Caribbean Cavaliers 1 Hucknall Sports 5

Saturday 28th February 2009

 

Barnstorming Barlow

 

After arriving at the Cavaliers ground to find that their goals had been stolen and the pitch had not even been prepared we wondered if this match was even going to take place. But a hurriedly marked out pitch and a dash back to Hucknall for Whites's goals saw kick-off start 30 minutes late at 11:00am.

 

Whites were straight into their stride and scored within a minute after a good move presented a chance to BARLOW, who made no mistake from close range. Hucknall's sweeping style of football caused havoc in the Cavaliers defence and a trademark Hallam thunderbolt crashed onto the cross-bar with the goalkeeper nowhere to be seen. Then a break away move from one end of the pitch to the other saw BARLOW slot home for his second and Hucknall sensed victory. But all credit to the opposition who started to impose themselves on the game and eventually grabbed a goal with a shot that looped over Brown and trickled into the back of the net. Half time - Cavaliers 1 Hucknall 2.

 

Orton took over goalkeeping duties for the second half with regular Hucknall keeper Brown departing for a mid-season break in the Italian Alps. Saxton and Smith steadied themselves for a tough second period, but were not found wanting and produced a wonderful solid defensive performance that limited Cavaliers to only 'crumbs' of chances. At the other end of the pitch Hucknall created numerous opportunities and BARLOW completed his hat-trick in typical stylish manner after a well worked move saw him coolly place the ball in the back of the net.

Hucknall were more settled now and the fourth goal arrived when BOWLEY dribbled the ball from just inside the opponents half and finished by sending the goalkeeper the wrong way by beating him at his near post. With the clock ticking down to full time 'Welsh Wizard' EVANS tucked the ball away during a goalmouth scramble leave the final score Caribbean Cavaliers 1 Hucknall Sports 5.

 

There were many performances worthy of note in this game. Saxton and Smith (SAS) were strong and solid in defence, Dirso and Bowley showed some excellent skills in midfield, but a well deserved Man of the Match went to BARLOW for a wonderful display of attacking football and a great hat-trick.