Hucknall Sports U12's Saturday 3 Priory Celtic White 1

Saturday 13th March 2004

HUCKNALL SPORTS GO TOP OF THE LEAGUE 

Hucknall Sports U12 Saturday have bagged all 18 points from their last 6 games, remain unbeaten for the last 11, and today went 3 points clear of their rivals to top Division 3.  In this spirited local derby, it was a nervous home side that initially welcomed the visitors, and did well to only go one behind by half time, against some cunning wind assisted, long ball play which caught out the lucky Hucknall defence many times, Priory only lacking the ability to finish accurately. 

A half time résumé of what had happened and what was now required, ignited Hucknall Sports to deliver a stunning second half performance of spectacular skill and determination.  It took just 5 minutes from the re-start for the advancing Vijay Digpal to pounce on the rebounded efforts of fellow striker Jan Westrik, to slot home the inevitable Hucknall equaliser.  Just 10 minutes later, fortunes reversed when a Digpal shot ricocheted back out, setting up Westrik to put Hucknall ahead. 

The Spring-like sunshine turned to horizontal sleet to further dampen the spirits of Priory who fought back with some constructive counter breaks.  Fortunately, the deep positioning of Ross Lamb strengthening the left side of defence, complimented the safe hands of Man-of-the-Match ‘keeper Josh Priestley, to deny the visitors any sort of a comeback.  After the Wintry downpour, the sun shone through the dark clouds giving a rainbow backdrop to the closing stages of the match.  The ‘pot of gold’ was to stay firmly in Hucknall though, as a ‘golden ball’ pass from Sam Sims sailed over the Priory midfield, connecting with a superb sprint from Jan Westrik who then chipped the ‘keeper to bag his 15^th goal of the season, sealing this decisive victory, 5 minutes from time.