Calverton MW 1 Hucknall Sports U8's Sunday 5

Sunday 28th November 2004

This was the under 8's Sunday team back to their best. It was a bitterly cold morning, with driving rain for most of the game.

Sports simply rolled up their sleeves and put on a display of teamwork and commitment that was a credit to them all. They had the better of the opening exchanges, with Kieran Sheppard shooting just wide after being put through by Ben Oscroft. Aaron Bond then picked out  the same player only to see his rocket of a shot come back off the bar straight into the arms of the grateful Calverton keeper. But the first goal came only moments later. The referee had no alternative but to award a penalty to Sports when Joe Barnes was clumsily fouled from behind in the area. Up stepped Big Thomas Howarth from defence to smash home a shot that the net was struggling to stop never mind the keeper. One nil to Sports but the lead lasted barely two minutes. The ball was given away rather cheaply in midfield and an inch perfect pass put Sam Hill through to score a good equalising goal for Calverton, despite a valiant attempt to nick the ball off his toe by Carter Newton in the Sports goal. As the half came to a close Sports managed one more good effort on goal, when Conner Gilby gambled on a first time shot with his left foot. The keeper was forced to react quickly and save low to his left.

 

The second half began with a long spell of pressure for Sports, but no goals. Firstly Joe Barnes went close, after a long through ball by Thomas Howarth. Then a good run and cross by the busy Conner Gilby saw another chance go begging. Eventually the breakthrough goal came when Emilio Monaci burst from midfield and slotted the ball neatly into the corner. Goal number three was scored by the tireless Joe Barnes after Kieran Sheppard had first treated everybody to a masterclass in ball control. Joe Barnes almost scored a second, but his shot came back off the foot of the post straight to Conner Gilby. He gratefully grabbed himself a well deserved goal. The fifth goal was possibly the pick of the bunch though. Ben Oscroft was perfectly positioned at the far post to finish off a terrific move involving Kieran Sheppard, Joe Barnes and man of the match Emilio Monaci.