East
Valley were at their combative best and started the game well but failed to
create any clear cut chances thanks to the defensive partnership of Harry
(H-Bomb) Saxton and Dylan (The Silent Assassin) Smith. Hucknall looked to play
creative football but time on the ball was hard to find and crunching
tackles were everywhere. Eventually, though a silky passing move involving Ellis
Evans, Kal Orton and Jacob Barlow created an opening for James Hallam to take
Whites into the lead which they held on to until half-time.
Valley were
clearly pumped up at the start of the second half and they forced their way
back into the game when a scramble in front of Whites goal saw them smash the
ball into the back of the net to level the scores. The aftermath of the goal
saw Evans having to be carried from the pitch for a tackle straight out of the
horror movies but unfortunately the referee was unsighted therefore could do
nothing despite Whites protestations.
However,
Hucknall are nothing if not robust nowadays and a defensive lapse by Valley
let in top scorer Jacob Barlow for his 16th goal of the season to take Whites
back into the lead.
East
Valley continued to launch the ball into the Hucknall penalty area but Whites
held strong and the final whistle blew with the score at 2-1 to Hucknall.
For the second
week running Harry Saxton won the Man of the Match award for a great
performance in defence. Another award next week and the trophy is his to keep!
Hucknall
have now lost only once in the league since the start of the New Year and this
victory moved them up to fourth the division.
Friendly
Game
Hucknall
Sports 1 East Valley 1
Whites
reserve players got a chance to sample competitive action in a friendly game
that followed the main match and showed a great deal of skill and style to
finish with a creditable draw 1-1.
Good
performances from Johnstone, Wilson and Hart created various openings that
Whites were unlucky not to finish but is clear that these boys will be
valuable additions to the team for next seasons 11-a-side format.
Man
of the Match award goes to Joe Newton
for a wonderful performance at the heart of Whites defence,
keep up the good work Joe.