Hucknall Sports U16's 1 Newark 1

Saturday 13th March 2004

What has been something of a fairytale turnaround in recent seasons for Sports, climaxed in storylike fashion today on the Wigwam playing fields, as they gained the point they needed for the league championship.

Some of the old guard at Sports would never have dreamed this possible three years ago, when they were languishing second from bottom of old Division 4, with just one win in three seasons. For the likes of Adam White, Olly Moore, Craig Raynor, Andy Ward and Luke Del Rosso, who with commendable patience endured those dark and desperate times, today must have been that little bit extra special.

There are some who will remember a game away at Rise Park, which was when Jonny Hallam, James Anderson and two others made their debuts for Sports. Could it be that  thrilling 6-4 win that was the turning of the corner for Sports?

Over the next two seasons progress was steady, with a trickle of new players, such as Aaron Lee, Liam Collins, Patrick Ryan and Nikhil Dhiri bolstering the ranks. Then, at the start of this year, Ross Cheeseman and Ross Billyeald completed the renovation of a struggling team.

Needing to avoid defeat then today to secure the title, Sports began confidently. White slipped Waldron through after just two minutes, but good goal keeping prevented Sports taking the lead. Against a driving wind though Sports began to struggle, and they were at 6's and 7's at the back at times. It was almost with an air of inevitability that Newark took the lead, and did more to dampen spirits than the half-time squall.

Unluckily for Sports, the strong wind subsided with the storm, and their task was made that little bit harder. Although they had plenty of possession, shooting opportunities were scarce, and not long after the restart manager Richard Ward made two inspired changes.

He brought on Olly Moore, and more significantly skipper James Anderson, who seemed all the more determined having been rested for the first half. He added a bite to the middle of the park, and thanks to his ball winning, Sports were camped in the Newark half.

Still that elusive equaliser eluded Sports, and with time running very short, one could have been forgiven for thinking that heads would drop, and Sports would throw away their best chance of winning the league. Much credit must be given to them for maintaining high spirits, and continuing to play football despite the championship seemingly slipping out of their grasp.

However, in the very last minute, Sports won a corner which gave them a last chance at grabbing a goal. Billyeald floated the ball over, and above everyone else rose Anderson. He got only a very slight connection, and it seemed an eternity as the ball bounced down to the ground, up to knee height, and then down again into the bottom corner. At this Sports were euphoric, and when the final whistle went the tear shed from the corner of Richard Ward's eye did not evade other eyes.

It was a dramatic end to what has been a dramatic season. All of the players  give their heartfelt thanks to manager Richard Ward for his dedication and hard work throughout not only this successful season, but through the tougher teams.

Sports - an excellent performance. Enjoy your celebrations...they've been well earnt!