Bulwell Rangers 3 Hucknall Sports U13's 0

Thursday 21st April 2005

YEL Trophy Final

HUCKNALL SPORTS BOW OUT IN STYLE

Both teams got off to an enthusiastic start, but Bulwell soon adopted the more physical approach, and were lucky not to concede a penalty when a loose high elbow took out a Hucknall key forward only 2 minutes into the game, forcing an early substitution.  Feeling slightly shaken Hucknall were slow to clear from a Bulwell advance, to go a goal down after only 7 minutes.  Hucknall bounced back into a more settled fashion looking the more confident on the ball, though struggled on too many occasions to finish past the formidable No 20 of the Bulwell defence, and their very proficient goal keeper.  This kept both teams very busy in the midfield, and it was on 23 minutes that a confusing pass-back opened up a gifted opportunity for Rangers to double their goal tally, which they maintained until half time. 

After the restart, Hucknall came on fire with some true footballing style and a fine display of grit and determination to get back into the game, playing so far forward they barely noticed the opportune goal that Bulwell managed to put away on the 47th minute.  It was business as usual; with a little bit of caution to the wind, to try their level best to win as only Hucknall know how.  A flurry of half chances, which maybe should have been delivered with a bit more clout, coupled with an Alex Featherstone “goal for sure” opportunity, that if it had not caught the trailing limb of a brave defender to be deflected just wide, could have paved the way for a Hucknall comeback.  Such was the onset of Hucknall pressure that even the Bulwell Captain could not keep his cool, foolishly picking up a yellow card for not releasing the ball after a foul, delaying the Hucknall free kick. 

However, it was not to be Hucknall’s day, and despite their tremendous effort, lost for only the second time this season after playing exactly 30 matches.  As the final whistle blew amidst cheers and tears, both sides who thoroughly entertained all the supporters and fans, were hailed and exalted as the YEL Officials presented Finalists and Winners awards to the respective teams.  Daniel Warner also scooped the Man-of-the-Match trophy for his valiant defending, and maintaining the team’s morale as Captain.