YELLOWS FACE BOTTOM SIDE ASHBY IN SEARCH OF MUCH NEEDED POINTS

 HUCKNALL TOWN V ASHBY IVANHOE

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH

WEDNESDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2025 19.45 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall host Ashby Ivanhoe hoping the the Indian sign they hold over the Knights continues.

In a remarkable run of results since the Yellow's promotion to the Premier North Hucknall have been victorious in all four league games. Both games last season ended 1 0 to Hucknall and even in our first season back at step 5 Town recorded 2 1 victories in both games which certainly helped us remain in the division despite only winning 4 games all season.

Ashby started poorly last year before staging a remarkable recovery eventually finishing 9th. This season has started in similar fashion losing their first seven games. The rot was ended with a 4 1 home win against Belper United this being followed up with a creditable 2 2 draw away at high flying Kimberley MW (at Basford United FC)

The defeats came against Deeping Rangers (away 0 1), Eastwood CFC (home 1 3), Boston Town (home 1 2), Melton Town (away 2 3), Heanor Town (home 1 2), Clay Cross (home 0 2) and Blackstones (away 0 3)

In the FA Cup the Knights lost 1 nil at Worcester Raiders. They play Nuneaton Griff in their first game in this seasons FA Vase on Saturday and they beat West Bridgford 3 1 away in the league cup to progress to the next round where they will play Northampton O N Chenecks at home.

Their league record so far is

Played 9 winning 1 drawing 1 and losing 7 with a GD of minus 8

This compares with the Yellows record of

Played 8 winning 3 drawing 1 and losing 4 with a GD of minus 3

The Yellows go into the game still with key players missing through injury but with Omreiki Myles returning to the club and Charlie Cheatham and Morgan Scott joining on work experience from Mansfield Town the Management have options.

Safe Travels to everyone making the journey from North Leicestershire.

BOSTON HAVE A TEA PARTY AS THEY TAKE THE POINTS........

 HUCKNALL TOWN 1 BOSTON TOWN 3

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH

SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS: hUCKNALL TOWN:

1 ALFIE SMITH-ECCLES 2 CASHMERE ROWE 3 MAZHI SIMMONS 4 REECE SUGARS 5 AARON SHORT (CAPT) 6 TAYLOR JAYNE 7 JOE ASHURST 8 LUIS PARKES 9 BRAD WELLS 10 LEWIS BELGRAVE 11 SURAFEL TEFERA

SUBS: 12 DILLON RAWSON 14 SOLACE UYIOLAYE 15 MIKAH SKERVIN 16 KYLE PEMBERTON 17 RUEBEN FOGG

BOSTON TOWN: 

OFFICIALS: 

RICHARD GRAVES, STEPHEN HINES, IAN WILKINSON

ATTENDANCE: 256

Boston deservedly took the points home and won the mini series between the 2 sides by 2 games to 1. Thankfully we aren't scheduled to play them again until April. Despite knowing what Boston bring to the table, being very direct and utilising long throws into the box Hucknall were again unable to contain them and at the other end not really testing the visiting keeper despite some neat approach play.

Hucknall started with both Rowe and simmons playing in the wing back roles using 3 centre backs once more. There was a welcome return for Solace Uliolaye on the subs bench. Hucknall were without Towle. Lathall, Sims and Dunkley all on the treatment table.

There was a presentation before the start of the game to mark Captain Aaron Short's 200th appearance for the club.

photo courtesy of Paul Burley

The first half started with both sides struggling to gain an advantage and it took until the 25th minute for the first real action of the game. unfortunately for Hucknall it produced a goal for the visitors. Tate getting on the end of a cross and smashing the ball into the net from 10 yards.

Hucknall didn't really respond except for a cross from Rowe that had to be dealt with by the visiting keeper.

Hucknall's injury woes continued on 33 minutes when Tefera was forced off injured to be replaced by Uliolayi. 

Hucknall had a chance just before half time but Well's shot was straight at the keeper. 

Half Time Hucknall 0 Boston 1

Hucknall came out more determined and Belgrave very nearly brought the scores level with a long range effort that hit the post.

50 minutes in the visitors doubled their lead with Bayliss's overhead kick finding the target. 

Bayliss was unlucky on 57 seeing his effort come back off the crossbar. I must say that Bayliss is a fine player who has shone in all of the games.

On the hour mark Hucknall made changes with Ashurst and Simmons making way for Skervin and Rawson.

Hucknall were looking for a life line and got one on 66 mins when Brad Wells was adjudged to be fouled in the area .Olialaye marking his return with a great penalty to reduce the deficit to 1. 

Most games have turning points and the 74th minute provided one. Brad Wells was again fouled in the box except the referee declined the appeals despite it being more of a penalty claim than the first one. To make matters worse Boston went up the other end and practically put the game to bed with a third goal. Matt Cotton providing the finish from Bayliss's whipped in cross.

Belgrave and Wells were replaced by Pemberton and Fogg.

To Hucknall's credit they gave it a good go in the last 15 minutes but the damage had already been done. There was time for a nasty looking challenge on Reece Sugars with the home contingent in the stand convinced it was a red card challenge but Boston crowded the referee with claims the player had touched the ball which was enough for the referee to show just a yellow. Thankfully Sugars was able to carry on and looked okay. 

Full Time: Hucknall 1 Boston 3

Since the game Omreiki Myles has returned to the club from Clay Cross and Charlie Cheatham (midfield) and Morgan Scott (striker) have joined on an initial months work experience from Mansfield Town.

Next up is a home league game against Ashby Ivanhoe on Wednesday where the Yellows will look to get back to winning ways after recent disappointing results. 

Good Luck to Boston for the rest of the season. They are a solid side with some good supporters. I have enjoyed their company over the last couple of weeks. 

Hucknall's man of the match was Cash Rowe (£25.00 voucher for the ARC Cinema) and also the player of the Month for end of July/August was given to Lewis Belgrave for his 5 goals during the period.(£50.00 UK PUB voucher)

HUCKNALL WELCOME BOSTON TO THE RM FOR ROUND THREE

 HUCKNALL TOWN V BOSTON TOWN

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH

SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

The Yellows return to league action on Saturday but the visitors will be very familiar. For the third time in as many weeks Hucknall face Boston this time for league points.

Hucknall won the first game 3 1 at the RM to progress in the FA Vase when Boston really didn't play like they can. Boston gained revenge last Saturday winning 2 nil at home to knock Hucknall out of the league cup when the Yellows made costly mistakes and Boston benefitted.

It could be argued that this is the most important game of the three. Yes it would be nice to have a good Vase run and the league cup isn't really high up on the list of priorities but three points is something both teams would like especially as Boston lie directly above Hucknall in the table(12th and 13th) and both would like to make ground on the teams above. 

Both teams have 10 points though Boston have played the fewest games of anybody in the division having only played 5 to Hucknall's 7. 

Boston have won 3 drawn 1 and lost 1 with a GD of plus 3 compared with Hucknall's played 7 winning 3 drawing 1 and losing 3 with a GD of minus 1

Hucknall go into the game with Niall Towle again missing as CJ Dunkley and Brad Lathall also probably out of contention as well. With Ethan Hulley and Max Scoular departed from the club the squad looks a bit thin. The addition of loan signing of Rueben Fogg from Boston United who made his debut in the last game eases the situation and I understand a couple of signings have also been made this week but know no details.

News that fans favourite Aaron Lamb has left the club to join Stapleford came in midweek. I really do wish Lamby all the very best and hopefully a full return to fitness will follow for him. 

I predict another tight game and wouldn't be at all surprised if it ends all square.

Safe travels to Boston's visiting players,staff and supporters.

BOSTON GET REVENGE FOR VASE EXIT AS HUCKNALL ERRORS CAUSE THE DAMAGE

 BOSTON TOWN 2 HUCKNALL TOWN 0

SPORTS GROUND DEVELOPMENT UCL CUP

SATURDAY 6TH SEPT 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS: BOSTON TOWN                   HUCKNALL TOWN

OFFICIALS;James Truman, Joanne Mackenzie, Giles Elson

ATTENDANCE: 70 (don't think they counted all the kids in the ground, which was nice to see)

Boston gained revenge for their FA Vase exit at the RM by knocking the Yellow's out of the League Cup but once again the opposition benefitted from errors made by the visitors. 

Once again key man Niall Towle was missing and he still hasn't had a much needed scan on his troublesome knee. (come on HTFC lets get this sorted). CJ Dunkley was also missing due to the hamstring injury picked up Wednesday. The management toyed with the formation playing 3 centre backs in Sort, Sugars and Jaine with Pemberton also available on the bench. Mahzi Simmon's started at wing back with Cash Rowe dropping to the bench.

Boston were the first to show with 2 early corners but the Yellow's defence stood firm.

Hucknall's first real chance fell to Brad Wells who shot from the edge of the box but the effort went wide.

18 mins saw a foul on Brad Lathall which caused him to fall on his shoulder. After lengthy treatment he had to leave the field and was taken to the local hospital. Update from the player himself is that it is a complete separation of the AC joint and tomorrow a visit to the QMC will determine whether surgery is required or not. Tefera came on as replacement.

22 mins saw a long range effort from Rawson go just wide for the Yellows.

31 mins saw Hucknall's biggest chance of the half followed as Skervin was through. The home keeper blocked his shot but the ball fell nicely to Wells who tried to place the ball in the top corner but put it over the bar.

Skervin had another effort on 38 mins but from a tight angle the keeper was able to easily save the effort.

A minute later Rawson played in Belgrave who's first time effort went wide.

The game was pretty even with Hucknall defending well including a 42nd minute free kick central and just outside the box which Smith-Eccles dealt with comfortably.

Just as it looked like the half would end in stalemate Boston took the lead and the Yellows will be really disappointed in its nature. From an Hucknall corner the ball was cleared to Parkes who was penalised for hand ball. Hucknall had players out of position and the hosts took advantage by taking the free kick quickly releasing Gibbons who evaded the defenders challenge before crossing to an unmarked Bayliss at the far post who smashed the ball home. 

Hucknall forced a corner just before the half time whistle blew but it came to nothing.

As the officials walked off the pith the Referee took objection to an expletive remark from a section of the away support. (i think most people heard the remark). He asked the stewards to remove the person from the ground. Unfortunately he got the wrong offender but the culprit was honest enough to own up and he did indeed leave the ground watching the second half from a tree behind the goal. More than likely this will end up on the referee's report and action will be taken. I know all of those involved and 99% of the time they offer great vocal support. Cut the 1 % out lads and get a rep for being great supporters. 

Half Time Boston Town 1 Hucknall Town 0

Hucknall made and early substitution on 53 mins when Skervin was replaced by Ethan Hulley. It is to be the last game in Yellow as Ethan is off to Dubai this week. Really wish Ethan all the best and personally thank him for taking the time out to encourage and support my grandson Charlie in his photographic pursuits. 

Further replacements for the Yellows followed on 59 mins as Rawson and Parkes were replaced by Rowe and debutant for Hucknall Fogg who is on a months loan from Boston United.

70 mins saw Pemberton replace Jaine.

The substitutions were becoming the highlight of the half with both teams enjoying possession but nothing much coming of it.

With 15 minutes left Hucknall pushed forward but despite earning a succession of corners failed to test the home keeper.

Hucknall's hopes of salvaging something were thwarted again by a defensive undoing. The impressive Bayliss taking advantage of a misplaced pass and finishing with aplomb to seal the game for hosts.

Five minutes were added but the Yellows were unable to make any efforts count.

Full Time: Boston Town 2 Hucknall Town 0

Hucknall once again were the architects of their own downfall. We are missing Niall no doubt about that and now we will have Brad Lathall out for a while along with CJ. 

Our next game is Round 3 with Boston at the RM in the league next Saturday.

I wish them well in the next round where they have drawn Sherwood Colliery away. 

                                                               

WOUNDED HUCKNALL LOOKING FOR LEAGUE CUP REMEDY

 BOSTON TOWN V HUCKNALL TOWN 

THE SPORTS GROUND DEVELOPMENT UCL CUP

SATURDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

 

Hucknall make the long trip to Boston on the back of Wednesday night's defeat where they were put to the sword by a good Sherwood Colliery side.

They will be looking for a vast improvement performance wise but will not find it easy at a ground where we have been second best a few times and against a side who will be gunning for revenge for their recent FA Vase exit at the RM where they themselves produced a sub par performance. 

Boston have only played 5 league games, winning 3, drawing 1 and losing 1 with a GD of 3 just above the Yellows on the same number of points (10) as the Yellows GD took a battering on Wednesday.

Boston started their league campaign with a home draw with Heanor (2 2)and then a defeat at Wisbech (1 2). Since then 3 league wins have come against Ashby away (2 1)Newark Town at home (2 1) and AFC Mansfield at home (3 1).

In the FA Cup wins came against Kimberley MW at home (2 0) and Newark and Sherwood at home (4 1) after a 0 0 draw at Newark. A creditable 1 1 draw followed against Sporting Khalsa before bowing out 2 nil in the replay.

The FA Vase of course saw the Yellows triumph 3 1 at the RM.

Hucknall will have injury concerns once more with Striker Niall Towle out for the foreseeable future and CJ Dunkley going off at half time on Wednesday. The defensive selection will be an interesting one.

Safe Travels to everyone travelling.

HUCKNALL BLOWN AWAY BY FIVE STAR SHERWOOD

 HUCKNALL TOWN 0 SHERWOOD COLLIERY 5

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER DIVISION NORTH

WEDNESDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 2025 19.45 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS:        

OFFICIALS: Kieran Shaw, Barry Polkey, David Southern

ATTENDANCE: 275

Hucknall were just simply blown away by a Sherwood side looking for a response to a surprising FA Cup scoreline last weekend. The only blessing for the Yellows was a scoreline which could have been more.

Straight from the kick off Sherwood were at the Hucknall defence with a very high press not allowing Hucknall any time on the ball.

On 18 mins Hucknall gave the ball away under this pressure but Kyle Pemberton made a miraculous block.

On 25 mins Sherwood finally broke the deadlock when the ball was given away (a theme for the night) and the cross from Lobley was brought down by ex Yellow Kieran Knight before he slotted it home. Fair play he didn't celebrate.

Two minutes later the ball was in the Hucknall net again but the Assistant raised his flag to cancel the goal.

It was constant Sherwood pressure and it wasn't long a until the lead was doubled. On 35 Hucknall yet again gave the ball away cheaply but it was still a fine finish from Ryan Ingram.

Three minutes later Ingram had another shot which was parried to the edge of the box. Pearce providing the finish with a powerful shot.

Half time came and Hucknall's only shot of note was from Dunkley trying to catch the visiting keeper out at the near post but it was a comfortable save. 

Half time: Hucknall 0 Sherwood 3

Joe Ashurst came on for Dunkley at the start of the half. Dunkley having a hamstring problem.

Hucknall actually started the half better without achieving much but were come unstuck again with their defensive frailties. 

On 51 Ingram again finished well from Pearce's assist to make it 4.

On 63 Rowe was replaced by Mahzi Simmons and Tefera was replaced by Skervin.

Despite being better in this half Sherwood scored a fifth on 65 minutes with Ingram completing his hat trick slotting home after yet another defensive calamity. 

Short and Sugars replaced Pemberton and Jaine.

Sherwood were happy with 5 and despite some decent approach play Hucknall were unable to create anything and the Referee brought a very disappointing evening for the Yellows to a close.

I was very impressed with Sherwood and on this showing I believe they will go on to win the league. For the Yellows it was a lesson and a harsh one at that. I decided against awarding a MOTM even though we never let our heads drop we were simply beaten by a better side on the night. 

Next up is Boston away in the league cup on Saturday where the poachers will be looking to avenge their recent FA Vase exit at the RM.

                          

OLD FOES SHERWOOD NEXT UP AT THE RM

 HUCKNALL TOWN V SHERWOOD COLLIERY

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH

WEDNESDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 2025 19.45 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall renew acquaintances with Sherwood Colliery on Wednesday night at the RM where the visitors will be looking to bounce back after a heavy defeat in the FA Cup at Quorn on Saturday. Whilst Quorn are a good side the scoreline certainly raised a few eyebrows.

Games between the two sides are always keenly contested from right back in our central midland days and I think this will be no different. 

After last seasons relegation Sherwood will be looking to bounce straight back to Step 4 and have had a lot of former players return to the Wood including Hucknall old boys Craig Westcarr and Kieran Knight. They certainly have a very strong squad. 

Currently lying in third spot in the league they do have a game in hand over leaders Kimberley and two in hand of second place Grantham and are only 2 points behind.

Their League record so far reads

Played 6 won 3 drawn 2 and lost 1 with a GD of plus 11.

Wins have come against Gresley Rovers away on opening day (5 1) at home to Deeping Rangers (6 0)

and Kimberley MW at home (2 0) draws have been Clay Cross Town at home (0 0) and Newark Town away (1 1). The defeat came away at Eastwood CFC (2 3).

The FA cup saw wins against Bugbrooke St Michaels at home (4 1) A fine win at home to step 4 Anstey Nomads (3 1) before bowing out at Quorn on Saturday (0 8). 

Sherwood are yet to play in the FA Vase but face a difficult tie at South Normanton Athletic in the next round.

Hucknall now lie in 8th spot just 1 point behind Sherwood having also played 6 games. Their league record is

Played 6 winning 3 drawing 1 and losing 2 with a GD of plus 4

Yellows will be looking to extend their unbeaten run of 3 games but this will be a stern test and they will need to be at their very best.