Hucknall Sports U13's 11 Basford United 0

Saturday 20th November 2004

LAMB… OUR ‘TOP’ MAN!

One of the best things about being a part of Youth Football is getting to know the players and their families, and since signing for the team last season, the Lamb Family have played a massive part in our team.  Their commitment is total, and this can only breed an air of further success within the team.  This Saturday was in many ways, Lamby’s Day!

On a heavy pitch with snow still lying in the corner areas, the match got off to an energetic start, with both teams engaging a midfield orientated strategy, each struggling to gain full control of the game.  After a few failed attempts of his own down the left, Ross Lamb sailed a lovely cross over to connect with Kane Barker on the right to get Hucknall’s first after a tense 20 minutes.  Lamb proceeded to set up the next 3 goals as well, another cross dropping nicely to Jan Westrik breaking through the centre for goal number 2.  A Lamb corner set up a well positioned Danny Jones, and a rebounded Lamb shot fell to the head of Vijay Digpal.  Goal number 5 was a Lamb solo effort, thoroughly deserved and well taken, and the 6th goal came when Westrik spear-headed an attack from the halfway line, weaving a 25 yard run to lay it on for Lamb to score on the stroke of half time.

Basford regrouped during the break and managed to stay off the Hucknall forwards for at least 10 minutes after the restart before Lamb completed his hat trick via a lovely 1-2 exchange with Digpal.  The Lamb / Digpal combo reversed 2 minutes later for Vijay’s second.  Hucknall’s 9th came when Harry Beal knocked the ball back out to the 18 yard box for the advancing Shaun Holmes to loft it over all in its way, including the Basford ‘keeper.  Basford United put in a spirited performance, enthusiastically encouraged by their supporters and staff throughout the game.  Hucknall Sports backed off the offensive in the later stage of the game allowing defenders the chance to advance at will.  Central defender Daniel Warner seizing the opportunity to up this season’s goal tally to five with 2 fine finishes in the 60th and 68th minutes. 

The undisputed Man-of-the-Match for Hucknall was Ross Lamb, who impulsively and selflessly donated his trophy to the one player who had shown equalled spirit, determination and sportsmanship throughout the game, the Basford ‘keeper Danny Mackintosh.  Despite having to scoop the ball out of his net 11 times, he never faltered in his effort and commitment to his team, and for each goal conceded, made at least half a dozen fine saves to match.  A massive “well done” to Ross and Danny, these fine young men are both a credit to the game, and Youth Football.