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.