Clifton AW 2 Sports 1

Saturday 13th September 2008

Unlucky Whites just miss out

Hucknall's first game of the season took the team over to Clifton for a match against All Whites.

The new look formation of HALLAM playing striker caused problems from the outset with the Clifton goalkeeper having to make a string of great saves to keep the home team in the match. Finally, Hucknall made the breakthrough after a wonderful break from midfield by ORTON to setup the 'free scoring' BARLOW for his eight goal in three games. Clifton came back with a period of good pressure from which they managed to equalise to take the score into half time at 1-1.

In the second half Hucknall pushed on once more by playing some fantastic football but time and again either the Clifton goalie, cross-bar or post denied them the goal that their play deserved. Even now its hard to understand how HALLAM'S 'Ronaldoesque' free kick stayed out after beating the goal keeper completely we watched in agony as the ball hit the angle of cross-bar and post drifted along the line and was 'hoofed' to safety.

Then, against the play, Clifton made the most of a defensive mix-up and scored their second with only 4 mins to go. But Hucknall were not done, and directly from the kick-off HALLAM smashed a speculative effort against All Whites cross-bar once again!!!

The boys can rightly feel disappointed not to take all three points, but never for a moment be unhappy with the style of play. Playing this type of football will bring its rewards - keep it up.

Man of the Match Award went to ORTON for a great midfield performance.

Friendly game:

Hucknall Sports White 1 Clifton AW 2

After watching the league game we took to the pitch once more for a friendly match hoping that our luck would surely change. But proving that 'lightening does strike twice' Hucknall continued to hit shots against the woodwork and see the goalie continue his inspired form.

WILSON showed what a talent he will surely become by thundering up and down the right-wing both as defender and attacker. HART worked hard for his first goal but was denied by some sound Clifton defending. In the Hucknall goal NEWTON showed what a versatile player he can be, even scoring with a long range effort in the second half when playing as striker - this is becoming a habit!

A moment of Italian skill saw DIRISO loop the ball over the wall from a free-kick onto to see it rebound off the cross-bar with the goalie completely beaten.

Man of the Match Award went to WILSON for a wonderful performance.

It's a funny old game!