Ilkeston Town 3 Sports 1

Ilkeston Town 3 Hucknall Sports U10's White 1

Saturday 29th November 2008

Whites Give Leaders a Scare

On the back of a four game unbeaten run, Whites arrived in Ilkeston to take on the league leaders with confidence running high.

From the first whistle Hucknall were into their stride and playing the style of football we are becoming known for in this division - passing and moving being the bedrock of all things good. But it was Ilkeston who struck first with a fine goal from HOLLIS that gave Brown no chance to save. Home supporters thought that this might be the queue for the floodgates to open but that was not the case. Instead, Hucknall drew level with a 'wonder' goal from HALLAM. Evans playing the ball out wide for Hallam to gather and turn in one movement, break forward and blast the ball beyond the Ilkeston keeper into the top corner - a definite contender for 'Goal of the Season'.

With half-time approaching a bad bobble in front of Brown presented a chance for Ilkeston to regain the lead and go into the break leading 2-1.

A second half substitution didn't adversely effect the team shape, showing that Hucknall have great strength in depth nowadays. But the reintroduction of Hallam once again provided the goal scoring threat and Hucknall can count themselves very unlucky to come up against a very good Ilkeston keeper who made four great saves to keep his team in the lead. Newton making his league debut in goal looked assured and kicked well from his hands. Wilson, in midfield, showed the strength to hold off a very good midfield player in Hollis from Ilkeston.

However, Ilkeston grabbed a third with a goal against the run of play from a shot that Newton could do little about. Hucknall still had enough possession to create chances and were unlucky when Barlow lifted the ball over the bar after a wonderful flowing move down the right wing that deserved a goal. Final score 3-1 to Ilkeston.

Man of the Match went to Smith for a great game in defence. He 'marshalled' the Hucknall defensive line brilliantly and made tackle after tackle to limit Ilkeston to very few clear cut chances. Did the best team win? - that's for others to decide, but what was clear is that Hucknall can compete with teams at the top of this division and should fear nobody.