Beeston Centurions 0 Hucknall Sports U9's Sunday 2

Sunday 11th December 2005

This was a more jaded performance by the Under 9's, than the high tempo football they usually serve up, but a 2-0 victory away from home in the last league game before the Christmas break was more than welcome.

Sports had chances galore, in which to take the lead early in the game. Josh Pickering couldn't believe it, when his full blooded shot from point blank range, was saved by the Beeston keeper. He was just as unfortunate to see his back post header go just wide of the target after a good cross from Kieran Sheppard on the left flank. Kieran also had a hand in the next assault on the Centurions goal. Jack-Henry Williams showed some dazzling footwork to outsmart his marker before finding Kieran once more. His near post cross this time, was stabbed goal-wards by Emilio Monaci, but once again the home sides keeper was up to the task diving low to his right to tip round the post. The poor keeper was completely blameless though when Sports did eventually score. With both Josh Pickering and Emilio Monaci thundering down on him, the Centurions defender was panicked to the extent that he accidentally sliced his clearance into his own net.

Sports introduced their midfield pocket dynamo, Conner Gilbey to give them a little more zip in the second period and he created problems for the Beeston rearguard from the first kick to the last. It was Conner who had the first of many second half shots on goal, as he beautifully chested, turned and shot in one movement, but unfortunately just wide of the mark. With so many of the Sports players leaving their shooting boots at home, it was quite a shock when Kieran Sheppard crossed for the umpteenth time to the far post but this time the ball  was side footed into the corner. All became clear when Conner Gilbey turned with his arms aloft in celebration. With the result now safe the only issue left to resolve was who would be awarded the man of the match trophy. Asa Shelton for playing the full fifty minutes without missing a single tackle or Conner Gilby for sparking the match to life with a tremendous second half display? Well done Conner!