Gedling 3 Hucknall Sports U12's Saturday 2

Saturday 1st April 2006 

Third time UNLUCKY for Sports! 

It’s sounding a familiar story, but Sports must hope their luck turns soon as for the third successive game they narrowly lost out in this YEL Division 3 clash. 

With Clayton George ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken wrist and Danny Stenson courageously playing despite feeling unwell, Sports again started like they meant business and an almost identical start to last weeks game put Sports one up within 30 seconds. From the kick off Sports played the ball forward and a through ball from Nicky Robinson left Josh Leatherland in the clear to slot home number 22 of the season. 

Sports continued to dominate on a small pitch and created further chances before Gedling equalised with a well taken shot from a narrow angle. As they have shown time and time again this season Sports simply rolled their sleeves up and came again and this time a looping ball from Danny Stenson left the Gedling goalkeeper stranded as Josh made it 2 - 1 with a tap in to an empty net. Jason Harris came on to replace the injured Josh and with Billy Edwards and Jack Moore again playing well Sports held out comfortably for a lead at half time. 

As with the Arnold defeat last week a change in weather conditions meant Sports faced a strong wind against them and an up hill battle against a large Gedling squad and despite the bests efforts of Josh Burton and Howard Howells, Gedling equalised and looked set for a win. Some nervy moments followed as Sports and goalkeeper Buster Simpson held firm before Jordan Burch burst out of defence and went on an amazing run down the right. His pass found Nicky Robinson and his immediate through ball found fit again Josh Leatherland, who’s shot blazed over crossbar. Further chances fell to Sports as Jack Moore found his path blocked by defenders, Thomas Scarbro found the side netting as Stenson had in the first half and Nicky Robinson narrowly shot wide after a run from midfield.  

Gedling’s winner came against the run of play with 5 minutes left but Sports still had time for Thomas Scarbro to go on a lung busting run down the left only to be crowded out as Gedling held firm. 

Another narrow defeat for Sports, but Sports have now turned once heavy losses into close games and with the addition of a couple of extra players and lady luck, next season could prove to be a different story. 

Man of the match went to Jak Craig who once again confirmed his position at right back and deserved the award not only for this game but also for his consistently in performances over the last month.