Sports come out on top in local Derby

Notts Youth League
U15's Saturday Division One 
Rolls Royce 0 Hucknall Sports 2
23/11/13

After a five week break followed by two weeks of cup matches Hucknall Sports had almost forgotten what league football felt like.Their stop start season had seen them complete only 4 league games and with Christmas and the bad weather fast approaching they needed to get their season going with a victory. 

But although Sports had had the best of the recent league games Rolls had turned over Sports only two weeks earlier to progress in the Cup so a tight game was predicted.Hucknall welcomed back Charlie Blatherwick into midfield alongside Mitch Davies and Ryan Towle filled in at centre-back in place of injured Skipper James Stenson.It was Sports who started the better and they laid siege to the Rolls goal from the outset. Wingers Tom Eastwood and Dante Diriso provided a constant threat and striker James Hallam continue where he had left off the previous week by terrorising his markers. 

It was HALLAM who opened the scoring for Hucknall when he got on the end of a clever through-ball from Maleek Batten to steer the ball past Eddie Ridley in the Rolls goal. Sports kept the pressure up and won a series of corners that were delivered expertly by Diriso and it was MITCH DAVIES who got the second from a corner when he smashed home a header at the far post. Hucknall were rampant and Rolls Keeper Ridley had to be at his best to keep out a Blatherwick rocket. Further shots from Diriso and Batten clattered the woodwork as Sports looked to extend their lead. Whilst at the back Dylan Smith, Ryan Towle, Joe Newton and Kieran Green limited Rolls to a few speculative long shots that never really threatened the goal.

Half-Time: Rolls Royce 0 Hucknall Sports 2

Sports introduced Matt Leivers, Ellis Evans and Danny Darlow in the second half knowing that Rolls would come storming out of the blocks looking for the goal that would get them back into the game.The midfield battle was intense and a few tackles brought tears to the eye, but Sports quartet of Davies, Leivers, Evans and Batten backed up by a tremendous defensive line thwarted Rolls time and again. Keiran Beales looked the most likely to present a threat but having got the better of Sports in the cup Hucknall were in no mood for a repeat performance from him. Sports soaked up the inevitable early pressure and managed to find Hallam or Darlow with clever out-balls. Hallam was tireless and on another day could have got a second half hat-trick, he chased everything down and took the pressure off his defence by forcing Rolls to play in their own half.Late in the game injuries to Batten and Davies forced Sports into more changes and Skipper Stenson returned for a 10 minute cameo performance to help steer his team over the line to victory.

Final Score: Rolls Royce 0 Hucknall Sports 2

In previous weeks Sports had looked out of sorts at times and the lengthy break from football had broken up any momentum that they had. But today they returned to their brilliant best. All the training ground work was put to practise and they got their rewards.
The whole team played their part in this victory but special mention goes to Sports backline for a job well done. A clean sheet in Division One is always a tough ask but today they never looked like conceding.

Kieran Green

The winner of the Man of the Match came from the defensive unit and the eventually winner was Kieran Green for terrific display where he defended stoutly, received the ball from his keeper and linked play to his midfielders with crisp and accurate passing – brilliant Kieran, well done.

Let’s use this performance to kick-on now boys!

Ashfield knock Sports out of Shield

U15's Shield

Ashfield 3 Hucknall Sports 0

19/11/13

For the third year running Hucknall Sports drew top Mansfield side Ashfield Youth in the Nottinghamshire Shield. Ashfield had got the better of previous encounters but only by a single goal.  So Sports went into this game hoping to reverse their fortunes.

On a poor pitch both sides started cautiously as they weighed each other up. Skipper James Stenson had to leave the field for a 'blood' injury early on and Ryan Towle stepped into the back line as cover whist he had treatment. Ashfield gradually increased the pressure and won a series of corners that Stenson and Joe Newton did well to deal with. The opposition were unlucky to see shots skim the woodwork and keeper Kal Orton made solid saves from those that were on target.Eventually, they broke the deadlock when Copeland found the back of the net as the ball was cleared to the edge of the area.

Sports were very lively up front and James Hallam gave a masterclass in leading the line. He never gave the Ashfield defenders any time to settle on the ball and unnerved them all afternoon and looked set to score only for a last ditch block by a defender.

Half-Time: Ashfield 1 Hucknall Sports 0

With the wind at their backs in the second half Sports looked to get back on level terms but as legs got tired then the mistakes started to creep in. Ashfield stretched Sports defensive line and grabbed two more goals to settle the match. Stenson had to leave the field once more for a nasty gash just below his knee. Maleek Batten and Tom Eastwood also suffered injuries and in the end it felt like 'last man standing' for Sports.

Final Score: Ashfield 3 Hucknall Sports 0

Sometimes you have to hold your hands up and accept that the better team won and today was one of those days. 

But Sports can take lots of positives from their play. They continued to try to be creative and looked to release players through a series of passes instead of a 'big boot' over the top.

Kal Orton managed to play short to his defenders on many occasions and in midfield Maleek Batten and Mitch Davies linked play really nicely at times.

James Hallam

Today's Man of the Match went to James Hallam for a terrific performance as centre forward. His work-rate was absolutely amazing and he ensured that the Ashfield defenders were kept on their toes all game long - well done James.

Rusty Sports crash out of Cup

U15's Cup

Hucknall Sports 1 Rolls Royce 3

9/11/13

  

After a five week gap Hucknall Sports U15’s at last took to the field in a cup match against local rivals Rolls Royce.

Sports had good possession early on and Danny Darlow went close to opening the scoring in the first 10mins when pushing an effort narrowly wide. Good combination play between Tom Eastwood and Kieran Green looked the most likely to create chances for Sports but Rolls defenders stood strong and did well. The lively Kieran Beales won a number of free-kicks in and around the edge of Sports penalty area but Hucknall keeper Kal Orton was more than a match and protected his goal well. Rolls were first to score when pulling a ball back from the goal line for Tom Dickin to drive home. With 10mins to go in the first half Mitch Davies received a ball from a throw-in level with Rolls penalty area and managed to find Ellis Evans who hit an absolute screamer to level the scores and set things up for a tense second half.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 1 Rolls Royce 1

Rolls took control of the game by scoring 2 goals in the first 20mins of the second half through Beales and an unfortunate own-goal by Maleek Batten when the ball rebounded of him and into the net from a corner. As Sports pushed to get back into the game they risked conceding further goals but keep Kal Orton was in great form and never looked like being beaten again. A great run and cross from Hucknall’s Green just evaded James Hallam and Matt Leivers at the far post. Rolls Keeper Eddie Ridley expertly dealt with long range shots from Ryan Towle. In the final moments Sports looked set to get back into the game only for Hallam to be denied by a good block and in the final moments Darlow’s wonderful run saw his lobbed shot land on top of the cross-bar.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 1 Rolls Royce 3

Sometimes it is simply not your day and today was certainly not Sports. They had the majority of the possession but just could not get the goals to win this game. We looked rusty and chose the wrong option time and again. But all credit to Rolls who were worthy winners on this occasion and best of luck in the next round of the Cup.

Kal Orton

Man of the Match today was won by Kal Orton. Being a goalie  is a thankless task where any mistake tends to result in a goal. But today’s performance was faultless – well done.

Goals Galore for Sports

U15's Shield

Bingham Town 0 Hucknall Sports 15 (fifteen)

5/10/13

The first round of the U15’s Shield saw Hucknall Sports drawn away to Bingham Town for a match played at Butt Fields. Sports had been cursing their finishing in front  of goal in recent games and hoped for a better outcome in this game.

Sports welcomed Ollie Bowley back to the starting line-up after a 6 months absence and started like an express-train. Within minutes James Hallam had a hat-trick by smashing in shots from all over the place, his speed in particular causing massive problems for Bingham’s defenders. Bowley marked his return with a goal and was unlucky to see a neat lob over the goalkeeper cleared off the line to deny him a second. Dante Diriso’s ricochet somehow found the back of the net J and Sports Keeper Kal Orton even got in on the act by coolly slotting a penalty into the bottom corner. Danny Darlow scored a nice effort and this was matched by partner-in-crime Maleek Batten who notched his first of the season for Sports with a well taken effort. But probably the goal of the half belonged to Tom Eastwood for a fantastic effort from 25 yards that flew into the top corner.

Half time: Bingham Town 0 Hucknall Sports 8

Despite losing heavily massive credit must go to the Bingham boys for sticking to the task and never entertaining the thought of throwing in the towel. They showed great resolve in the second half and were unlucky not to get the consolation goal they deserved. Special mention goes to their goalkeeper who made a number of fantastic saves, not least from an Ellis Evans penalty, to keep the score down. Diriso scored a typically brilliant effort after twisting and turning his way into the box. Unfortunately, the same boy was carried off moments later injured after a crunching tackle left him reeling in agony. Sports continued to score freely and goals from Darlow, Evans, Batten and Hallam took the final total to 15 (or was it 16, not sure).

Full time:  Bingham Town 0 Hucknall Sports 15

Well Sports finally found their ‘shooting boots’ in this game and let’s hope this is a sign of things to come  for the remainder of the season.

Sports know how it feels to be on the wrong end of this type of score so it was great to see the Hucknall boys showing Bingham the respect they deserved even in defeat.

Matt Leivers

Man of the Match today was won by Matt Leivers. He is the Lionel Messi of the team and showed everyone what a great talent he is. Well done Matt – terrific performance.

Finally, and on a personal note, welcome back Ollie – we’ve missed having you around.

Scorers:

Hallam 5, Bowley 1, Diriso 2, Darlow 2, Batten 2, Evans 1, Eastwood 1, Orton 1

Deja vu time for Sports

U15's Notts Youth League

Saturday Division 1 

Hucknall Sports 1 Greenwood Meadows 4

28/9/13

Sports welcomed Greenwood Meadows to Goosedale for Saturdays 3:00pm kick-off in Division One of the Under 15 league. Greenwood had made a 100% start to the season and thrashed Rolls 7-0 in their last game so Sports knew this was going to be the sternest of tests.

Hucknall had almost everyone to call on for once with only Matt Leivers and Ryan Towle unavailable. With the exception of a swap of Dante Diriso for Leivers Sports started with the same team that had done so well in the previous game against Long Eaton. Greenwood’s first attack saw them get around the back of Sports defence too easily and Hucknall were relieved to see the header loop up and over the cross-bar. Good work from Charlie Blatherwick in midfield found James Hallam in space and a wonderful pass inside the Greenwood defender presented a great chance for Diriso to go one-on-one with the keeper only to see his shot smothered at the second attempt. This served to give Sports a shot of confidence and for the next 20mins they penetrated Greenwood’s back line time and again. Tom Eastwood stood out as Sports danger man on the left side and turned his marker inside and out. Skipper James Stenson got on the end of an Eastwood corner and his fantastic shot just missed at the far post. More corners followed and Blatherwick went close in a scramble soon followed by a Mitch Davies shot being blocked on the line. Greenwood got a lucky break when a bad bobble in the penalty area presented them with the easiest of opportunities to take the lead. Hucknall responded by bringing Maleek Batten and Danny Darlow into the game and this helped make Sports the dominant team in midfield. Unfortunately, just prior to half-time Skipper Stenson had to limp off for the 3^rd week running with a recurrence of his hamstring problem.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 0 Greenwood Meadows 1

Sports were forced to move Mitch Davies to centre-half alongside Joe Newton with Blatherwick and Batten renewing their midfield partnership for the start of the second half. Greenwood used the strong wind to great effect and lumped the ball long time and again to try and exploit the space behind Sports defenders. Three quick goals followed and effectively the game was over, or so Greenwoood thought. But Sports refused to throw in the towel and continued to press forward. Batten and Eastwood combined well on the left side on a number of occasions but their crosses just could not find a Sports player and Greenwood were happy to clear their lines. Finally, the goal came when Blatherwick collected the ball on the edge of the area and drilled a lovely shot into the bottom right corner. Further chances followed for Sports and Kieran Green smashed a wonderful volley from just over the bar from the edge of the area. Blatherwick had another good shot saved and Dante Diriso made the most of his pace on the right-side to get around the back of the Greenwood defence but the goal would simply not come and the game finished 4-1.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 1 Greenwood Meadows 4

This was a great game of football played in the right spirit. Yes, Greenwood played well but for the second week running Sports will be ruing the missed chances early on and wondering what might have been had they taken them.

Lots of positives to take from the game though and much credit to the boys for refusing to give in. They created enough problems for the league’s top team to know that better times are just around the corner for Hucknall.

Mitch Davies

Man of the Match today was Mitch Davies. First half saw him give a terrific ‘midfield general’ performance where he lead by example and showed for the ball time and again. In the second half he played in centre defence and put in a battling performance alongside Joe Newton – well done Mitch, really great performance.

Brilliant Sports pay price for missed opportunities

U15's Notts Youth League

Saturday Division 1 

Long Eaton Utd 2 Hucknall Sports 1

21/9/13

After a week’s break Hucknall Sports U15’s made the journey to Long Eaton to resume their Division One campaign. Previous meetings between the two teams had been close affairs and Sports knew they were playing well without getting the ‘rub of the green’ on some vital decisions in their previous two matches.

Injuries meant that Danny Darlow and Maleek Batten did not travel to the game whilst Dante Diriso and Ryan Towle could only start on the bench. That said Hucknall began like a ‘house on fire’ and penned United into their own half for most of the first half. Sports midfield of Charlie Blatherwick, Mitch Davies, Tom Eastwood and Matt Leivers ran rings around the opposition and forced a number of free kicks around the edge of the box that Sports, regrettably, couldn’t convert into goals. All Sports possession and fantastic play needed rewarding with a goal and right on time up stepped Charlie Blatherwick to cap off a wonderful first half performance with a stunning drive low into the bottom corner from just inside the opposition penalty area. It was no more than Sports deserved and very soon after a brilliant turn and shot from Welsh-wizard Ellis Evans smashed the cross-bar with the keep ‘all at sea’. The only blight on a spectacular first period was an injury to skipper James Stenson who was replaced by Ryan Towle midway. Despite nursing an injury himself Towle stretched every sinew for his team and showed tremendous spirit to keep out the opposition and preserve his teams lead through to half time.

Half time: Long Eaton United 0 Hucknall Sports 1

Long Eaton were visibly shaken at half-time and it was clear their extremely vocal management team had sent them out with orders to regain the midfield battle from the early tackles that went flying in. The Referee had all one keeping things under control and had to stop play on numerous occasions to try and regain order. Sports keeper Kal Orton made a wonderful finger-tip save to knock a looping shot over the bar and Long Eaton felt harshly done by when the referee waved away appeals for a penalty. At the other end of the pitch Hucknall front man James Hallam terrorised the opposition back line to such an extent that at one point he had four defenders assigned to mark him. He still managed to break free and Sports thought they had won a penalty themselves when Hallam was caught by the goalie diving low to his feet in a one-on-one but the referee waved play-on once again. Long Eaton’s best player got his team back into the game when a speculative lofted shot crept in just below the bar and then with both team going for the win Long Eaton were awarded a penalty that Keeper Orton narrowly avoided tipping around the corner that took them into the lead.

Sports were not ready to throw in the towel and Blatherwick drilled a sumptuous shot from the edge of the area that the keeper did well to deal with. This was followed by a Davies volley that he just couldn’t stay over the top of after latching onto a Long Eaton clearance from a corner.

Diriso was introduce late on in an effort to snatch a late equaliser but despite all their efforts Sports just could not get the ball over the line.

Full time:  Long Eaton 2 Hucknall Sports 1

Such is the quality of Sports squad that even when missing five players through injury they still have the ability to take the game to Division One opposition. The only criticism that could be levelled at them is that they did not manage to convert all their fantastic play, particularly in the first half, into goals. It is no exaggeration to say that they could have been 3-0 by half-time.

Despite being disappointed not to take the points we will take massive positives from the performance and know that we are in good form for the rest of the season.

Dylan Smith

Tough to choose a Man of the Match winner today as the entire team did so well. However, the eventual winner was Dylan Smith who has started the season in tremendous form. He appears to be a yard quicker to the ball than anybody else on the pitch and is playing some wonderful football as well – brilliant Dylan, keep it up.

Some of the antics on the opposition touch line left a lot to be desired and 'Paul Daniels' would be impressed by their ability to make all the spare football's that were immediately returned to play when they were chasing the game suddenly disappear once they had take the lead.

Not to worry, our day will come and when it does it will taste really sweet.

Honours Even in Local Derby

U15's Notts Youth League

Saturday Division 1 

Hucknall Sports 2 Rolls Royce 2

10/9/13

Hucknall Sports first home game of Division One saw them host local rivals Rolls Royce in a 6:15pm kick-off at Goosedale Sports Complex.

Injury to Sports skipper James Stenson meant a last minute reshuffle that saw Ryan Towle drop to centre-half and Maleek Batten partner Mitch Davies in midfield.

For the second game running Hucknall started slowly and looked considerably off the pace. Rolls stroked the ball around nicely without ever threatening Sports goal apart from a shot low to the right corner that Kal Orton saved comfortably.

However, Hucknall eventually found their passing game and started to find plenty of space out wide.

Sports took the lead when a short throw-in was nicely controlled by Batten who skilfully beat his man and swung over a cross that James Hallam smashed into the back of the net to open his account for the new season. Shortly after Sports were two up when Rolls keeper fouled Tom Eastwood and Towle expertly dispatched the penalty to the bottom right corner.  Rolls were fighting to stay in the game and keeper Eddie Ridley made a number of outstanding saves.

Half time: Hucknall Sports 2 Rolls Royce 0

Hucknall started the second half really well and got forward at every opportunity. Batten hit the post, Hallam forced good saves from the Rolls keeper and Danny Darlow had a chance to put the game out of site but just missed with a brave header at the far post. Sports knew that the next goal was going to vital and they looked odds-on to score until Rolls nicked on one the break through Trevell Lindo.

This gave Rolls renewed hope of victory and they worked hard to try and get the equaliser with a serious of Wimbledon-like long throws.

A full 6mins into injury time Rolls were awarded an indirect free-kick and in the ensuing scramble the ball was bundled into the back of the net with the last kick of the game.

Full time:  Hucknall Sports 2 Rolls Royce 2

Poor officiating certainly affected the outcome of this game and quite where that amount of injury time came from when the trainer was on the pitch only once in the second half we will never know. The award of an indirect free-kick was baffling given that Sports keeper Kal Orton was caught with a late challenge after gathering the ball but the referee obviously didn’t see it.

That said, Sports will know that they had the chances to put this game well beyond their opponents and need to be more clinical in front of goal.

We are all disappointed but will use this to strengthen our resolve to do well in this division.

James Hallam

Today’s winner of the Man of the Match Award was James Hallam for an outstanding performance at centre forward where he was almost unplayable at times. He ran the Rolls defence absolutely ragged – well done James, awesome.