HOLWELL SPORTS V HUCKNALL TOWN

UCL DIVISION 1 

SAT DEC 18TH 2021 3 PM KO

MATCH PREVIEW

The Yellows travel to Melton Mowbray looking to make it 4 games unbeaten and to try and close the gap on the top 5 which is now 3 points. With Belper playing Radford and Aylestone visiting Kimberley it could be a key weekend for Hucknall.

However Holwell will be encouraged by their 4 2 victory last Saturday at home to Aylestone and will provide stern opposition on their Welby Road pitch.

Holwell lie in 16th with a record of played 25 winning 9 drawing 2 and losing 14 with a goal difference of minus 13.

Victories have come at home to Bourne Town, Borrowash, Blackstones, Barrow and Aylestone and away at Clifton, Ingles, Birstall and Lutterworth.

The two draws were at home to Dunkirk and away at Bourne.

Defeats have come at home to West Bridgford, Birstall, Kimberley, Saffron Dynamo, Gedling and Graham Street and away at Aylestone, St Andrews, Hinckley, Kirby Muxloe, Radford, Belper, Barrow and At Watnall Road where Hucknall won an entertaining game 3 1 with the visitors being applauded off the field by the home fans at the end.

Hucknall's record now reads played 24 winning 14 drawing 5 and losing 5 with a GD of plus 28 to lie in 6th position.

Hopefully the weather and Covid restrictions won't put paid to the game and it is a new ground for me so I'm looking forward to another good game between the two sides.

Safe travels all

Useful Links

Address:  41 Welby Rd, Melton Mowbray LE14 3RD

Twitter: https://twitter.com/1902Hsfc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=holwell%20sports%20fc

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holwell_Sports_F.C.

HARROWBY UNITED V HUCKNALL TOWN

UCL DIV 1 SAT 27TH NOVEMBER 21 3 PM KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall face another difficult looking away trip this time to Harrowby United who are based in Grantham.

The Yellows will be looking to get back to winning ways after picking up just 1 point in the last 3 league games after 8 straight wins and have dropped out of the play off fixture to 7th spot.

Harrowby sit a point and a place below town having played a game more so will leapfrog Hucknall should they be victorious.

Harrowby's record is played 22 winning 12 drawing 3 and losing 7 with a goal difference of plus 20. 

Harrowby began the season quite well with 3 wins and a draw before a first defeat against league leaders Aylestone.and from there it's been a pretty much mixed bag of results with wins against Bourne Town(h), Graham Street (a),  Blackstones (h&a), Borrowash (h), A notable home win over Kimberley, Barrow(h), West Bridgford (a)and Gedling(a)

Defeats against Kirby Muxloe (h), Saffron Dynamo (a), Radford (h), Hinckley (h), St Andrews (a) and Belper United (h)

Draws Dunkirk (a), last game against Clifton (a) and on opening day of the season at home to Ingles.

Danny Durkin must be watched as he has 19 goals to his name so far this season but other players have also been scoring their fair share.

Hucknall come to Dickens Road having had a disappointing defeat at Belper, a penalty shoot out defeat to a young Notts County Team in the Notts Senior Cup and the crazy home game against Saffron Dynamo when the Yellows found themselves 5 1 down at half time.

Hot on the heels of David Leak returning to the club another very familiar face has returned for the umpteenth time. I think the fans will have mixed feelings about the return of Matt 'Cabbage' Brian but I think we need his playing style up front. With Grant Ryan suspended and Joe Ashurst unavailable I think he will start.

Sadly I will miss the game through working instead but should be a decent game as both teams will be aiming to close the gap on the play off positions.

Keep safe all and safe travels

Hucknall have no Halloween Scares and Seal Another Win

Hucknall Town 3 St Andrews 0

UCL Div 1 Sat 30TH October 3 PM KO

Match Report

Hucknall Town 1 Jake Pearson 2 Cayne Maxwell 3 Luis Kinnerley 4 Oli Brown 5 Jordan Phillips 6 Lenny Jenkins 7 Aaron Lamb 8 Michael Banister (Capt) 9 Craig Westcarr 10 Joe Ashurst 11 Grant Ryan

Subs: Hubbard, Francis, Slack and Short

Attendance:  241

Officials: Ian Ruddock, Ian Wilkinson and Jonathan Hines

With Sam Sims and Courtney Bartley unavailable and Captain Aaron Short still injured from Tuesday night Cayne Maxwell slotted in at full back with Phillips and Jenkins playing Centre Halves. Michael Banister captained the side and Aaron Lamb kept his place in midfield. 

St Andrews were a big strong side and chances in the first half were at a premium with neither keeper having much to do. Indeed it took a mistake by the visiting keeper. Grant Ryans effort somehow squirmed underneath the keeper and into the net.

Jake Pearson was then called into action with a smart save just before half time.

Hucknall came out second half looking to increase the lead and did so when the  the keeper again should have done better allowing Ryan to get his second of the game. 

The Keeper then made two excellent saves from Oli Browns effort which looked destined to go in but was fingertipped wide and then Craig Westcarr was denied with an effort that was pushed onto the post but the flag was raised anyway.

Joe Ashurst wrapped up the points with a smart finish which went just inside the post.

St Andrews battled well but never really tested Pearson again as the Yellows took the points to move up to second.

Kimberley were beaten at home by Birstall who host the Yellows next Saturday with no mid week game this week.

UCL DIV 1 WEEKLY ROUND UP 

SATURDAY 23RD OCTOBER AND MID WEEK

Again we have new leaders with Kimberley MWFC returning to top spot after defeating Lutterworth Athletic 5 nil at the Stag on Tuesday. This followed a fine comeback win in the FA Vase on Saturday against Studley.

Aylestone were also involved in the Vase Saturday and progressed through to the next round with a comfortable 4 nil home win over Wednesfield. They had no mid week game.

Hucknall won again on the Saturday 3 nil at home to Ingles who were reduced to 10 men in the first half. Hucknall remain in third spot level with Aylestone but having played a game more. It was Hucknall's 5th league win in a row.

The two teams just below are on Similar runs.

Radford in 4th have won 4 in a row but bowed out of the Vase on Saturday in a home defeat to Boldmere St Michaels. Radford are 3 points behind Hucknall with a game in hand.

Hinckley have responded well to a heavy home defeat inflicted by Hucknall and have also won the last five league games remarkably scoring 4 in every game. They are 6 points behind Hucknall with 2 games in hand.

Just outside the play off places are Belperr United who had no midweek game and bowed out of the Vase on Sunday with a 2 1 home defeat to Rugby Town.

Belper have only played 13 games and have games in hand on all the teams above them and are very much in touch with the teams above them.

At the bottom Borrowash suffered another defeat at home to Hinckley to remain bottom on 4 points. Graham Street had no league game and bowed out of the Vase 4 0 at home to Litchfield on Saturday. They remain 2nd bottom on 5 points.

Blackstones also lost again to remain 3rd bottom.

There is a 5 point gap to 4th bottom Bourne Town who had no league game. Clifton above them had a good 4 2 away win at Gedling MWFC on Saturday to pull away from the bottom 3.

Enjoy your football this weekend where ever it may be.

Hucknall Hope To Spook St Andrews

 HUCKNALL TOWN V ST ANDREWS

UCL DIV 1 SAT 30TH OCTOBER 21 3 PM KO

MATCH PREVIEW

St Andrews are the visitors to Watnall Road this Saturday looking to cement their place in the top 5 and put pressure on the two teams above them.

St Andrews themselves will have ambitions of making the play off spots and had a good start to the season indeed heading the table a couple of times but their challenge is in serious danger of falling apart after recent results.

At the moment they lie 10th in the table playing 16 winning 7 drawing 2 and losing 7 with a GD of plus 8.

They started of winning therir first three league fixtures by the same score 4 nil to be one of the early pace setters. A draw and a win followed before they tasted defeat for the first time losing 5 nil at Belper United.

They responded by winning the next 2 games both 3 1 before losing at Kirby Muxloe after being 2 nil up.

A decent win on penalties at Clipstone in the FA Vase followed before a 4 1 win at home to Holwell Sports and at this point St Andrews were very much in the mix.

In 8 games since then their have been defeats to Kimberley, Hinckley, Ingles, Dunkirk and Saffron Dynamo in the league plus a vase exit at division rivals Birstall United. The only point gained was courtesy of a 2 2 draw at Gedling. They were leading in the home game with Bourne but that game was abandoned by the officials after Bourne had to many players sin binned at one time for the match to continue.

So Hucknall will be looking to add to their woes and will be feeling confident after winning 5 league games and a Notts Senior cup game at Clifton in midweek to make it 6 wins from 6.

Their League record stands at played 17 winning 11 drawing 3 and losing 3 with a GD of plus 24.

Manager Andy Graves will have to make at least one change as Sam Sims is unavailable for this one.

Should be a decent game.

Keep Safe all

HUCKNALL TOWN V INGLES

UCL DIV 1 SATURDAY 23RD OCTOBER 21 3 PM KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Another Leicestershire side visit Watnall Road this Saturday. Ingles who groundshare with landlords Shepshed Dynamo are the visitors. No strangers to the Yellows though as they are old EMCL sparring partners who always provide stern opposition.

Ingles have had a pretty mixed season so far lying in 16th of the 23 teams in the division with a record of played 15 winning 6 drawing 2 and losing 7 and a goal difference of minus 4.

They started off the season quite well. Unbeaten in their first 4 games with creditable draws against the current league leaders Aylestone and Harrowby and wins against the current bottom two sides.

They then lost to Belper at home and this triggered 7 league defeats in a row. Sandwiched in between was a 4 1 victory over Blackstones in the FA Vase a feat they repeated in the home league to end the losing streak.

This in turn has sparked a run of 4 successive victories which have all been at home so they are back on form. 

They also have have the services of striker Billy Clarke who lies third in the division scoring charts on 15 goals behind Birstall's Paul Pallett on 19 and the remarkable stats of Aylestone's Shay Brennan who now has 37 goals from 16 games. 

Hucknall are on a fine run themselves and are also on a run of 4 successive victories.

Their league record reads as played 16 winning 10 drawing 3 and losing 3 with a GD of plus 21 to remain in third spot.

They also have a striker on form in Craig Westcarr  who has scored in the last 5 successive games.

Should be a decent game which I will unfortunately miss due to work commitments.

Enjoy and keep safe

UCL DIV 1 ROUND UP 

SATURDAY 16TH OCTOBER AND MIDWEEK

Once again we have new leaders with Aylestone Park taking over at the top with a ten goal demolition of bottom side Borrowash and a 4 nil away victory at Kirby Muxloe. The incredible goalscoring record of Shay Brennan was further enhanced with 5 in the Saturday game and 3 more on Tuesday night taking his tally to 37 from just 16 games.

Previous leaders suffered only their second defeat at the hands of Harrowby on Saturday and were playing in the Notts Senior Cup on Tuesday where they responded well by beating fellow division rivals Dunkirk 7 1. Luis Rose returned to the club by scoring 5 of them.

Hucknall Town remained in third place despite having no midweek game. The Yellows had a comfortable 5 1 win at Blackstones on Saturday.

Radford joined them on 33 points by beating Belper to maintain their rich run of form. Belper like Kimberley suffered only their second defeat and missed a chance to close the gap on the top four though they still have games in hand. 

Radford also won on the Saturday beating Kirby Muxloe at home whilst Belper beat West Bridgford at home to move into 5th spot.

After their victory over then leaders Kimberley, Harrowby came from 2 goals down at half time to defeat Blackstones at home to lie just below the play off spots.

Birstall's recent loss of form continued as they drew at Graham Street and lost at home to Holwell on Tuesday which dropped them to 7th.

At the bottom Borrowash lost their two games and stay on 4 points. Neighbours Graham Street are just above on 5 and Blackstone make up the bottom 3 on 6 points. There is a five point gap above them where Clifton are 4th bottom after picking up their second win of the season at home to Barrow Town.

UCL DIV ! Round Up

UCL DIV 1 WEEKLY ROUND UP

SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER AND MIDWEEK FIXTURES

The Kimberley MWFC bandwagon keeps on rolling at the top of the division with two more victories. A 1 nil away victory at Saffron Dynamo on Saturday was followed by a 3 nil home victory against Borrowash on Tuesday night. Kimberley also recorded their 4th clean sheet in a row and have opened up a 5 point gap at the top with 14 games played and 35 points on the board.

Aylestone Park had no game on Saturday but had a 5 1 victory at home to Bourne Town on Tuesday night to sit in second spot with 30 points from 14 games. Shay Brennan added two more goals to his tally which has now gone up to 29 goals for the season so far.

Hucknall Town joined Aylestone on 30 points in third spot with an inferior goal difference but have played 15 games. Hucknall recorded two victories, at home to Holwell on Saturday and away at Graham Street on Wednesday night where the hosts pushed them all the way. Craig Westcarr scored in both games to move into double figures for the season.

Radford in fourth had a 1 nil victory at Birstall on Saturday but had no midweek fixture.

Birstall dropped to 5th as a result of that defeat and had to be content with a draw at home to lutterworth on Tuesday.

Belper United lie in a false position in 6th as they are now a point below the top 5 but have at least 3 games in hand over the teams above having only played 11.  Belper have only lost one game like the leaders Kimberley having picked up 2 more victories both away at Barrow and Saffron Dynamo scoring 8 goals in the process.

Hinckley lie in 7th spot 3 points behind the top 5 but have only played 13. They also scored 8 in two away victories at Harrowby and Clifton.

At the bottom Borrowash currently have the wooden spoon after the defeat at Kimberley and a home defeat to fellow strugglers Clifton which moved the victors to fifth from bottom.

Neighbours Graham Street occupy second from bottom but had an encouraging draw away at Dunkirk Saturday and will feel unlucky to get nothing from the game against Hucknall after a battling second half display.

Blackstones are third bottom after defeat at Ingles and a draw at home to Barrow on Wednesday.

Bourne town are sandwiched between Blackstones and Clifton after defeats at Aylestone and Kirby Muxloe shipping 9 goals over the two games.

Enjoy your Saturday game where ever that may be.

 

BLACKSTONES V HUCKNALL TOWN

UCL DIV 1 SAT 16TH OCTOBER 21 KO 15.00

MATCH PREVIEW

Fresh from Wednesdays bruising victory at Graham Street Hucknall are on the road again to another struggling side. Wednesday proved that even teams at the bottom end can perform if you let your standards drop.

Blackstones hail from Stamford and we played them in a FA Cup qualifying tie a lot of years ago.

They have a league record of played 13 winning 1 drawing 3 and losing 9 and a goal difference of minus 34.

Blackstones had a terrible start losing their first 6 league games before claiming their only victory away at bottom club Borrowash Victoria. In the six league games since they have drawn 3 two at home against Clifton and Barrow Town and a decent away point at Saffron Dynamo so have improved compared to early season form.

Hucknall's record now stands at played 15 winning 9 drawing 3 losing 3 and a goal difference of plus 17 to lie in third spot. 

I understand that several players will be missing through various reasons and walking wounded from Wednesday so manager Andy Graves will have to juggle things around a bit.

Can't make it Saturday so good luck lads and safe travels to all. 

THERE ARE STILL SEATS AVAILABLE

Transport available for the game v Blackstones who are based in Stamford on Saturday 16th October the bus will leave the ground at 11.00am and back approx 6.00pm, seats are priced £10 - call the club on 07572473037 to book your seat.

Links:

Address Blackstones FC

Linclon Road

Stamford

Lincolnshire

PE9 1UU

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fcblackstones

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackstonesfc

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackstones_F.C.

Yellows Bruised and Battered but Victorious

GRAHAM STREET PRIMS 1 HUCKNALL TOWN 2 

UCL DIV 1 WEDS 13TH OCTOBER 21 19.45 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS

GRAHAM STREET: 1 HARRIS 2 POPLAR 3 GORBERT 4 LYNAM 5 DAWSON 6 BIRKINSHAW 7 THOMAS 8 BRUCE 9 FELL 10 BAYLES 11 SEALE

SUBS; BAILEY, BOYALL, WILKS, CRANSTONE, MCDOWELL

HUCKNALL TOWN: 1 JAKE PEARSON 2 COURTNEY BARTLEY 3 OLI BROWN 4 SAM SIMS 5 AARON SHORT (CAPT) 6 LENNY JENKINS 7 JOE BUTLER 8 JORDAN PHILLIPS 9 CRAIG WESTCARR 10 JOE ASHURST 11 GRANT RYAN

SUBS: LOUIS KINNERLEY, MICHAEL BANISTER, TOM HUBBARD, JAMIE CRAWFORD, AARON LAMB

OFFICIALS KARL BAINBRIDGE, PAUL DIXON, OLIVER THORNHILL

 Hucknall came back down the A 52 with the three points but were left with several players injured after a bruising encounter with Graham Street who will feel they deserved something from the game after a battling second half display.

Hucknall started very brightly with a quick tempo with Westcarr's early free kick forcing an easy save from Harris though he nearly spilled it.

The hosts had their first chance on 6 mins Fell heading Gorbert's cross wide.

A taste of things to come came on 10 minutes when Bayles was booked for a late challenge on Sims.

Hucknall then began to dominate the half as Ryan's effort was saved and then Short's was deflected wide for a corner.

Hucknall thought they had taken the lead when Ashurst slotted home from 8 yards only for the linesman to raise his flag. Questionable as the initial ball was cut back and Ashurst was behind Joe Butler from his cross cum shot.

Hucknall didn't have to wait long for the opener and it came courtesy of a great penalty by Westcarr after Sims had been wiped out in the box by Burkinshaw who received a Yellow.

Ashurst had a drive which went well wide before the hosts responded with a Bruce shot which Pearson blocked.

Butler went close on 34, his shot just skimming the post and then Phillips had a crack from distance over the bar as Hucknall continued to press. 

Hucknall doubled their lead just before half time when captain Short provided a finish to a Westcarr free kick though the shot took a wicked deflection.

Hucknall's twitter account mistakenly put the HT score down as FT and maybe that might have been a preferable option. Given Prim's league position and how comfortable the first half had been for Town many were perhaps thinking it was a case of how many but it certainly didn't turn out that way.

Had Short's header just after half time gone in maybe it would have been a case of how many but Harris saved well and then Joe Butler got a nasty looking injury and was down for a long time on the touchline and had to be replaced by Michael Banister.

Wether the game plan changed I really don't know but Hucknall started playing deeper and deeper back. Prims had definitely improved from the first half showing and began to press from this point on.

Jordan Phillips then went in the book as Hucknall responded to the physical side of Prims.

On the hour mark Prims should have scored but were denied by a brilliant goal line clearance from Oli Brown.

Hucknall were reduced to 10 men for ten minutes as Ryan received a yellow and was sin binned for dissent as Hucknall got frustrated. They certainly were rattled andd needlessly kept giving the ball away or booting it to no one imparticular.

Dawson then put a header over Pearson's crossbar before Banister saw yellow for a foul on Bayles.

Hucknall tried to recompose with Westcarr's volley deflected wide and Phillip's header which went just over.

Boyall then skimmed the crossbar with a shot for the hosts.

Manager Andy Graves then made a double substitution with Ryan being replaced by Hubbard and Jordan Phillips by Jamie Crawford maybe because of the red card risk in such a physical game.

The changes seemed to help Town and Jenkins headed just wide.

Short was the next player to join the Yellow card club for a tackle on Boyall.

The host's finally got their reward when Lee Fell pulled a goal back on 88 mins leaving town with a couple of minutes and an excruciating period of added on time to play.

Joe Ashurst then went into the book as Hucknall again lacked composure.

Tom Hubbard then received the ball and at long last common sense took a hold as he took the ball down to the corner and played out time.

A wins a win but huge credit must go to the hosts who will feel they deserved something after their battling second half display. 

Next up is a trip to another Struggling side Blackstones and though we won maybe lessons can be learned from that second half. Hope the injuries aren't as bad as they appeared.

Cranstone then went close for the hosts with a header at the back post.

Jamie Crawford then received a lengthy treatment for a leg injury.

Hucknall Looking to be Prim and Proper tonight

GRAHAM STREET PRIMS V HUCKNALL TOWN

UCL DIV 1 WEDS 13TH OCTOBER 21 19.45 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall return back up the A 52 hoping for another three points which they got from neighbours Borrowash Victoria just over a month ago.  Borrowash are the only team below Prims and are the only team that Prims have beaten in the league in what has been a disappointing start for both clubs.

Prims did pick up their 4th point of the season in a decent looking draw at Dunkirk bearing in mind that the Yellows lost at home to their opponents only 2 weeks ago. This leaves them with a league record of played 13 winning 1 drawing 1 and losing 11 with a minus 33 goal difference.

They did have a moral boosting FA Vase victory over Step 5 Pinchbeck United away.

Hucknall will surely be favourites for the win tonight to keep up with the rest of the top 5. Aylestone and Kimberley both won last night and the Yellows are now 8 points behind the leaders on the same number of games and 3 points behind Aylestone also on the same number of games played. Radford have no midweek game and Birstall dropped points in a home draw last night. Belper have moved into 6th having only played 11 games and lie a point behind town with 3 games in hand. Hinckley also had a useful win to be 3 points behind Town with a game in hand.

Hucknall's league record now stands at played 14 winning 8 drawing 3 and losing 3 and they will be looking to avoid a slip up tonight and on Saturday when they visit third from bottom Blackstones.

Safe travels to all travelling tonight I will see thee there

HUCKNALL LOOK TO MAKE TRACKS IN THE TRAMLINE DERBY

 RADFORD V HUCKNALL TOWN

UCL DIV 1 SAT SEPT 25TH 2021 15.00 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall make the short journey to Selhurst Street Radford looking to cement their place in the top five and knowing a victory will take them top of the pile with all the teams above them involved in FA Vase action.

Radford though will as always provide stern opposition for the Yellows. 

Radford will be full of confidence after a fine 4 1 victory at Harrowby United on Tuesday night with Ryan Smith scoring a hat trick which followed another away victory last Saturday when defeating our FA Vase conquerors Gedling MWFC.

Radford sit in 9th place with a record of played 10 won 6 and lost 4 with no draws to have 18 points.

Other away victories have come at Ingles 3 0 and Graham Street 4 1.

Home victories were over Barrow Town on the opening day of the season courtesy of a last gasp winner and Clifton AWFC.

Defeats have come against Aylestone Park at home 2 1, West Bridgford away by the single goal scored, St Andrews 4 0 and of course at Hucknall back in August when the Yellows triumphed 2 1 after a close encounter. Jevon Seaton scoring for the visitors with the Yellow's goals coming from Sam Simms and the now departed in a flash Liam Hearn.

Hucknall go into the game having played 10 winning 6 drawing 3 and losing 1. They drew last Saturday despite having 26 attempts on goal at Kirby Muxloe but put in 5 against winless Clifton on Wednesday night with 5 different scorers.

So Radford will be looking for a bit of payback for the defeat at Watnall Road whilst the Yellow's will know the reward three points will bring.

Unfortunately I will miss this game and the next couple and there will be no match reports from me from these games but I assume the official reports will still be made.

Just a note that the Club are running a bus to the Blackstones game. Details are on the club website and also on the fans unofficial facebook page.

Links:

address: Radford FC

Selhurst Street
Hyson Green
Nottingham
NG7 5EH

Face book: https://www.facebook.com/RadfordFC64/

twitter: https://twitter.com/RadfordFC64

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radford_F.C.

UCL DIV 1 WEEKLY ROUND UP WEEK 7 

Once again we have new leaders of the division. Aylestone Park return to the top of the tree despite a home defeat inflicted on them by Dunkirk on Saturday. Goal difference has them on top aided by a 8 1 demolition of Blackstones on Wednesday night. The prolific Shay Brennan scoring 3 more to make it 22 goals in 11 games.

Kimberley MWFC also have 23 points but have a game in hand on the leaders. Kimberley followed up a 3 1 home win over previous leaders ST Andrews with an impressive 4 nil away victory at West Bridgford. This was without leading scorer Luis Rose who has left to join Heanor. 

Also on 23 points are Birstall United who beat Bourne Town 2 nil at home on Tuesday which followed a victory at winless Clifton on Saturday. Striker Paul Pallett moving into double figures for the season.

St Andrews drop down to 4th spot after the defeat at Kimberley and also a home defeat to Hinckley on Tuesday. This was their 4th loss of the season and they have played more games than any of the top 5.

Hucknall Town moved into the final play off spot after a 2 2 draw at Kirby Muxloe on Saturday and a five without reply victory at home to Clifton on Wednesday with 5 different scorers.  Hucknall one of three sides that have only lost once the others being Kimberley and Belper who sit in 6th but have only played 8 league games. 

At the other end of the table Clifton's defeat dropped them to the bottom on goal difference with Borrowash Victoria who also have yet to win a game. 

Blackstones got rid of this unwanted tag in winning 3 nil at Borrowash on Saturday before coming back down to earth in the home defeat by Aylestone. Still it was enough to get them out of the bottom 3 as Graham Street dropped to third from bottom on goal difference following 2 away defeats at Lutterworth and Barrow Town.

Another team to pick up their first 3 points was Bourne Town in their 3 nil home win over Ingles who seem to have imploded after a good start to the campaign. 

Just 4 league matches on Saturday as some teams are involved in the FA Vase in which I wish them the best of luck. There are 7 midweek games.

Enjoy your football where ever it may be.

Hucknall all white on the night

 Hucknall Town 5 Clifton All Whites 0

UCL Division 1 weds Sept 22nd 19.45 KO

Match Report

Hucknall Team: 1 Jake Pearson 2 Courtney Bartley 3 Oli Brown 4 Sam Sims 5 Aaron Short (capt) 6 Jordan Phillips 7 Tom Hubbard 8 Michael Banister 9 Grant Ryan 10 Craig Westcarr 11 Louis Kinnerley

Subs: Cayne Maxwell, Jamie Crawford, Joe Butler, Lenny Jenkins and Eugene Francis

Clifton: Oliver Bielby, Jacob Brandon, David Chapman, Henry Cheetham, Paul Durham, Dylan Krikler, Ashley Miles, Cian Sweeney, Joshua Wright, George Warren, Matthew Jelfs

Subs: Joshua Gardner, Simon Hore, Robbie Manners, Charles Nduka and Jack Woodroof

Officials: Edgar Brown, Paul Dixon and Andy Wood

Attendance 186

Hucknall moved into the play off spots with a comfortable victory over Clifton who have yet to taste victory this season.

As expected Grant Ryan made his first start of the season after coming on as sub at the weekend. Joe Ashurst was unavailable so Lois Kinnerley played on the right. Tom Hubbard returned in midfield with Jamie Crawford dropping to the bench.

Clifton started the game and the early exchanges were pretty level. Bartley did well to clear a Clifton cross before Kinnerley had a shot over the bar.

Craig Westcarr then had a shot which looked destined for the net but hit the post and then diverted a Bartley cross wide.

Grant Ryan then had a 25 yard shot which went wide and a shot from 12 yards which again missed the target,

The visitors threatened on the break with a cross which evaded everyone and a shot which was straight at Pearson in the home goal.

Just before halftime Banister went close with a shot which was deflected wide before the visiting keeper tipped Hubbard's header onto the bar and a Clifton defender cleared. 

As with last Saturday Yellow's fans were left to wonder how it was only one goal but at least they were ahead at half time.

The second half had barely begun when the home side doubled their lead. I must confess I missed it as I was still awaiting a much needed meal. Courtney Bartley applying a nice finish to Oli Brown's cross.

Banister and Ryan then had efforts which failed to hit the target as Hucknall continued to press.

Pearson then claimed a dangerous cross from the visitors in a rare foray.

Kinnerley then thought he had scored a third with the ball hitting the crossbar and bouncing on the line before being cleared.

Centre back Jordan Phillips then scored his 4th goal of the season and Town's third of the night being on hand to tap in from close range following Westcarr's corner which was flicked on by Hubbard.

Andy Graves then made a change on 70 mins bringing on Crawford for Kinnerley.

Pearson then had to make his first serious save of the night tipping the ball around the post from a shot on the edge of the area.

Sam Sims was then replaced by Joe Butler.

Craig Westcarr then made it 4 with a wicked shot from the edge of the area which looped over the visiting keeper. Reminded me of a goal Christian Moore scored against Kettering in the glory years.

Cayne Maxwell then replaced Bartley. All three players that went off had deserved rounds of applause from the home fans.

Clifton by this point were on the ropes despite never giving up and Ryan went close but his shot was deflected wide whilst Crawford's shot went well over.

The best was yet to come though. Oli Brown was released down the right with a lovely pass. He powered by the defender and produced a wonderful cross which was met by Banister who defied the years and smashed the ball into the back of the net for a great team goal to wrap up proceedings.

The win moved Hucknall up to 5th spot with games in hand over everyone above them except Kimberley who have also played 10 but are 2 points ahead of the Yellows in second spot.

Belper lie just outside the play off spots but have only played 8 and are involved in the FA Vase this weekend'

Clifton dropped to bottom but credit to them for playing a nice brand of football and never chucking the towel in.

Next up is a difficult looking trip in the tramline derby at Radford who will be bolstered by an excellent 4 1 win at Harrowby on Tuesday and looking for pay back from the 2 1 defeat inflicted at Watnall Road back in August.

I will be absent from this one so cheer the boys on for me.

Keep Safe.

The Yellows took the lead on 14 minutes with Tom Hubbard finishing nicely with a shot that lacked pace but was directed into the bottom corner on the half volley.

Captain Aaron short then had a shot just wide and an ambitious effort which went well over as Hucknall stepped on the gas. 

YELLOWS LOOKING TO MAINTAIN TOP FIVE PUSH

 HUCKNALL TOWN V CLIFTON AWFC

UCL DIVISION 1 WEDS 22ND SEPT 21 KO 19.45

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall entertain old EMCL rivals Clifton tonight at Watnall Road in a fixture that like Gedling MWFC has always proved difficult to get a victory. 

Our visitors have not had the best of starts to the season and still await their first victory. Having played 8 lost 7 and drawn 1. Also a goal difference of minus 23 suggest where the problem lies. 

Home defeats have come against St Andrews, Belper United, Holwell Sports and Birstall United conceding 16 goals in the process though it must be said 3 of those teams are in the top 5.

Away defeats have come at Radford, Dunkirk, and Barrow conceding 15 goals. Another 4 goals were conceded at Hucknall's last opponents Kirby Muxloe but Clifton recovered from 4 2 down with ten minutes left to get a credible draw out of the game.

Hucknall then will surely fancy their chances but recent History suggests otherwise. The sides have enjoyed some close battles with two 3 3 draws. Hucknall finding themselves 3 nil down at half time in a home encounter before battling back to earn a draw. In the away encounter that season a late equaliser from the Yellows captain Aaron Short resulted in the same score. 

Adam Nelson's spectacular strike in added time earned the Yellows an away victory last time the teams met in the EMCL 11 months ago.

Hucknall were boosted by the return of Grant Ryan in last Saturdays draw at Kirby Muxloe when the Yellows had 26 efforts on goal (Kirby's figures, not mine). Meanwhile Joe Butler was scoring a hat trick for the reserves. Coupled with Joe Ashurst gaining match fitness at Kirby manager Andy Graves will have selection options though a couple of players will be missing due to work commitments.

Hucknall will go 5th with a win with Belper not having a mid week game and could possibly go 4th but Aylestone have a very winnable game at Blackstones tonight though the hosts did pick up their first victory of the season at Borrowash last Saturday.

Safe travels all and enjoy the game.

HUCKNALL FAIL TO TAKE CHANCES AND SQUANDER POINTS

 KIRBY MUXLOE 2 HUCKNALL TOWN 2

UCL DIV ONE SAT SEPT 18TH 21 KO 15.00

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS:

KIRBY MUXLOE: 1 Alex Egner 2 Kane Brown 3 Tyler Love 4 Josh Gunn 5 Adam Parry 6 Tom Carroll 7 Roman Watson-Quilter 8 Jack O'Brien 9 Dan Barber (capt) 10 Jack Gunn 11 Lucca Watson-Quilter

Subs: Louis Bassett, Jack Toon, Max Lowe, Chevron Mahoney and Liam Joyce

HUCKNALL TOWN: 1 Jake Pearson 2 Courtney Bartley 3 Oli Brown 4 Sam Sims 5 Aaron Short (capt) 6 Lenny Jenkins 7 Jamie Crawford 8 Jordan Phillips 9 Craig Westcarr 10 Joe Ashurst 11 Louis Kinnerley

Subs: Tom Hubbard, Michael Banister, Grant Ryan and Eugene Francis

ATT 88 (quite a few Yellow's fans)

Officials: Tristan Churcher, Oliver Tydeman and Daniel Haywood

After a topsy-turvey game at Ratby Lane Hucknall had to settle for a point after failing to make their first half domination count. Quite how it was level at half time is beyond me but by the end it was a game which could have ended in defeat.

Hucknall started well and seemed to adapt to the 3g pitch well and created numerous chances with Westcarr particularly involved both in creating and having opportunities. The finishing though was poor with shots going over or just wide and when they were on target Egner in the home goal made comfortable saves. 

Westcarr did open the scoring though finding the net from 6 yards. 

Such was Hucknall's pressure that the home side had to wait until the half hour mark when despite all the chances it really should have been level. A cross whipped across the box was headed over by the unmarked striker. 

The home team were making inroads towards the end of the half and with virtually the last kick of the half equalised. Jack Gunn providing the finish.

Second half was much tighter with Kirby playing nicely out of defence but Hucknall were still looking dangerous. 

Hucknall made their first change with the fans expecting Grant Ryans return it was Eugene Francis that replaced Jamie Crawford.

It was Joe Ashurst who restored the lead for the visitors guiding the ball home after a nice move.

Kirby weren't finished though. Jordan Phillips fouled in the centre circle and was being lectured by the match official who allowed the free kick to be taken quickly despite Phillips being out of position. Hucknall switched off and though an initial effort was well blocked Lowe finished well.

Grant Ryan eventually entered the fray for the visitors with ten minutes remaining replacing the Louis Kinnerley who had had another imprssive display but should have done better when placing a header just over. 

Hucknall were nearly sunk when a shot hit the crossbar and somehow the rebound was put over the bar with the goal gaping.

To have come away with nothing would have been galling but at any level of football it can be a cruel game if you don't take your chances. as it was a deserved point at a difficult place to go. I can see why Kirby have had some strange results as they are a good capable side but give a lot of chances to the opposition.

Onto our next game which is Clifton at home on Wednesday who we have also drawn in the Notts Senior Cup away.

Keep Safe All

Hucknall Visit Kirby hoping not to be cleaned out

 KIRBY MUXLOE V HUCKNALL TOWN

UCL DIV 1 SAT SEPT 18TH 21 15.00 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

A new ground for me to visit tomorrow and as far as I am aware a new team as I don't believe our paths have crossed before. Somebody may be able to correct me on this but I believe it to be true.

So a bit of a unknown quantity awaits as Hucknall travel to Kirby Muxloe tomorrow. Both teams were knocked out of the FA Vase last weekend by divisional rivals so both will be looking to bounce back with a victory tomorrow.

The hosts will have an advantage as they have a 3g pitch which they will know all about but will be strange for the Hucknall team'.

Kirby have had a funny old season so far sitting in tenth position having played 8 games, winning 4 , drawing 1 and losing 3. 

They started off the season with a comfortable home win over Graham Street Prims, Kyle Tott grabbing a hat trick as they won 4 nil.

This was followed up by a 4 1 home defeat to Lutterworth Athletic who had lost themselves to Hucknall on that opening day.

In their first away fixture they came from 2 nil down to triumph 3 2 at Dunkirk. Lucca Watson-Quilter grabbing a brace.

Then came an unexpected 8 1 defeat at Aylestone Park the prolific Shay Brennan weighing in with 4 goals.

Kyle Tott then got himself another Hatrick but Kirby let a 4 2 lead slip in the last ten minutes against winless Clifton at home having to settle for a 4 4 draw.

Barrow Town visited Kirby the Tuesday after Hucknall had inflicted a 3 1 home defeat on them the game before. Barrow responded well and came away with a 5 1 victory with Kyle Tott receiving a red card.

Kirby showed what an unpredictable side they can be with a fine 3 2 away victory at high flying Harrowby. Jack Gunn getting a brace. This was followed up with another 3 2 victory against current league leaders St Andrews at home before Saturdays penalty shoot out defeat in the Vase at Birstall United.

Hucknall are currently just outside the play off positions in 6th spot following recent games but are very much in touch with the top teams.

Their league record reads played 8 winning 5 drawing 2 and losing 1.

Manager Andy Graves will be boosted by the return of Grant Ryan after his long suspension. He scored a hat trick for the reserves in mid week. Joe Ashurst scored against Gedling and looked sharp and Joe Butler having also played for the reserves may also play a part.

In my opinion this is a difficult game for the Yellows. Kirby seem to play their best against the top sides with the exception of Aylestone and are capable of scoring a few goals from different positions. On the other side of the coin they do seem to concede a few. 

Should be a good entertaining game. Safe travels.

Links

Address and Post Code: Kirby Muxloe Football Club

Ratby Lane
Kirby Muxloe
Leicester
Leicestershire LE9 2AQ

website: https://kirbymuxloefootballclub.co.uk/

face book: https://www.facebook.com/KirbyMuxloeFootballClub

twitter: https://twitter.com/KirbyMuxloeFC

wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirby_Muxloe_F.C.

UCL DIV 1 WEEKLY ROUND UP WEEK 6

 UCL DIV 1 WEEKLY ROUND UP WEEK 6

With the FA Vase first qualifying round taking centre stage at the weekend league action was limited to a handful of games. St Andrews returned to top spot after a 4 1 Tuesday night victory at home to Holwell Sports, Aaron Preston netting a hat trick on his return to the club.

Harrowby United benefitted from two victories in the league, a 2 nil away win at strugglers Graham Street on Saturday was followed up with a 4 nil success at bottom club Blackstones who have yet to get a point. This was enough to lift them into 4th spot in the table.

Aylestone enjoyed a 2 1 away victory at Radford on Saturday to keep up their challenge in second spot, two points off the top but a game in hand.

In the vase there were victories for Gedling who knocked out division rivals Hucknall and Birstall United who won on penalties against another Division 1 side in Kirby Muxloe the score 2 2 at full time.

Belper United won 2 1 at Bourne Town, Ingles beat Blackstones 4 1 at home in the other inter division ties.

Hinckley raised national eyebrows when visiting ST Martins and coming home with an incredible 18 nil victory.

Dunkirk had a fine 3 nil away win at step 5 AFC Mansfield.

St Andrews sneaked through on penalties after a 1 1 draw at NCEL Div 1 side Clipstone.

Lutterworth Athletic went down 4 1 away at Boston Town. There were also defeats for Holwell Sports, 3 0 at Deeping Rangers, Clifton AWFC 4 1 at Step 5 Leicester Nirvana, Saffron Dynamo on penalties at home to Quorn, Barrow Town 2 1 at Selston and Borrowash Victoria at much fancied Sherwood Colliery but just by the only goal scored.

Good luck to those teams that made it through and commiserations to those that didn't.

NO FLOWERS FOR HUCKNALL AS THEY BOW OUT OF THE VASE

 FA VASE FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND

HUCKNALL TOWN 1 GEDLING MWFC 3

SATURDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2021 15.00 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS

HUCKNALL TOWN:  1 Jake Pearson 2 Courtney Bartley 3 Lenny Jenkins 4 Sam Sims 5 Aaron Short (Capt) 6 Jordan Phillips 7 Cayne Maxwell 8 Michael Banister 9 Craig Westcarr 10 Eugene Francis 11 Jamie Crawford

Subs: Adam Nelson, Joe Ashurst. Tom Hubbard, Louis Kinnerley and Keaton Sharpe (GK)

Gedling MWFC  Matt Simpson. Lloyd Patterson, Ross McCaughey, Kieron Lane, Liam Corrigan, Josh Thornton, Niall Hylton, Kyme Mason, Ruben Wiggins-Thomas, Courtney Hastings, Paolo Piliero

Subs: Ollie Papworth, Zee Zibanda

ATT: 192

Hucknall bowed out of the Vase at the first hurdle after losing out to a more determined Gedling side who once again as with the recent league game stormed into an early lead but this time held on to go through to the next round. 

Boss Andy Graves made the decision to bring back Jake Pearson in goal despite stand in Keaton Sharpe having kept 2 successive clean sheets. Captain Aaron Short also returned with Lenny Jenkins moving over to left back in the absence of Oli Brown. 

Hucknall failed to make their usual good start and it was the visitors who dominated the early possession. Josh Thornton had the first opportunity of the game when putting a shot off target from a Mason corner.

Before the hosts could find any foot hold in the game they found themselves two down. First Courtney Hastings mishit shot found Liam Corrigan who tucked it into the corner of the net and then Hastings, who didn't play in the league game supplied a nice finish himself to a nice passage of play from the visitors.

Hucknall responded with Jordan Phillip's Header easily saved and then the post saving the visitors with Simpson well beaten.

There was a lot of huffing and puffing from the home team but the Gedling defence held firm. Indeed the impressive Hylton brought a good save out of Pearson but should have buried the chance.

Simpson then produced a decent save with his legs in the visitors goal but the tie reached half time with Gedling looking comfortable.

Mason had the first shot of the second half for the visitors but it was easily saved.

The home fans were by this point looking for Graves to make changes and the first one was inspired. Joe Ashurst came on for Cayne Maxwell and had only been on the pitch for a couple of minutes when his header from a Westcarr cross gave Hucknall some hope.

The hope was short lived though as Sam Sims believed he had won the ball cleanly on the edge of the visitors box and was himself fouled but the official decided otherwise and gave the free kick to Gedling. Sims was then sent to the sin bin for his reaction leaving Hucknall with a man less.

Gedling capitalised on this by scoring the killer third goal. The Impressive Hylton running into the space where Sims would have been unleashing a curling effort from distance into the top corner giving Pearson no chance. This sparked delirious celebrations in the visitors dugout who must have thought they had actually won the Vase itself.

Although there was over twenty minutes left the goal seemed to have knocked any hopes of a fightback out of the hosts. Hubbard and Nelson came on but Gedling defended well and ran the clock down leaving the home fans frustrated.

At the full time whistle Gedling fully deserved their place in the next round whilst Hucknall were left to lick their wounds and prepare for a tough looking league game away at Kirby Muxloe this Saturday.

Good luck to Gedling in the next round.

UCL DIV 1 WEEKLY ROUND UP WEEK 5

 UCL DIV 1 WEEKLY ROUND UP WEEK 5

After last weekends games and also the mid week games Belper United have returned to the top of the table. They were involved in a tremendous game at Hinckley where the hosts were leading 3 1 before Belper came back to take the victory. Kimberley's game at home to Lutterworth was postponed due to covid issues in the Lutterworth camp denying Kimberley the chance to remain top. They also missed out on returning to the top when they were held to a 1 1 draw by Barrow Town at the Stag Ground on Tuesday night.

Belper were also held to a draw at Dunkirk on Tuesday where neither side found the net.

St Andrews have second spot in the league seeing off Barrow 3 1 at home on Saturday but letting a 2 goal lead slip at Kirby Muxloe on Tuesday where the hosts took the points with a fine fight back.

Aylestone occupy third spot with a 4 1 success at struggling Graham Street the prolific Shay Brennan grabbing another hat trick to make it 17 league goals from 8 games played. Aylestone were without a midweek game.

Kimberley dropped down to 4th a place above Hucknall Town who enjoyed two wins and 7 goals without reply against winless Bourne at home on Saturday and another winless team in Borrowash who they beat 4 nil away on Wednesday night.

At the bottom Blackstones have still to register a point following defeats against Dunkirk at home and Holwell Sports away, both games ending 2 nil.

Borrowash, Bourne and Clifton still have to register a victory and make up the bottom 4.

Most teams are involved in FA Vase action this weekend but Graham Street host Harrowby and Radford host Aylestone Park in the league. There are also 3 midweek games scheduled.

Enjoy your football where ever that may be.

YELLOWS CRUISE TO BORROWASH VICTORY

 BORROWASH VICTORIA 0 HUCKNALL TOWN 4

UCL DIV 1 WEDS 8TH SEPT 2021 19.45 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS: 

BORROWASH: 1 Smith 2 Partridge 3 Stevenson 4 Turner 5 Nethercot (capt) 6 Williams 7 Kalema 8 O'Neil 9 Elson 10 Bailie 11 Muir

Subs: Kanyasai, Jakupovic, Hughs and Taylor-Smith

HUCKNALL TOWN: 1 Keaton Sharpe 2 Courtney Bartley 3 Oli Brown 4 Tom Hubbard 5 Lenny Jenkins 6 Jordan Phillips 7 Cayne Maxwell 8 Michael Banister (capt) 9 Eugene Francis 10 Craig Westcarr 11 Jamie Crawford

Subs: Adam Nelson, Joe Ashurst Louis Kinnerley, Aaron Short and Sam Sims

OFFICIALS: Karl Bainbridge, Kooner Singh and Tim Lewis

Hucknall recorded a comfortable victory at struggling Borrowash and also kept a second successive clean sheet as they moved into the top five and just 2 points off the top.

Keaton Sharpe kept his place in goal for the injured Jake Pearson which will give manager Andy Graves a selection dilemma when Pearson is fit again. Joe Ashurst was on the subs bench as was Sam Sims. No Brad Lathall in the squad and afterwards news came that he has moved to step 5 Heanor Town. I wish him all the best.

Town soon got going with Oli Brown having a long distance effort over the bar. Elson then had a shot for the hosts which went well wide.

Hucknall took the lead in the 16th minute when Jordan Phillips had an effort saved by Smith but Westcarr was on hand to tuck away the rebound.

Maxwell was then released by a Westcarr pass but the keeper made a good save to deny him.

Banister then doubled the Yellow's lead on 24 minutes with a lovely finish from 18 yards.

Westcarr then tried a volley which flew over the bar.

Borrowash responded with Elson again failing to find the target and then O'Neil headed over as they enjoyed their best spell of the game.

Before half time Crawford had a shot just over and then Maxwell shot straight at the keeper.

Westcarr was the first to get a shot away in the second half but it was deflected wide. 

Jordan Phillips made the game safe on 56 minutes supplying a finish to Bartley's excellent cross.

On the hour mark Adam Nelson replaced Eugene Francis and just after the impressive Westcarr was replaced by Joe Ashurst.

65 minutes saw the hosts have their best attempt on goal but Oli Brown cleared the ball off the line.

Louis Kinnerley then replaced Maxwell who again had run his socks off.

It was Kinnerley who crossed to Phillips but his header went just wide. Nelson was then through on goal but dragged his shot wide.

It was Kinnerley who scored the fourth and final goal latching onto a loose ball. his shot seemed to take an eternity to hit both posts before finally going in.

Kinnerley and Banister had further efforts which failed to hit the target but the visitors had to settle for just the four goals. 

The hosts never gave up and I wish them well for the rest of the season.

Hucknall once again play Gedling MWFC at home on Saturday just 10 days after the thrilling 3 3 draw. This is in the FA Vase and there must be a winner on the day with the game going straight to penalties if the scores are level after 90 minutes. 

Keep safe everyone.

HUCKNALL VISIT BORROWASH HOPING TO BE VICTORIOUS

 BORROWASH VICTORIA V HUCKNALL TOWN

UCL DIVISION 1 WEDS SEPT 8TH 2021 19.45 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall come up against another side looking for their first league victory after seeing off Bourne Town last Saturday. Hucknall also kept a clean sheet for the first time this season which must have pleased manager Andy Graves.

Borrowash are one of our ex EMCL foes and we have met several times over the years.

Borrowash haven't had the best of starts gaining a single point from 7 games and a -18 goal difference. The draw came at home to fellow strugglers Bourne Town a game which ended 2 2.

Hucknall though have a chance of getting amongst the sides at the top after a lot of Tuesday nights results were very favourable to their cause.

Hucknall will have an injury concern over Michael Banister who will probably be rested. Joe Butler should be available after suffering a dead leg against Gedling and missing Saturdays game. Joe Ashurst made a welcome return on Saturday and may start tonight. 

Jake Pearson was also out injured Saturday so Keaton Sharpe who had a decent game Saturday may deputise again,

Hucknall will have to guard against being complacent as no games are easy in this league and Borrowash will be looking for the elusive league victory.

Safe Travels.

Links

Address: 350 Borrowash Rd, Spondon, Derby DE21 7PH

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AFCBorrowashVic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/borrowashvictoriaafc/

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borrowash_Victoria_A.F.C.

HUCKNALL WIN AND KEEP A CLEAN SHEET

 HUCKNALL TOWN 3 BOURNE TOWN 0

UCL DIV 1 SAT SEPT 4TH 2021 3 PM KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS: 

HUCKNALL: 1 Keaton Sharpe 2 Courtney Bartley 3 Oli Brown 4 Sam sims 5 Lenny Jenkins 6 Jordan Phillips 7 Cayne Maxwell 8 Michael Banister(capt) 9 Eugene Francis 10 Craig westcarr 11 Jamie Crawford

Subs: Adam Nelson, Joe Ashurst, Brad Lathall, Louis Kinnerley and Tom Hubbard

BOURNE TOWN: 1 Jack Swales 2 Zak Dunn 3 Dan Wilson 4 Andrew Moss 5 Ben Moss 6 Panten Herbie(capt)7 Corey Newman 8 Harry Fitzjohn 9 Harry Brookes 10 Thomas Klinkovics 11 Tommy Cardell

Subs: Jack Boteril, Ollie Troth, Dan Mason and Kyle Evans

Match Officials: John Stevens, Steven Sears and Edward Storey

ATT: 204

Goals from Jordan Phillips, Cayne Maxwell and Adam Nelson saw Hucknall to a comfortable victory over visitors Bourne Town.

Michael Banister took the captains armband in the continued absence of Aaron Short who is resting a persistent knee injury. Tom Hubbard dropping to the bench as did Louis Kinnerley as Jamie Crawford started number 11. Joe Ashurst making a welcome return to the subs bench. Joe Butler was missing due to a dead leg sustained on Weds but should be up for selection mid week.

As in the mid week game v Gedling Hucknall made a bright start and nearly took the lead in the first minute when Jamie Crawford had a shot which hit the post.

Westcarr and then Francis had shots as Hucknall pressed. 

As with the Gedling game Hucknall didn't capitalise on the early chances and the visitors nearly made them pay when Klinkovics had his shot saved by Sharpe. 

Hucknall though stood tall and began to control the half. Westcarr, Francis and Banister all went close before Hucknall finally got the goal they deserved. Cayne Maxwell  had a fine header hit the bar. Jordan Phillips was on hand to head in the rebound picking up the pieces just like Wednesday's goal.

Hucknall continued to press and Crawford should have done better but dragged his shot wide when through on goal.

Half time came and the hosts must have wondered how it was only a one goal lead.

Hucknall didn't have to wait long for a second goal and it was the impressive Maxwell who provided it with a superb header from Oli Browns excellent cross which gave the keeper no chance. 

Bourne responded and Klinkovics nodded wide when he should have done better. 

Hucknall then went close when Bartleys cross had to be tipped over the bar by Swales. Joe Ashurst came on for Maxwell to a round of applause both for Maxwell's efforts and the return of a fans favourite.

Phillips and Crawford then had shots which failed to hit the target before Banister's header went just wide. 

Eugene Francis was then applauded off as he was replaced by Adam Nelson.

Bourne were still a threat though and captain Herbie went close from a corner but headed wide.

Banister then got injured in making a tackle and for a while there was concern. Lathall replaced him but I understand the injury isn't to bad but Banister might miss the mid week game.

The game went into a bit of a lull before Nelson livened up proceedings in scoring the Yellows third.

A lovely instinctive finish from 'AD' who celebrated with the home fans.

Crawford had another chance before proceedings were brought to an end by the referee who I thought had a great game. They always say if you don't remember anything the ref has done then he's had a good one. 

So a comfortable 3 points but a pleasing clean sheet as well. Good luck to our visitors in finding that elusive win. They played the game in a fine spirit and I'm looking forward to a return to their Abbey Lawn ground later in the season.

The yellows next game is on Weds away to another winless side Borrowash Victoria 19.45 KO.

Hucknall hope to be Bourne again this Saturday

 HUCKNALL TOWN V BOURNE TOWN

UCL DIVISION 1 SAT 4TH SEPTEMBER 2021 3 PM KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Following Hucknall's dramatic and very entertaining mid week draw with Gedling the Yellows are at home again on Saturday when they host Bourne Town.

Our visitors have yet to register a victory this season from 6 league games so far. They have picked up two draws one at Borrowash and a notable 2 2 draw at new league leaders Kimberley.

The two clubs met in the FA Vase a couple of seasons ago when Hucknall and their supporters had a very enjoyable visit to the Wakes'  Abbey Lawn ground and a victory. 

Hucknall will be boosted with the return of Joe Ashurst though match fitness must be a concern. Joe Butler suffered an injury in the Gedling game so might be doubtful. With Grant Ryan still out through suspension manager Andy Graves will have to look at the options available.

Hucknall will see this as a chance to close the gap on the top teams but Bourne will be keen to find that elusive victory.

Safe travels to our visitors.

UCL DIV 1 ROUND UP WEEK 4

 UCL DIV 1 ROUND UP WEEK 4

After Saturdays games and this weeks mid week fixture the last 100% record of Belper United was ended at the 6th attempt when visitors Kimberley MWFC came out victorious by the odd goal of three. Their prolific striker Luis Rose went into double figures for the season. Kimberley's win followed hot on the heels of their 8 1 demolition of Blackstones on Saturday. The two victories also put Kimberley on top of the table with 16 points from 7 played.

With them on 16 points are St Andrews who responded to their 5 nil defeat at Belper in the battle of the top two  (at the time) on Saturday by winning 3 1 away at Lutterworth on Bank Holiday Monday. 

On Tuesday evening the last unbeaten record also fell when Hinckley lost 3 2 away at Birstall United. Paul Pallett scoring a brace for the hosts who were 3 nil to the good until a late Hinckley fight back came up just short.

Belper dropped to third after their defeat on 15 points but have a game in hand on the top two.

West Bridgford are making a habit of winning at home following up on Fridays 6 nil win hosting Graham Street Prims with a single goal victory over Radford on Tuesday at Regatta Way. That made it 4 wins out of 4 at home together with an away win puts them on 15 points from 7 games to sit in 4th spot.

Aylestone make up the last of the play off places after a surprise home defeat to Saffron Dynamo on Bank Holiday Monday, Dynam's winner came deep into added on time and followed on from another 3 2 away win at struggling Bourne Town on Saturday.

At the bottom Blackstones are the only team looking to get off the mark but have only played 3 games due to covid issues.

Borrowash, Clifton and Bourne are still looking for a victory.

Graham Street got their first victory when defeating neighbours Borrowash Victoria 3 1 in their Bank Holiday clash. There surely can't be two teams closer together geographically other than those who have/or do share the same pitch.

Of the other games Dunkirk picked up a notable 8 1 victory at home to close Neighbours Clifton in the early Bank Holiday game.

Danny Durkin scored 4 times in Harrowbys 6 1 win at home to Bourne Town.

Barrow Town had mixed fortunes losing 3 1 at home to Hucknall Saturday but responding well in travelling to Kirby Muxloe on Tuesday winning 5 1.

Hucknall remained unbeaten over the two games but the Wednesday night game was quite remarkable. The home side found themselves 3 nil down after 20 mins with visitors Gedling scoring 3 times in 6 minutes. Hucknall reduced the deficit to 3 2 by half time before a controversial equaliser in the second half. Great entertainment as I can testify.

Gedling had ended a run of 3 defeats by having an impressive 5 2 home victory over Birstall on Saturday.

All to play for this weekend so enjoy where ever you are going

Yellows survive the Blitz to get a Point

 HUCKNALL TOWN 3 GEDLING MWFC 3

UCL DIVISION 1 WEDS SEPT 1ST 2021 19.45 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS

HUCKNALL TOWN: 1 Jake Pearson 2 Courtney Bartley 3 Cayne Maxwell 4 Sam Sims 5 Lenny Jenkins 6 Jordan Phillips 7 Brad Lathall 8 Tom Hubbard 9 Eugene Francis 10 Craig Westcarr 11 Louis Kinnerley

Used Subs: Jamie Crawford, Adam Nelson and Joe Butler

GEDLING MWFC: Matt Simpson, Dwayne Brown, Oliver Papworth, Felix Hogg, Daniel Dixon, Kieron Lane, Niall Hylton, Josh Thornton, Ruben Wiggins-Thomas, Greg Tempest, Paulo Piliero

Used Subs: Kieron Harrison, Latrell Paterson and Zee Sebanda

Attendance 175

Hucknall were blitzed with three goals inside 6 minutes early in the first half to leave them with a mountain to climb. The fact that they climbed the mountain and nearly went over the other side is of tremendous credit to the players. Had Gedling put another one in during their blitz and they had chances to it might have been a mountain to high. 

Courtney Bartley returned at right back with Banister dropping to the bench. Captain Aaron Short was still missing. Brad Lathall also returned with Oli Brown dropping to the bench'

Hucknall actually started brightly and should have done better with 2 early chances. Eugene Francis put the ball just wide when through on goal in the 3rd minute and then Jordan Phillips headed just over a couple of minutes later.

Wether Hucknall got over confident with the good start is open for debate but they certainly weren't expecting what happened for the next ten minutes. 

First Pearson in the home goal saved a shot from Hylton on 8 minutes and then punched away a mistimed shot from Thornton a minute later. 

Thornton wasn't to be denied on 11 minutes when putting the visitors ahead, a nice finish just inside the area from Hyltons pass.

Before Hucknall had time to recover the visitors made it 2 nil with Tempest scoring with a great free kick thet hit the underside of the bar on it's way in. Jordan Phillips was perhaps fortunate to only see yellow foe the free kick that led to the goal as he appeared to be the last man. 

As if that wasn't enough ex yellow Wiggins-Thomas made it 3 moments later smashing the ball home to make it 3 goals in 6 minutes.

Incredibly it could have been 4 moments later as the same player had his shot blocked and then  Pearson made a good stop when Wiggins-Thomas was cleaslotted the ball home.n through, Had that gone in who knows.

It s been a long long time since I've witnessed Hucknall looking so shell shocked but somehow they managed to claw their way back into the game.

They had the ball in the net but Maxwell was well off side despite the fine finish.

Keeper Simpson then made a good save as the hosts built some momentum.

This was rewarded when Westcarr used all his experience and drew a foul out of the defender to earn the hosts a penalty. Westcarr himself despatched the resulting kick into the top corner.

Simpson then produced a good instinctive save when tipping over a header from a corner.

Wiggins-Thomas then missed a glorious opportunity to make it 4 when it looked easier to score though Pearson did well to stand tall the shot going just wide.

Just before the half ended Hucknall got another goal back. Simpson could only parry a shot in front of himself and Jordan Phillips slotted the ball home from six yards to bring an incredible half to a close.

Although the second half could not live up to the first Hucknall came out looking for the equaliser.  Danny Dixon made a good block to deny the hosts an equaliser. 

It wasn't all Hucknall though and ex Yellow Hogg should have done better rather than heading straight at Pearson.

Another moment of controversy occurred on the hour mark when Francis appeared to be fouled in the area but his and the crowds appeals were ignored by the official. 

Gedlings Tempest then had a provided a cross which hit a defender forcing Pearson into a good save.

Hucknall then equalised in controversial style. Hucknall were pressing and as Jordan phillips hit the deck the ball hit his arm which was raised. As the visitors appealed the ball fell to Francis who's shot lacked power but rolled into the net with the defence static. 

The visitors were incensed that the goal stood and I have to be honest I think they had a right to be but I was also convinced Eugene Francis incident was a penalty so both teams had grievances with the official.

As it was the hosts were level and on 70 minutes nearly went in front when Westcarr's lob over the advanced Simpson looked to be going in but hit the post and went to safety.

Francis then went close with a curling effort on the edge of the area that went just over.

Wiggins-Thomas then had a chance to claim the points for Gedling but he shot straight at Pearson.

The final whistle went to end a titanic encounter and I think a draw was a fair result as either side could have won it but neither did.

It's made for a very interesting FA Vase tie in 9 days time when the two teams battle it out for a place in the next round.

Hucknall face old foes Gedling

 HUCKNALL TOWN V GEDLING MWFC

UCL DIV 1 WEDS 1ST SEPT 21 19.45 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall return to action at Watnall Road tonight when old foes Gedling MWFC make the short trip across Nottingham. Hucknall have probably faced Gedling more times in recent years than anyone else both in league and cup competitions. Indeed we face the same opposition a week on Saturday in the FA Vase.

Our visitors Gedling had an opening day win at fast improving Saffron Dynamo thanks to a Courtney Hastings Hat trick and all seemed rosy. 

But then came a run of three defeats. A 4 1 away defeat at now table toppers Kimberley was followed by a 6 nil defeat at Hinckley. A home defeat to Barrow Town followed.

Gedling though bounced back well at the weekend with a fine 5 2 defeat of Birstall United at Gedling Road where former Hucknall players Felix Hogg and Ruben Wiggins-Thomas scored goals. 

Gedling have proved to be a thorn in the side of the Yellows recently and Hucknall will be looking to put this right. Having won Saturday at Barrow Hucknall will see the next two games as hopefully a spring board to get in amongst the teams at the top. Joe Butler had twenty minutes on his return Saturday which will be a boost to the squad. 

Results last night mean that everyone has lost at least once and both ourselves and our visitors will be looking to progress up the table.

Safe travels everyone

First Win on the Road For Yellows

 BARROW TOWN 1 HUCKNALL TOWN 3

UCL DIV 1 SAT AUGUST 28TH 21 3 PM KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS

BARROW TOWN:  BINKS, HOPEWELL, CHAPMAN, MCINTOSH, TAYLOR, BALL, HOLMES. BAHREY, REEVES, RACEALA, MANGAN

SUBS: PRESTON, CRABTREE, WOOLEY

HUCKNALL TOWN: 1 JAKE PEARSON, 2 MICHEAL BANISTER, 3 LOUIS KINNERLEY, 4 SAM SIMS, 5 LENNY JENKINS, 6 JORDAN PHILLIPS, 7 CAYNE MAXWELL, 8 TOM HUBBARD, 9 CRAIG WESTCARR, 10 EUGENE FRANCIS, 11 OLI BROWN

USED SUBS: JAMIE CRAWFORD, ADAM NELSON AND JOE BUTLER

OFFICIALS: SIMON BELL, STEVE DAVIS, TONY BARNEY

Hucknall returned home with a hard fought for three points. The Riverside is never an easy place to go and this was no different.

Barrow indeed started the brightest and Hucknall's defence was tested from the start but held firm. This set the pattern for the first half as both teams found chances hard to come by as the defences dominated.

As it looked like the half was going to remain goaless Hucknall were rewarded a corner. The ball was swung into the mix right under the bar the ball appearing to go into the net off a Barrow defender with the keeper having appeals for a foul waved away.

Tom Hubbard was perhaps lucky to only see a yellow card for a bad tackle and Michael Banister was sin binned just before the half time break for dissent but Hucknall saw the half out.

The second half had barely begun when the home side equalised. The Hucknall defence switched off for the only time in the game allowing a free header at the far post which found the net. I apologise for not knowing the scorer.

Rather than spur the home side on it was the visitors who hit back playing with a quicker tempo. Manager Andy Graves made changes with Jamie Crawford replacing Oli Brown. 

Crawford added more width down the right hand side but it was an unlikely source that assisted for the second Hucknall goal. Lennie Jenkins made a blockbusting run down the right. His resulting cross came back to him. His cross/shot was diverted home by Eugene Francis.

Francis was the replaced by Adam Nelson. Nelson was involved straight away with Binksin the home goal producing a superb blocking save from the Hucknall strker from close range. The resultant cornerwas swung in right under the bar again. With a replica of Hucknall's first goal Cayne Maxwell this time getting the final touch to make it 3 1.

Maxwell was then replaced by Joe butler who made a welcome return to the team after injury. He should have made it 4 but the home keeper again saved from his close range shot.

Barrow tried hard to get back into the game but Hucknall's defence held firm with Louis Kinnerley having a superb game at left back.

So the three points went to the visitors for their first away success of the campaign. Barrow is always an enjoyable place to visit and I wish them well for the rest of the season and look forward to the return game at Watnall Road.

Next up for the Yellows is a home game on Wednesday night against Gedling MWFC.

Yellows on the Road to Barrow

 BARROW TOWN V HUCKNALL TOWN

UCL DIV 1 SAT 28TH AUGUST 21 15.00 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall travel to Barrow this Saturday for a game that promises to be much tougher than their last vist to the Riverside. The host have started their league campaign in solid style with 3 wins a draw and one defeat from their 5 games so far. They were unlucky in the game they lost with Radford grabbing a winner with almost the last kick of the game on the opening day of the season. This was followed by a 2 2 draw with Birstall away. Then came a run of 3 wins. A 3 nil home win over Saffron Dynamo was followed up by 2 away wins at Gedling and Clifton. So they will go into this game full of confidence.

After last weeks 2 2 draw with then table toppers Aylestone Hucknall were dealt a major blow in the week when for the second season in a row Liam Hearn decided to up sticks and move on to Eastwood CFC after just a couple of games. As I wrote then he will be missed as he is a great player with a wealth of experience and I genuinely wish him well but the book needs to be permanently closed on this chapter now as it was with another former striker. We need players committed to the club regardless of how great they are.

Quite what formation manager Andy Graves opts for remains to be seen with Grant Ryan and Joe Ashurst still missing. Joe Butler may play some part but again that remains to be seen. 

Hucknall's record this season so far is played 4 winning 2 drawing 1 and losing 1 with the 3 unbeaten games coming at Watnall Road so they will be keen to start getting points on their travels.

I will be at the game and I'm looking forward to an entertaining encounter.

Safe Travels everyone.

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             Address: Riverside Park

Riverside Park

Barrow Road

Loughborough

Leicestershire

LE12 8XJ

01509 620650