This was a top of the table clash, between Hucknall Sports and Keyworth United. Both teams were undefeated with Keyworth occupying top spot having played an extra game. Before the kick off a minutes silence was impeccably observed in memory of Mr Brian Clough.

It was the home side who kicked off and it soon became apparent that this was going to be a very competitive game of football. At the start, play was end to end with both teams creating chances, all be it limited to log range shots due to solid defensive work. That was until the seventh minute when the ball fell to Joe Barnes on the edge of the box. He nonchalantly flicked it with his heal to split the defence and send Ben Oscroft through to score. It was 1-0 to Sports, but the lead lasted barely five minutes before a Keyworth attack led to panic in the heart of the Sports defence. It finished with Danny Hardy popping up to score a well deserved equaliser for Keyworth. Both teams were pressing hard for another goal and with half time approaching it looked as though Sports would regain the lead. Joe Barnes forced a rare defensive error which allowed Ben Oscroft to cross for Kieran Sheppard, but his first time shot was just over the bar.

 

The second half saw Sports having the lions share of possession, but a combination of excellent defending and wayward shooting kept the score at one goal apiece. Birthday boy Carter Newton was forced into action on numerous occasions in the home sides goal as Keyworth remained dangerous on the break. Despite all the pressure and good approach play by Sports, the winning goal just would not come. Man of the match Ben Oscroft seemed to be popping up everywhere as he attempted to find the winner. Then with two minutes left on the clock Joe Barnes stretched every muscle to get his head onto a long through ball before the outcoming keeper and give all three points to the home side.