Clipstone Fightback Thwarted at the Last

CLIPSTONE 2 HUCKNALL TOWN 3

UCL DIV 1 TUES 23RD AUGUST 2022 19.45 KO

MATCH REPORT

 TEAMS

Clipstone: Unavailable

Hucknall Town: 1 Louis Kinnerley 2 Callum Clarke 3 Louis Tomlinson 4 Connor Whiles 5 Aaron Short (Capt) 6 Billy Brooks 7 Aaron Lamb 8 Joe Ashurst 9 Kieran Knight 10 Craig Westcarr 11 Morgan Bell

Subs: Joe Butler, Jake Brien, Jamie Crawford, Finlay Whyte, Josh Henry

Officials: Oliver Thornhill, Martin Mountain, Tim Gregory

Attendance: 138

Quite how Hucknall became embroiled in a battle for the points only they will know. A solid first half performance saw them 2 up at half time and it could have been more. The home keeper produced a fine save just before the break. 

Though the home side improved at the start of the second half Hucknall still looked comfortable until conceding a really sloppy goal just after the hour mark to give Clipstone hope. For whatever reason, certainly the home side believed they could get something from the game, Hucknall stopped doing what they were doing kept giving the ball away and lost their shape. 

A headed goal from a free kick brought the hosts level and they had the chance to go in front but Kinnerley happened to be in the right place at the right time. 

At the death the best move of the game provided Hucknall with a winner, Craig Westcarr's superb cushioned pass put Kieron Knight through and he blasted the ball home off the keeper.

It had all started so well for the visitors with Captain Aaron Short returning to the side after being unavailable Saturday allowing Louis Tomlinson to return to the left back Position. Cayne Maxwell was Unavailable to play.

The first action was keeper Kinnerley receiving treatment for a smack in the face but he recovered and played on.

Morgan Bell had the first chance of the night on 7 mins seeing his header cleared off the line.

On 18 mins Hucknall took the lead following a corner. Aaron Short was on hand to poke the ball home.Two minutes later the lead was doubled. Craig Westcarr adding another to his seasons tally heading home from a corner from the other side.

Hucknall were in the box seat and playing some nice football causing some panic in the home defence which nearly caused a couple of own goals and as mentioned the home keeper producing a stunning save just before the break.

Although Clipstone certainly upped their game Hucknall should have wrapped the game up with both Westcarr and Ashurst putting shots just wide of the goal.

Quite why the visiting keeper decided to vacate his goal on 63 mins only he will know but it nearly cost us a goal admittedly in different circumstances on Saturday. This time there was no Cayne Maxwell to clear the ball off the line as the home sides Wootton lobbed the ball over the keeper from quite a tight angle into the net.

From that point on it was a completely different game. Hucknalls composure fell to bits as the home side piled forward.

Boss Andy Ingles made a change with Aaron Lamb being replaced by Jamie Crawford on 71 minutes and Josh Henry replaced Callum Clarke who looked to have picked up an injury.

The changes made no difference though as Hucknall constantly gave away possession and the home side capitalised when a free kick was given wide on the right.. The ball was whipped in and Heather rose highest to head home from close range.

At this point the game was anybody's and Clipstone indeed had a half chance to take the lead but the ball fell nicely to Kinnerley to gather.

With players like Kieran Knight and Craig Westcarr in Hucknall's side there was always a chance of sneaking a winner and so it proved. As described previously a great pass and a good finish proved the difference right at the death and it's a credit to Hucknall that they didn't just play out for the draw. 

Clipstone will be gutted their efforts were for nothing in the end but stick at it lads and the results will come.

Hucknall take a break from the league Saturday when visiting Last seasons champions Kimberley MW in the FA Vase.

Also I'd like to wish Cayne Maxwell and his bride to be all the very best for their wedding on Saturday.

CLIPSTONE V HUCKNALL TOWN

UCL DIV 1 TUES 23RD AUGUST 2022 19.45 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall visit one of our old EMCL rivals this Tuesday looking to carry on the good form in their last two games.

Clipstone were in the NCEL division one last season and finished second from bottom with just 22 points from their 40 games and a goal difference of minus 75.

Having been moved across to the UCL this season they have played 5 winning 1 and losing 4 scoring 8 and conceding 10 to lie 19th in the table.

Their victory came away at ST Andrews who of course Hucknall have also beaten. The four defeats came against Bourne Town away on the opening day and three home defeats against Barrow, Blidworth and last Saturday when they went down by the odd goal in five after leading 2 1 with 12 minutes remaining to unbeaten Radford.

Hucknall may well have Joe Butler and Jamie Crawford available for selection and will be looking to consolidate a top 5 place.

Useful Links:

Address: The Lido Ground

                   Clipstone Road East

                   Clipstone

                   NG21 9AB

Twiiter: (1) Clipstone F.C. (@ClipstoneWFC) / Twitter 

Facebook: (3) Clipstone F.C | Facebook

weather forecast: cloudy with the chance of light rain

UCL DIV 1 WEEKLY ROUND UP AUGUST 21st 2022

UCL DIV 1 ROUND UP 

AUGUST 21st 2022

After this weekends games just two teams remain with perfect records. Top of the league are Aylestone Park who have started the season off on fire with 24 goals in their 5 games and have yet to concede. They have certainly installed themselves as one of the title favourites.

Radford though would consider themselves in the frame after making it 4 wins from 4. The latest being a hard fought win at Clipstone.

The only other unbeaten side Blackstones had to settle for a draw at home to Gedling yesterday but they remain second in the table.

This sets up this Wednesday nights game up between the top two at Blacktones nicely.

Birstall perfect start came to an end at Watnall Road where Hucknall Town claimed the three points in an enthralling contest. The visitors were reduced to 9 men courtesy of two red cards but it took a late Craig Westcarr goal to seal the points. Birstall stay third with Radford just below them and Hucknall making up the top 5 on 10 points

Also on 10 points are Clifton and newcomers Blidworth who both enjoyed 2 1 away victories at Kirby Muxloe and Saffron Dynamo respectively.

At the Bottom Grantham Mens are still awaiting their first point after a 7 1 home defeat to Barrow Town whilst Holwell await their first victory after defeat at Rainworth.

Making up the bottom three are ST Andrews who were on the wrong side of a 9 2 score line away at Newark Town.

A full fixture list this mid week with some interesting looking fixtures.

Hucknall Win As Birstall See Red Twice

 HUCKNALL TOWN 1 BIRSTALL 0

UCL DIV 1 SAT 20TH AUGUST 2022 3 PM KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS

HUCKNALL TOWN: 1 LOUIS KINNERLEY 2 CALLUM CLARKE 3 CAYNE MAXWELL 4 CONNOR WHILES 5 BILLY BROOKS 6 LOUIS TOMLINSON 7 AARON LAMB 8 JOE ASHURST(CAPT) 9 CRAIG WESTCARR 10 KIERAN KNIGHT 11 MORGAN BELL

SUBS: NATHAN NETHERCOT, JAKE BRIEN, FIN WHYTE, JAMIE CRAWFORD, MICHEAL BANISTER

BIRSTALL UNITED: DOCHERTY, ARMSTRONG, LEDLEY, BEANGE, ARTICOLO, ASTILL, KEE, BUCALOSSI, TUCK, PALLETT (CAPT), CROSSLEY

SUBS: JORDAN, RICHARDS, DEWING. MORGAN

OFFICIALS: DANIEL HAYWOOD, LEE HARRISON, MICHEAL EVANS

ATTENDANCE: 190

It was tense but it was enthralling as Hucknall came out on top against previously unbeaten Birstall. 

The visitors will point to the two red cards which reduced them to 9 men half way through the second half but Hucknall still had to work hard to get the win which again came from the ever reliable Craig Westcarr with 9 minutes remaining.

Manager Andy Ingles again had to shuffle the pack with captain Aaron Short unavailable, New signing Louis Tomlinson who had a fine debut at left back last weekend was put in central defence. Joe Ashurst returned after being away.

Fin Whyte and Jamie Crawford were named as subs after recent injuries. 

Right from the kick off the gusty wind that blew across the pitch played its part and both teams struggled early doors.

The visitors who had scored 17 goals in 4 games before todays encounter had the first chance but Kinnerley made a comfortable save from Crossleys angled shot.

Hucknall responded with Docherty in the visitors goal doing well to smother a cross from Knight.

Bucalossi then played Tuck through but his shot went just over the angle.

The visitors Jack Astill was booked for a rash tackle on Aaron Lamb who received treatment but was able to carry on.

Birstall definitely carried a threat and Crossley made a run into the box but his dangerous cross eluded everyone before the ball was cleared.

A big chance came the hosts way on 33 mins when Westcarr played Bell in but Docherty came out and blocked his shot well. 

Just before half time Docherty dropped the ball at Bells feet but recovered the ball well.

Half Time arrived with the game goalless which was a fair reflection of an entertaining half.

6 minutes into the second half Docherty had to make a decent save from a Whiles free kick which looked to be creeping in the corner.

The complexion of the game changed just before the hour mark when Jack Astill received a second yellow and subsequent red card for a rash tackle on Whiles.

Another moment of controversy happened on 64 minutes when Docherty spilled the ball on the edge of his box with Westcarr lurking. The linesman on the stand side appeared to wave his flag for handball outside the box but the referee who had made several bizarre decisions all game elected to ignore the linesman and instead award a freekick against the bemused Hucknall striker.  This caused a few handbags to fly and Kieran Knight received a yellow for his part alongside Bucalossi for the visitors.

Any thoughts that the visitors would be happy to play for a draw were dismissed as the Birstall Captain Paul Pallett forced a good save out of Kinnerley when through on goal after a fine pass from Sam Richards.

Whiles was again brought down rashly this time by Dre Articolo who saw yellow for the challenge on 70 mins.

Another moment of controversy on 76 mins when Articolos challenge on Whiles appeared to be in the area but the official gave a freekick right on the edge of the box. However the challenge earned Articolo a second yellow and Birstall were down to 9 men. Westcarr's freekick though was disappointing and hit the wall. Joe Ashurst couldn't connect with the follow up.

Hucknall did well to keep their own discipline and pressed looking for the elusive goal. Just like last week in the victory at Bourne it was Craig Westcarr that provided the goods on 81 minutes. Docherty saved his initial shot but he was on hand to slot home the rebound to send the home fans wild behind the goal.

To their credit the visitors pushed forward looking to get something but left huge gaps at the back. 

There was time for another controversial moment when Kinnerley raced out of his goal and appeared to be fouled but the linesman on that side awarded a throw in to the visitors even though it came off a visiting player. With Kinnerley down injured the referee allowed the throw in to be taken and forced a goal line clearance from the Hucknall defence.

Aaron Lamb should have done better when toe poking the ball wide. Then right at the death Joe Ashurst's shot went wide after a fine run and pass from Knight.

The final whistle ended an enthralling game and a welcome three points went to the hosts but fair play to Birstall for playing their part and we look forward to the return game later in the season.

UCL DIVISION 1 LEAGUE ROUND UP 14TH AUGUST 2022

First weekly round up of the new season as the league table is beginning to take shape after the first few league games.

Four teams remain with perfect records. Top of the pile is one of the pre season favourites for the title Aylestone park who have played 4 games, scored 20 goals and are yet to concede.

Birstall United who were very much in the play off mix last season before fading away also have 4 wins from 4 scoring 17 and conceding just 2.

Perhaps the surprise side up there are Blackstones who seem to be a much sterner proposition this time around after struggling last term. They also have 4 wins from 4 having scored 12 and conceded 6

Last years play off semi-finalist Radford make up the 100% teams but have played just 3 because of being involved in this seasons FA cup where they lost out after a replay to Anstey Nomads, They have scored 8 and conceded 3.

Teams yet to get off the mark are Grantham Town Mens who occupy the bottom spot having lost their first 4 games scoring 2 and conceding 13. They are the only team yet to get a point.

Holwell and Harrowby are yet to taste victory but both have had 2 draws from their 4 games.

Not a lot to choose from for the teams between the top and bottom sides and we all know things can change very quickly.

Early pace setters in the goal scoring charts are Louis Samuels of Aylestone park who already has 10 to his name. Paul Pallett of Birstall united has 8 as does Jordan Alls at Radford. Adam Parry of Kirby Muxloe makes up the top five with 7 goals.

Enjoy your football whoever you support.

 

Westcarr at the Double as Yellows win away

 BOURNE TOWN 0 HUCKNALL TOWN 2

UCL DIV 1 SAT 13TH AUGUST 2022 3 PM KO

BOURNE TEAM:

1 Freddie Craven 2 James Gordon 3 Harrison Dee 4 Dylan Knowling 5 Matt Cox 6 Herbie Panting (capt), 7 Josh Edmondson 8 Sam Wilson 9 Tom Edwards 10 Jake Sansby, 11 Jake Showler

Sus: Ben Cowles, Nathan Smith, Jake Brown, Aaron Warrener, Ben Goodacre

HUCKNALL TEAM :

Louis Kinnerley, Callum Clarke, Louis Tomlinson, Billy Brooks, Aaron Short (capt) Cayne Maxwell, Aaron Lamb, Connor Whiles, Craig Westcarr, Kieran Knight, Morgan Bell

Sub used: Micheal Banister

Officials: Lewis Fletcher, John Barrs, Shaun Grey

Hucknall brought home the points in a game of very few clear cut chances. A craig Westcarr double in the last 20 minutes proving the difference.

Hucknall had a new face in the line up. Louis Tomlinson signed in midweek from Kimberley Town came in as left back. Some older yellows fans like me will remember his dad Paul banging the goals in for the Yellows.

The first half was very evenly matched with both teams having possession but chances at a premium. The only real chance came to the visitors when Westcarrs powerful header came back off the bar. 

Bourne made a substitution at Half Time when Jake Brown replaced Jake Sansby and they started the half well. Both sides were struggling with the hard surface and the game wasn't helped by some bizarre officiating that frustrated both sets of players. 

The Home side made another change on the hour mark. Ben Cowles replacing Jake Showler.

Just as it looked like the game was heading for a goaless draw Westcarr provided a beautiful composed finish to put the visitors ahead with the second real chance of the game in 71 minutes.

Bourne made another change in a bid to get back in the game with Nathan Smith replacing Josh Edmondson.

The home side applied some pressure but the Hucknall defence was in resolute mood. Louis Kinnerley did make a smart stop to deny the home side an equaliser.

Westcarr then made the game safe going into added on time slotting the ball home from a tight angle after Aaron Lambs miskick fell nicely to the striker.

Hucknall's injury woes and players missing for other reasons was highlighted when "retired" Michael Banister made an appearance.

This was a hard earned victory for the depleted Yellows but a very welcome one. Another good visit to Bourne Town who have a lovely ground and a good set of management and supporters. 

Hucknall are next in action at home next Saturday when the visitors will be Birstall United who are one of the four teams left with a 100% record.

SERIOUS INJURY AS HUCKNALL LOSE

 UCL DIV 1 WEDS 10TH AUGUST 19.45 KICK OFF

HUCKNALL TOWN 2 DUNKIRK 3

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS:

HUCKNALL TOWN : 1 Louis Kinnerley 2 Josh Henry 3 Jake Brien 4 Kieron Lane 5 Aaron Short (capt) 6 Billy Brooks 7Aaron Lamb 8Joe Ashurst 9 Craig Westcarr 10 Kieran Knight 11 Morgan Bell

Subs: Sam Sims, Montell Gatland, Callum Clarke, Cayne Maxwell

DUNKIRK: Alex Smith, Oliver Robinson, Ben Rafferty, Shea Thompson-Rafferty, Lewis Wilcox (capt), Rueban Nwadke, Jack Oldham, William Gillies, Max Taylor, Scott Litchfield, Aaron Large

Subs: George Harrison, James Rafferty, Noah Edmunds, Dylan Shaw, Jacob Taylor

officials: John Stevens, Robin Bourne, Paul Dixon

Attendance: 220

Hucknall once again failed to triumph against the Boatmen of Dunkirk in a game marred by a serious leg injury to Hucknall Kieron Lane. It was later confirmed that it was a broken Tibia and Kieron will be out for some time. We wish him a swift and problem free recovery. 

Hucknall were stunned in the third minute as the ball was given away on the edge of their box. Max Taylor still had lots to do but chested the ball down and put the ball in the top corner giving Kinnerley in the Town net no chance.

The early goal set the tone for the match as Dunkirk put everyone behind the ball and broke quickly when having the chance. Indeed, Kinnerley had to make a smart save from Taylor to stop a second goal for the visitors.

Ashurst had a shot flash across goal for Hucknall as they tried to get into the game but resolute defending and loose play from the Yellows prevented this.

To be fair the visitors looked more the likely to score a second and nearly did when the elusive Max Taylor nearly repeated the goal, but the crossbar saved Hucknall.

Hucknall's captain Aaron Short was winning a lot of headers, but none led to Alex Smith having to make a save as the half time whistle came with the visitors deservingly ahead.

Dunkirk nearly added a second at the start of the half, but Robinson failed to capitalise on Oldham's excellent delivery.

Any hopes that Hucknall would repeat Saturdays barnstorming half evaporated when Kieron Lane went into a fifty fifty challenge sustaining the unfortunate injury already mentioned. Cayne Maxwell replaced the unfortunate Lane.

Play was suspended for ten minutes, and it was Dunkirk who continued to look the more likely to score. Robinson was thwarted again with a goal line clearance. 

Dunkirk finally did get the second they deserve, and it was an absolute cracker from Lewis Wilcox. Hucknall gave the ball away and Wilcox picked up the loose ball and drove forward before unleashing a powerful shot which gave the keeper no chance.

Hucknall still hadn't had a shot on target but must be given credit for not throwing in the towel. Cayne Maxwell in particular was proving to be a thorn in the visitor's side. 

On another day Hucknall might well have got a penalty for handball in the box but the referees view was blocked much to the frustration of the home fans who were also getting frustrated by Dunkirk's masterclass in time wasting.

With 80 odd minutes gone Hucknall finally had an effort on goal, but Westcarr's free kick was easily saved. 

With the game drifting into a long period of added on time Hucknall finally found the back of the net. Clarke squeezing the ball home at the far post after Kieran Knights powerful shot was saved by Smith.

Any hopes of Hucknall salvaging an undeserved draw were immediately extinguished when a free kick to the visitors was met with an unchallenged header from Robinson.

Incredibly there was still time for Hucknall to get another back with Maxwell slotting home but in truth it gave the score line a little bit of respectability but nothing more.

Hucknall must lift themselves for the challenge of Bourne Town away on Saturday.

SECOND HALF BLITZ EARNS YELLOWS THE POINTS

UCL DIV 1 SAT 6TH AUGUST 2022 3 PM KO

HUCK NALL TOWN 4 ST ANDREWS 0

MATCH REPORT 

TEAMS:

Hucknall Town : 1 Louis Kinnerley, 2 Jamie Crawford 3 Kieran Lane 4 Sam Sims 5 Aaron Short (capt) 6 Billy Brooks 7 Aaron Lamb 8 Joey Ashurst 9 Craig Westcarr 10 Kieran Knight 11 Morgan Bell

Subs: Jake Pearson (GK) Montell Gatland Josh Henry 

St Andrews: 1 Dean Adams 2 Liam Bloxham 3 Matt Brown 4 Jermaine Corbin 5 George Creasey 6 Kaide Gibson 7 Kofi Gonsalves 8 Ben Law 9 Luke Pickering 10 Demitrios Retsis 11 Kaden Stokes

Subs: Jack Toon Jake Warren Connor Stevens Pharrell March

Officials: Max Winter Lee Harrison David Henfry

Attendance 160

Hucknall had a lot of players missing for various reasons yesterday and the subs bench had two notable, but welcome surprizes in the form of Montell Gatland and Josh Henry

Hucknall began slowly maybe due to the rock-hard surface which caused unpredictable bounce but still had the first chance when Knights volley end up in the Salterford Road gardens. Sam sims had a repeat effort end up in the same place.

Louis Kinnerley was then called into action tipping over Laws free kick which proved to be his only real save of the game.

Hucknall were forced into an early change on 21 mins as Josh Henry replaced the injured Jamie Crawford.

As the half wore on Hucknall began to take control with Shorts header blocked by keeper Adams who then saved Westcarr's shot. Joe Ashurst directed his header straight at Adams as the half closed.

Whatever was said at half time in the home dressing room certainly had its desired effect as Hucknall started at a higher tempo which almost acheived immediate reward when Westcarr was through on goal. Adams spread himself well and made a good save. 

Two minutes later Westcarr did open the scoring following a nice move. Morgan Bell who had impressed all game was involved receiving the ball off westcarr, holding it up well before returning the ball for the striker to sibefoot home from 8 yards.

Any chance that the visitors would respond was cut short as Hucknall added further goals in the next 5 minutes. Bell got himself on the score sheet finishing from close range and then Kieran Knight got the first of his 2 crackers. This one being ferocious volley from the edge of the box giving adams no chance. 

The visitors had no answers and Ashurst nearly added a fourth but his shot came back off the bar.

Knight also had a goal chalked off for offside but did make it 4 with another great finish from the angle that hit the net so fast a lot of the fans behind the goal thought it had hit the side netting. It really was a stunning effort.

Montell Gatland replaced Sam Sims on 71 mins.

A great second half from the Yellows earned them the points and they will be looking to carry this into Wednesday nights league game at home to one of our bogey sides Dunkirk.