Sports 3 Carlton Town Lions 3

Hucknall Sports U10's White 3 Carlton Town Lions 3

Saturday 7th March 2009

Battling Whites Fight Back

Hucknall awoke on Saturday morning to bright sunshine and looked forward to a Division 2 clash with Carlton Town Lions. The kick-off was delayed to give Lions the chance to field their regular goalkeeper, but eventually the match started and Hucknall set about looking for an early lead.

But Whites looked a shadow of their recently selves and repeatedly hurried their approach play rather than playing the controlled football that they are renowned for. All too often Hucknall where guilty of relying on long balls rather than working it through midfield to the attackers and any chances that were created were snatched at.

Carlton showed the better footballing skills and took a deserved lead that Hucknall keeper Orton could do nothing about but Whites fought back quickly through a goal scored on the rebound by DIRISO. Lions were still showing the greater composure and grabbed the half time lead once more through a penalty. 2-1 to Carlton at half-time.

A reshaped Hucknall took to the field for the second half, but it was Carlton who scored again through a wonderful sweeping move from one side of the pitch to the other and resulted in a goal of great quality. Hucknall just could not get going and supporters were fearing the worst. Finally Hucknall started to play and were rewarded with an opportunity to get back into the game with a penalty that HALLAM blasted past the despairing dive of the Carlton keeper and we were set for a grandstand finish.

Bowley took over the striking duties when Diriso left the field winded and Hallam dropped back into midfield for the last 10 minutes. Now it was Hucknall who were on top and chances were being created time and again - Hallam, Evans, Davies and Barlow were all unlucky not to score. With the clock ticking down a moment of composure and great skill from Smith (the silent assassin) saw him bring the ball from defence to attack and unleash a strike into the bottom corner to draw the scores level. Hucknall still had chances to win the game but the final whistle sounded with the scores level at 3-3

Given the score midway through the second half Hucknall should be happy to escape with a draw. But believe in your ability boys and we won't need see a repeat of this type of performance. Man of the Match went to DAVIES for a strong defensive performance and never say die attitude.

Friendly Game

Hucknall Sports 4 Carlton Town Lions 4

The friendly match saw a much better style of play from Hucknall with Barlow and Newton showing great vision from unfamiliar positions of central defenders. JOHNSTONES mazy run from the left wing saw him prod the ball home with a well deserved goal after some great performances over the last few weeks.

WILSON had a number of shots and grabbed two goals for himself with his rampaging style of football. A clever short corner combination between Bowley and DIRISO allowed the stylish Italian to claim his second goal of the day after his deflected shot dribbled into the back of the Carlton goal. Lions matched Hucknall goal for goal and the final score of 4-4 was credit to both teams for some great football.

Man of the Match went to NEWTON for a solid performance in defence.