In the second half Sports applied the early pressure and a great run from Matt Leivers won a penalty when he was fouled in the box. RYAN TOWLE had no hesitation grabbing hold of the ball and expertly dispatching it to the bottom right corner to put his team into the lead. Sports looked for more but just could not find the next goal. Keyworth's most dangerous attempts came from a series of free kicks and the warning signs were there for Sports defenders to keep their concentration. With the game looking to be heading Hucknall's way another long punt of a free kick fell to the feet of their unmarked striker only for Sports keeper Kal Orton to deny him with a fabulous reaction save. But cruelly the ball rebounded off of his own defender and into the back of the net. Hucknall might have been deflated but they gathered themselves one more time for the winner but despite looking to have won a free kick in a dangerous position a corner was given instead. The final whistle blew all too soon and Hucknall had to settle for the draw. 

Full Time: Hucknall 1 Keyworth 1

Sports have every reason to feel slightly robbed in this game given that they came so close. But Runners-up spot goes down to the last game of the season. Win that and the boys will be double runners-up in the same football calendar. 

Man of the Match today went to Matt Leivers who has improved enormously as this season has progressed. He continues to set the example to others and makes the game look easy - well done Matt, keep it going. 

At the start of the season we wanted to be a First Division team and the boys have delivered that. Now we have a chance to turn a good season into a GREAT one. 
Come on boys, I know you can do it. 

Sports up to second after double over Rolls

U14's Saturday Division 1b 

Rolls Royce 1 Hucknall Sports 3

23/4/13   

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

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

Half time: Rolls Royce 0 Hucknall Sports 2

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

Full time:  Rolls Royce 1 Hucknall Sports 3

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

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

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

Super Sports Stun League Leaders

U14's Saturday Division 1b 

Hucknall Sports 3 Lowdham Colts 0

20/4/13   

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

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

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

Half time: Hucknall Sports 2 Lowdham Colts 0

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

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 3 Lowdham Colts 0

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

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

Vote for Players Player of the Year

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Thrilling Draw for Sports

U14's Saturday Division 1b 

Keyworth 3 Hucknall Sports 3

13/4/13   

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

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

Half time: Keyworth United 2 Hucknall Sports 1

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

Full time:  Keyworth Unted 3 Hucknall Sports 3

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

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

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