East Valley 1 Hucknall Sports U10's White 1
Saturday 6th December 2008
Bruising Draw for Whites
Bright winter sunshine greeted Whites as they arrived at Southglade Sports Ground to play newly promoted East Valley.
Hucknall started like an 'express train' and could have been four goals up, if they had taken all the chances that their fantastic football deserved, before Valley even got out of first gear. But a deflected shot from the home sides first attack put them ahead against the run of play. Valley bolstered the defence of their goal with some rugged tackling that tested the referee's patience at times. Whites were awarded a number of free-kicks but they were unable to convert them. Hallam saw a wonderful shot smash against the woodwork after a trademark spin and shoot move left the Valley defenders for dead. Half time arrived with the score at 1-0 to East Valley.
Valley started the second half well and their attacking play saw them win a number of corners that the Hucknall defence did well to keep out. All credit to Saxton, Smith and Brown for a job well done. The referee was still the busiest person on the pitch and had to keep a close eye on a number of challenges in a game that certainly wasn't for the faint hearted. After one foul too many Hucknall finally got back on level terms when Diriso put in a wonderful cross for EVANS to head into the back of the net. Hucknall thought they were about to take the lead when Orton broke free only for the Valley defence to make a fine last ditch tackle to deny him.
In truth either team could have won this game, but the final whistle blew with the scores locked at 1-1. Man of the Match went to Hallam for constantly providing a threat up front and in midfield. Skilful play will always be tested by tough tackling teams, but next week we have an opportunity to show that we can handle these tactics - by playing football.
Friendly Match
East Valley 4 Hucknall Sports Whites 1
After a battling draw in the league match Whites took to the pitch once again for a friendly game.
Hucknall started well once more and HART got his first goal for the club with a fine shot after some good work to break free from the Valley defence. Newton was unlucky to see a cross from wide right drift into the top corner of his goal, but Hucknall continued to play good football. Wilson looked solid on the right side of midfield and Johnstone showed some nice touches out wide on the left.