Carlton Town Lions 1 Sports 4

The first round of the YEL Trophy saw Whites drawn away to Carlton Town Lions, a team that they had beaten 4-1 only three weeks ago. However, on the back of some impressive league results, Carlton took to the pitch with a confidence running high and from their first attack scored with a low shot to the bottom corner - not a great start for Sports!

But Whites have a confidence of their own nowadays and went close three times from free-kicks before HALLAM'S mazy run down the right wing resulted in the Carlton keeper fumbling the ball into his own net to level the scores. Both teams could have regained the lead with some great attacking play and Whites defence rode their luck before a break away move presented EVANS with an opportunity to score from just inside the area with a well taken goal. Half time arrived with the score at 2-1 to Hucknall.

As the second half started the wind grew in strength and Carlton's hopes were raised with the hopes of firing in long range efforts on Whites goal. But the defensive partnership of Saxton and Smith snuffed out any glimmer of a chance that Carlton created. Evans started to run the midfield for Whites and showed some sublime skills that wouldn't be out of place in the Premiership but Whites needed goals to close this game out - queue Hallam! With a stunning show of superb striking play he terrorised the Carlton defenders and at times had four boys trying to mark him. Time and again he broke free and scored his hat-trick with two blistering goals that the Carlton goalie could do nothing about.