Hucknall Battle Back To Take The Points

 Hucknall Town 2 Radford 1

UCL DIV 1 Weds 18th August 2021 19.45 KO

Match Report

Hucknall Team: 1 Jake Pearson 2 Lenny Jenkins 3 Oli Brown 4 Sam Sims 5 Aaron Short (capt) 6 Jordan Phillips 7 Cayne Maxwell 8 Tom Hubbard 9 Craig Westcarr 10 Liam Hearn 11 Eugene Francis

Subs: Jamie Crawford Brad Lathall Courtney Bartley Louis Kinnerley Aaron Lamb

Radford. 1 Yinka Abebowale 2 Jamie Thomas 3 Jacob Tabrhan 4 Sam burrows 5 Joe McLaaughlin (capt) 6 Lee Williamson 7 Jevon Seaton 8 Jack Smith 9 Tyrell Shannon-Lewis 10 Joe Meakin 11 Dexter Atkinson

Subs: Matthew Hopewell Tremere Lindo Matthew Cragg Jordan White-Davis Callum Law

Match officials Edgar Brown Ian Wilkinson Lee Harrison

Attendance 171

Hucknall came out on top in a hard fought battle with close rivals Radford. Hucknall had to turn round a 1 goal deficit at half time and did so though the visitors will be wondering how they lost this game. 

Hucknall made changes with ex Radford player Courtney Bartley dropping to the bench. Michael Banister was absent on holiday. Hucknall had experience up front with Liam Hearn partnering Craig Westcarr. Eugene Francis playing wide right. Cayne Maxwell in midfield with Brad Lathall on the bench.

Radford began the brighter culminating in a blocked shot from Jamie Thomas. Radford then survived a scare with Abebowale off his line he just made it back to steer the ball wide of the goal.

Play became a bit of a battle with no real chances. Sam Burrows blocked a Hucknall shot.

Radford then opened the scoring with Jevon Seaton placing a shot from the edge of the area past Pearson in the home goal.

Rather than the goal spurring the Yellows on it was Radford who took the game to the home side and were unlucky not to extend their lead when Pearson saved an Atkinson effort just before the break.

Whatever manager Andy Graves said at half time seemed to work as Hucknall began the second half with a much better tempo taking the game to Radford.

% minutes in and Sam Sims produced a delightful chip from an ancle which went over the visiting keeper for the equaliser.

Radford responded with a free kick on the hour mark that went just over but the hosts were playing much better.

Liam Hearn on his return to the club for the third time was on hand to smash the ball home just after the visiting keeper had made a superb save.

Radford pressed hard for an equaliser but unlike West Bridgford last Friday their finishing wasn't as clinical and Hucknall held on to claim the points.

Hucknall have a massive test when free scoring and early pace setters Aylestone Park are the visitors on Saturday.

Yellows looking to bounce back

 HUCKNALL TOWN V RADFORD

UCL DIV 1 WEDS 18TH AUGUST 19.45 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall will be looking to get back on track after suffering their first defeat of the season away at West Bridgford last Friday night. Though the Yellows bossed the possession they found the hosts hard to break down as they defended well and broke quickly for their goals. Hucknall will be disappointed with the way the goals were conceded. 

Again without some key players manager Andy Graves may look to shake things up for this game. 

Our visitors Radford are one of our old EMCL rivals. Results have been a bit of a mixed bag so far. Like the Yellows they opened the season with a 2 1 home win over Barrow Town thanks to a very late winner. 

They followed this up with a 4 1 away win at Graham Street last Wednesday to remain unbeaten. This was soon to end on Saturday when they visited St Andrew who recorded their 3rd 4 0 victory in as many games to be one of the early pacesetters.

Radford also inflicted a rare home defeat on Hucknall on their last visit to Watnall Road in one of the defunct seasons winning 2 nil on a very windy day.

They to will be looking to get back to winning ways. 

Should bea good game. Safe travels to Radford and their supporters 

Hucknall suffer a Friday 13th Haunting

 WEST BRIDGFORD 3 HUCKNALL TOWN 1

UCL DIV 1

FRIDAY 13TH AUGUST 2021 19.45 KO

MATCH REPORT

Hucknall old boy Matt'Cabbage'Brian came back to haunt his old team mates with a goal and an assist as West Bridgford's game plan of contain and break quickly worked to a tee against an Hucknall team yet to find their best form this season.

Hucknall started brightly with Craig Westcarr linking up well with both Eugene Francis and Courtney Bartley as the Yellows pressed forward. The hosts stemmed the flow and though the Yellows enjoyed possession the final ball lacked quality. 

Just as things were looking quite comfortable a clearance from Hucknall's keeper Pearson lacked direction and distance and went straight to a home player who crossed to Brian who then headed home from 6 yards giving Pearson no chance to redeem himself.

Hucknall responded with Francis earning his side a free kick 25 yards out being hauled back by the defender who was lucky not to see yellow. Sam Sims hit a great free kick into the bottom left corner but the home side will surely rue only having a 3 man wall.

The game then settled into a pattern of Hucknall having the ball with no real end product and the hosts content to punish any lapses with quick breaks. This proved to be Hucknall's undoing as from one of these breaks Brian turned provider crossing for Sweeting to turn the ball into the net.

It was a relief to the away following when Brian left the field shortly after through an injury.

The second half followed the same pattern with Hucknall continuing to have most of the possession but again resolute defending and good handling by the home keeper kept Hucknall at bay. 

West Bridgford put the game to bed with a killer third goal when the away defence was again beaten for pace allowing Kelly to finish past Pearson. 

Hucknall made changes trying to get back into the game and at last testing the home keeper but the shots lacked power and direction,

The home team then missed a chance that looked easier to get on target than miss and then Pearson again made a poor clearance but redeemed himself with an excellent save.

A deserved victory for the home side who looked solid at the back and pacey up front. Hucknall will be disappointed that though they bossed possession the final ball was very poor. 

Hucknall now move on to a home game against Radford on Wednesday.

UCL DIV 1 WEEK 1 ROUND UP

 So after the first week there have been some stand out performances. Hat Tricks for Kirby's Kyle Tott, Gedlings Courtney Hastings and Ingles Billy Clarke on opening day Saturday added to by Lutterworths Charlie Adcock on Tuesday. Billy Clarke added another to his tally on Wednesday night to lead the early goal scoring charts.

Team Wise St Andrews are the early leaders with two impressive 4 nil victories away at Clifton last Saturday and against Blackstones at home on Tuesday. Blackstones have exactly the opposite record have suffered a 4 nil defeat at home to Belper United on the Saturday.

Belper themselves have also hit 4 twice against Blackstones as stated and away at Clifton on Tuesday. Clifton did score two in reply though but they to search for their first point of the campaign, 

Radford also have six points from two games with a last ditch winner at home to Barrow Town who had led 1 nil and a 4 1 victory at Graham Street on Wednesday night, Prims are another team without a point.

The only other team with a 100% start are Hucknall Town but they have only played once, a 2 1 home win over visitors Lutterworth Athletic with new signing Craig Westcarr scoring both on his league debut for the Yellows. Lutterworth hit back in Style on Tuesday with a 4 1 victory away at Kirby Muxloe, Charlie Adcock getting a hat trick. Kirby had started with a 4 nil home win against Graham street on the Saturday with Kyle Tott netting 3.

Harrowby, Birstall and Dunkirk also remain unbeaten after two games on 4 points. Hinckley also have yet to be beaten but have only played one. They looked to have snatched victory at Saffron Dynamo scoring late on but Dynamo scored late in injury time to earn a draw in a game that saw 3 red cards.

Dunkirk, Lutterworth, Kimberley, Kirby, West Bridgford, Holwell Sports and Gedling have all won one and lost one.  Ingles remain unbeaten but have drawn both their games including a thrilling 4 4 draw at Harrowby on opening day, Billy Clarke netting 3.

Along with Hinckley, Barrow, Bourne Town, Saffron Dynamo and Borrowash Victoria all have 1 point on the board. Borrowash included their new signing Kieran Knight in their team against Dunkirk on Tuesday and he scored in a 4 1 defeat for the Vics.

This weekend should see some entertaining fixtures. Good luck everyone and keep safe.

WEST BRIDGFORD V HUCKNALL TOWN

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE DIVISION 1

FRIDAY 13TH AUGUST 2021 19.45 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall begin their league away campaign at West Bridgford on the back of a hard fought victory over Lutterworth Athletic on the opening day last Saturday. The victory was soured by the news that the FA are investigating the content of the yellow's supporters songs having been included in the match officials report. I personally don't have a problem with the investigation itself where songs which were deemed to be okay to sing a few years ago now have to be put on the back burner. However both the league management and the FA are setting a precedent for the season and whatever punishment is dealt out to the Yellows must be consistent as this is sure to happen again. Hopefully our own fans will sit up and take notice and think before chanting. Basically anything which is even slightly insulting cannot happen.

West Bridgford have already played 2 games this season both away from home. Last Saturday saw them defeat Holwell Sports 2 nil with Jack Oldham and Nathan Kelly on the scoresheet. A 2 1 defeat at Harrowby followed on Tuesday night with Jack Oldham again on the scoresheet. West Bridgford are no strangers to Hucknall having come to the UCL from the now defunct East Midland Counties League. One time Hucknall fans favourite Matt 'Cabbage' Brian played on Tuesday night and will surely relish coming up against his old team.

Hucknall will again be without the suspended Grant Ryan, injured Joe Butler and the absent Joe Ashurst. Craig Westcarr opened his league account with the club with two goals against Lutterworth. 

Should be a good competitive game,

Safe travels to all the Yellows fans planning to attend

 

HUCKNALL BEGIN THE NEW SEASON AT HOME

HUCKNALL TOWN V LUTTERWORTH ATHLETIC 

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

SATURDAY AUGUST 7TH 2021 3 PM KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall begin their journey of United Counties League football with a home fixture against Lutterworth Athletic. I confess I know very little about them except we apparently played them in a pre season game a couple of years ago. With the 2 defunct seasons it is very difficult to check on any recent standings/games etc. Managed by joint managers Ross Blockley and Mitch Bevins (any relation Andrew) they have a squad of 23 to pick from.

Their last pre season game was a 2 1 victory against Northampton O N Chenecks (try saying that when you've had a few) with two goals from Kyran Taylor so maybe he could be one to watch as he also scored in a 4 1 win over Long Buckby. Charlie Adcock could be another as he to has been amongst the goals in pre season. 

Lutterworth begin their campaign with 5 away fixtures due to ongoing work on their Hall Lane pitch and will be looking to do well in these fixtures to set themselves up for a good season ahead.

Hucknall will be looking to consolidate their fine home form over the last few seasons. The Yellows will be without Grant Ryan through suspension, Joe Ashurst on his motorbike sabbatical and Joe Butler recovering from injury but with the addition of new signing Craig Westcarr should field a strong side.

Liam Hearn has played for the Yellows in pre season but I'm making no predictions on an appearance tomorrow. 

Hucknall will be looking for a winning start against an unknown entity who will be looking for the three points themselves.

Unfortunately I am working tomorrow and will miss the game but safe travels to all from Lutterworth to what should be an enjoyable game.

Links: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Uptheatho

           Twitter: https://twitter.com/AthoOfficial

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

 SEASON PREVIEW

So begins another season, my 42nd watching Hucknall Town counting the 2 defunct seasons. Many ups and a few downs in that time. It really has been a rollercoaster of a ride but generally enjoyable and I've met a lot of good people during that time'

A new chapter begins with a new league for the boys in yellow to compete in. With the East Midlands Counties League no longer in existence following the FA reshuffle Hucknall find themselves in the United Counties League Division one (still step 6). Also making the move to the division are old EMCL teams Barrow, Belper United, Borrowash Victoria, Clifton, Dunkirk, Gedling MW, Graham Street Prims, Ingles, Kimberley MW, Radford and West Bridgeford. Making up the division are teams I confess I know very little about, Aylestone Park, Birstall United Social. Blackstones, Bourne Town, Harrowby United, Hinckley, Howell Sports, Kirby Muxloe, Lutterworth Athletic, Saffron Dynamo and St Andrews.

Hucknall have lost no one from last seasons squad but will have players missing for various reasons. Joe Butler is recovering from a broken leg suffered in pre season. Joe Ashurst is on a sabatical motorbike trip across Europe, Grant Ryan is suspended until the middle of September. Also sad news as Ethan Greenidge is still struggling with the injury sustained almost two seasons ago. It's a shame because he is a talented young man and I wish him all the best.

Added to the squad are Craig Westcarr, a tremendous signing who has impressed in pre season with his experience and know how. Goalkeeper Keaton Sharpe has returned to the club as cover for Jake Pearson. Young Aaron Lamb has also forced his way into the first team picture. I've a feeling the squad will be tested to the full with fixtures coming thick and fast in a 23 team league and added travelling time. 

Pre season for Hucknall has been a bit of a mixed bag. Of the games I witnessed we played pretty well against a strong Micleover outfit who bossed the first 15 minutes of the game but Hucknall gradually took control and played some nice passages of play.

Redcar away in sweltering heat was a very entertaining game with Hucknall winning by the odd goal of five. We were lucky enough to catch up with the lads later and I can tell you there is nothing wrong with team spirit. 

The Sandiacre game was a bizarre affair Hucknall storming into a early 3 goal lead but then very fortunate not to lose the game and settling for a 3 3 draw. 

Although it's not wise to look into pre season games to deeply boss Andy Graves has highlighted the need to cut out the sloppy mistakes that have cost us goals and I share those concerns. 

However we go into the first league game knowing that the top team goes up by right with play off places for the four teams behind the champions. I feel with Heanor and Eastwood being promoted to the UCL Prem North division and Sherwood to the NCEL we have a good chance to be in that top 5 come the end but it will not be easy and lapses of concentration could cost us dear.

Very much looking forward to the new challenge with new grounds to visit.

Have a good season all lets hope we complete this one.