YELLOWS ON THE ROAD AGAIN THIS SATURDAY

 MELTON TOWN V HUCKNALL TOWN

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH

SATURDAY 30TH AUGUST 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Fresh from their visit to league leaders Grantham on Tuesday where the Yellows secured a draw Hucknall make the trip to Melton Mowbray this weekend looking to build an unbeaten run.

Melton's League Record this season stands at

Played 6 won 2 drawn 1 and lost 6 with a GD of 0

Melton started with a 3 nil home defeat to Kimberley MW on opening day followed by a midweek defeat at Gresley Rovers (2 1)

They were then knocked out of the FA Cup by the team that knocked Hucknall out last season. A 3 nil defeat at Bottesford Town.

A creditable 2 2 draw at Heanor followed before their first victory, a 3 2 home win against pointless Ashby Ivanhoe.

They then lost on Saturday by the only goal of the game at Grantham before thrashing Deeping Rangers 5 1 at home on Bank holiday Monday.

So they go in to Saturdays game with confidence hoping to leapfrog the Yellows in the table.

Hucknall will be hoping for a repeat of last seasons game when they arguably produced their best display of last season in a 6 1 victory and it could easily have been more. 

useful links:

Address: Ground: Melton Sports Village,  Burton Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 1DN

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

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

Twitter: https://x.com/melton_town/

Weather forecast: 19 degrees, Light rain and a moderate breeze at KO

YELLOWS SO CLOSE TO VICTORY AT UNBEATEN LEAGUE LEADERS GRANTHAM

 GRANTHAM TOWN 1 HUCKNALL TOWN 1

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH 

TUESDAY 26TH AUGUST 2025 19.45 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS: GRANTHAM TOWN:                      HUCKNALL TOWN:

 

OFFICIALS: Erno Vajda, Ryan Dennis, Cameron Johnson

ATTENDANCE: 315

Hucknall visited the South Kesteven Stadium to visit the unbeaten League leaders and very nearly came away with all three points but were denied by an 88th minute equaliser. Although the Gingerbreads top the table they have played 7 games, at least 1 more than everyone else and are fast becoming draw specialists as this was their 4th draw in the 7 games played.

As expected Niall Towle was sidelined with the injury picked up on Saturday and Reece Sugars was also absent meaning a full league debut for Kyle Pemberton partnering Taylor Jaine in defence. Brad Lathall wore the captains armband with Aaron Short named on the bench.

Hucknall were the first to show on 4 mins, Parkes winning the ball in midfield before playing the ball through to Dunkley but he fired his shot wide.

Grantham responded on 7 mins, a header put wide from a good cross into the box.

The rest of the half was a battle of contrition with both sides having half chances but nothing clear cut.

Half time Grantham Town 0 Hucknall 0

The second half began in pretty much the same fashion with Hucknall picking up a yellow card on 51 minutes though not sure who received it.

On 56 mins Smith-Eccles reacted well to a good through ball and was able to collect.

57 mins saw the first change for the Yellows with Skervin being replaced by Wells.

On the Hour mark Short came on for Pemberton.

The game livened up as Lathall went on a good run before playing the ball to Parkes but his effort went just wide.

Grantham then had a half chance with a header wide from one of many long throws.

70 mins saw the introduction of Ashurst in place of Tefera.

75 mins saw Hucknall take the lead after being awarded a pretty clear cut penalty for hand ball.  One of Ashurst's first duties was to dispatch the penalty to give Hucknall the lead.

There were further subs for the Yellows with Hulley coming on for Dunkley on 79 mins and Lathall replaced by Simmons on 82 mins. 

Grantham responded and the visiting keeper had to make a smart save with his leg on 85 mins.

Hucknall who had defended really well all game came unstuck on yet another set piece. A corner on 88 mins saw the hosts draw level with Seb Robbemond being credited with scoring from the corner. 

Five minutes were added but neither side were able to secure a winner and the game ended all square. 

Hucknall moved up to 12th with the point and travel to Melton on Saturday hoping for a repeat of last seasons performance there. 

HUCKNALL BLOOM IN THE FA VASE TO PROGRESS TO THE NEXT ROUND

 HUCKNALL TOWN 3 BOSTON TOWN 1

FA VASE FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING

SATURDAY AUGUST 23RD 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS: HUCKNALL TOWN                                    BOSTON TOWN 

 

 

ATTENDANCE: 179

Hucknall Town produced a great team performance against a lack lustre Boston Town to progress through to the next round of the FA Vase.

Aaron Short and Sam Sims were unavailable so Reece Sugars partnered Taylor Jaine in central defence. Lewis Belgrave was available despite going off injured at Basford last Saturday. Niall Towle was given the Captains arm band in the absence of Short. Brad Wells was a surprise but welcome addition to the subs bench. 

As in recent games when Hucknall have been defeated in the previous game the Yellows made a bright start and again were rewarded with an early goal after only 5 minutes. A beautiful cross from right full back Cash Rowe was met with an equally great header from Lewis Belgrave which gave the visiting keeper Portas no chance. It was Belgrave's 4th goal of the campaign. What a great signing he is proving to be.

Hucknall created another chance on 11 mins this time the supply was from Lewis Parkes but Towle put the effort just wide of the post when well positioned.

17 mins saw Bostons first real attempt on the home goal. The ball hitting the post and Alfie Smith-Eccles in the Yellows net made a great save from the follow up to keep Hucknall's lead intact.

Hucknall were controlling the game and Towle again went close on 21 mins this time his header from Dunkley's cross being saved by Portas.

Hucknall were on the front foot and doubled their lead a minute later when Dunkley again played a through ball to Tefera who provided a smart finish past the visiting keeper.

Hucknall were very much on top and nearly added a third on 25 minutes with Towle's header from another Dunkley cross coming back off the crossbar. 

 Boston finally woke up and they had a period of pressure where Hucknall kept giving the ball away needlessly. This eventually led to a goal for the visitors when Bayliss found the back of the net after Hucknall failed to clear their lines. Another disappointing goal to concede and a lifeline for the visitors. 

Things got worse for the Yellows just before half time as Niall Towle went on a barnstorming run but went down in agony. The referee played on for a long time perhaps not knowing the serious nature of the injury. Despite a stretcher being brought on the striker was assisted off the pitch to be replaced by Mykah Skervin. 

Half Time Hucknall Town 2 Boston Town 1

The second half began pretty much like the first with Dunkley particularly catching the eye. First he produced a great run evading several tackles before shooting but it was an easy save for Portas. He wasn't to be denied though as on 54 mins he scored a third for Hucknall.

Hucknall were content with what they had and Boston began to have more possession. 67 mins saw Pemberton come on for Lathall as the Yellows bolstered their defence. 

The visitors went close to getting another back but the ball was put wide from close range and the Smith-Eccles was called in to action with another great save on 74 mins.

Wells came on for Tefera as Hucknall made another change and 5 (79 mins) minutes later the impressive Dunkley was replaced by Ethan Hulley.

Mahzi Simmons replaced Parkes on 82 mins and Hucknall just ran down the clock to ease through to the next round.

In a good team effort the Man Of The Match was a difficult decision with both Cash and CJ being popular choices. Alfie was the most popular vote and so scooped the honour but it was nice that so many players had a mention.

Hopefully Niall's injury is not as bad as first thought but will need assessment.fingers crossed on this one. Our visitors will be disappointed with their display and will be looking for a response when we play them in the League Cup away on the 6th September.

The Yellows will play Lutterworth Town away in the next round on the 20th September where we may well come up against our old keeper Luke Jeffrey. 

Hucknall's next game is on Tuesday night away at Grantham followed by another trip next Saturday at Melton Town both in the League.

Will Hucknall Flower in the FA Vase

 HUCKNALL TOWN V BOSTON TOWN

FA VASE FIRST ROUND QUALIFYING

SATURDAY AUGUST 23RD 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

After being unceremoniously dumped out of the FA Cup by near neighbours Basford last Saturday Hucknall have an instant chance to redeem themselves in the FA Vase but again it won't be an easy task as last years beaten play off finalists Boston Town visit the RM Stadium on Saturday.

The two teams have been no strangers to each other in the last 2 seasons and by and large Boston have had their fair Share of the spoils. Boston are a well established UCL Premier side moving up from the Central Midlands league despite only finishing 9th at the end of the 1990/91 season and have been there ever since moving to the North Premier when the division was split in 2021.

Boston reached the FA Vase Semi Final in 1994 but lost out to Taunton Town. Last season they made the first round proper before bowing out to Atherstone Town. 

After losing out on Penalties to Bourne Town in the play offs Boston have made a steady start and are with a number of clubs on 7 points (1 ahead of the Yellows)to lie in 7th place from 4 games played. 

Boston started with a 2 2 home draw against Heanor Town but were then beaten away 2 1 at Wisbech who have made a good start to the season. A 2 nil home win followed in the FA Cup against Kimberley before two league wins both 2 1 away at pointless Ashby Ivanhoe and at home to Newark Town in controversial circumstances.

Boston's FA Cup adventure continued with success over the other Newark team. After a goal less draw at Newark and Sherwood, Boston won the replay 4 1 and face Sporting Khalsa a name familiar to Yellow's fans. 

In the last 2 seasons the teams have played 5 times with Boston winning 4 of them. At home in the league last December when the game was played in awful conditions with the hosts playing them better and running out 3 nil winners. The previous season Boston won three games at home in the league and FA Vase both 3 1 and 1 nil away at the RM.

I think these stats give a hint of how difficult this game will be and the Yellows will need to be on top form if they are to repeat their only victory v Boston, the 2 1 home win in September last year.

Hucknall will have injury worries concerning Lewis Belgrave and Sam Sims who had to come off against Basford and Reece Sugars who was injured for that game. Mahzi Simmons should be back after serving his 3 match ban for his red card at Belper.

Safe travels to our visiting players, supporters and management on Saturday and here's to a good game. Winners receive £550 and the losers £160. 

If the match is a draw after 90 minutes then it goes straight to penalties. No extra time.

YELLOWS DUMPED OUT OF THE fA CUP AFTER 5 GOAL BASFORD BLITZ.

 BASFORD UNITED 5 HUCKNALL TOWN 0

FA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND

SATURDAY 16TH AUGUST 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS  Basford United: 

Hucknall Town: 

Attendance: 394

Hucknall spurned two golden opportunities to score first which could have completely changed the outcome of this tie. As it was Basford took the lead and stepped through the gears and delivered 5 goals in a devastating 20 minute spell that was painful for the Yellows supporters to watch and the referees final blow of the whistle was a blessing.

Hucknall were without the injured Reece Sugars and Brad Wells so Tefera started whilst Taylor Jaine partnered Aaron short at the back. New Signing Kyle Pemberton was fit enough to be on the bench.

There was a minutes applause at the start of the game for the sad loss to the Basford family of Sam Shaw. Sincere condolences to her family and friends.

The first half was a very tense affair with Hucknall not being out of place with their Step 4 opponents.

Basford went close on 8 mins but the shot went wide. Basford made an early substitution on 17 mins with Goodman replacing Palmer.

The hosts had a period of possession and Smith-Eccles had to be alert to save a whipped in free kick on 20 mins.

Hucknall defended well and had their first chance on 28 mins when Tefera's shot went just wide of the post. 

Both sides had good chances just before half time with Smith-Eccles making a good save and the visitor's Belgrave through on goal elected to square the ball to Towle but the pass was intercepted and the chance was gone.

Half Time: Basford 0 Hucknall 0

The second half began in the same tense manner. The hosts were forced into a second change through injury with Hallam replacing Dacres on 53 mins. I hope Tyler's injury wasn't as bad as it looked and I wish him a speedy recovery.

56 minutes saw the big turning point of the game as the home keeper Yates produced a stunning double save from Ashurst, saving his initial close range shot and then superbly tipping the rebound effort over the bar. It really was a great piece of keeping but Ashurst really should have scored.

Basford made a third change on 56 mins with Maher replacing Christie.

Whilst Hucknall had defended set pieces well up to this point it was once again prove to be their undoing when on 58 minutes a free kick to Basford was whipped in and Basford's captain Wilder was on hand to head the ball home at the far post to give the hosts the lead. 

Any hopes that Hucknall would respond were short lived as Basford quickly scored a second. Cummings slotting the ball past Smith-Eccles to double the lead. 

Hucknall heads visibly dropped and despite changes (Ashurst and Lathall being replaced by Skervin and Dunkley) Basford were in no mood to let up. Smith-Eccles had to make a fine save before the hosts got a third goal on 72 mins. Wilder again heading home this time from a corner. 

Further goals from Goodman who finished off an assist from Wilder and Cummings getting to the ball before the visiting keeper and shooting home. All this was a painful spectacle to the Hucknall fans and I suspect the management team. 

Hucknall made late changes with Tefera, Jaine and Rowe being replaced by Scoular, Hulley and Pemberton.

Thankfully the referee brought proceedings to an early end when only adding on 3 minutes and the whistle was a relief to many of the away following.

Good luck to Basford in the next round where they face Hednesford Town away and I look forward to our next meeting with them when ever that may be.

Hucknall go out of the FA Cup but move on to the FA Vase where we play Boston Town at the RM stadium on Saturday. 

TRAMLINE FA CUP LOCAL DERBY AWAITS YELLOWS THIS SATURDAY

FA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND

BASFORD UNITED V HUCKNALL TOWN

SATURDAY AUGUST 16TH 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

 
Hucknall make the short journey to Basford in this round of the FA Cup having defeated Yaxley 3 2 at home in the extra preliminary round a fortnight ago.

Basford are no strangers to Hucknall and the two teams have a similar recent history. Hucknall reached the Unibond Northern Premier League in 1999 and won the title in 2004 but were denied the chance to compete in the national conference as our old Watnall Road ground failed the ground grading required. Hucknall were placed in the newly formed Conference North instead until the end of the 2008/09 season having been reprieved the previous season due to Halifax Towns demise. This was the first relegation in the clubs history but the slide had begun and further relegations followed until eventually we took our reserves place in the Central Midlands League.

Basford have achieved similar success and they and Carlton Town have established themselves as the top Nottinghamshire's non league sides.

As Hucknall fell down the leagues Basford were moving in the opposite direction winning the Central Midlands South League 2011/12 and the East Midlands Counties League the following season. After finishing 5th in the NCEL Premier they transferred over to the newly formed Midland Premier League and became the first winners of that league moving up to the Division 1 South of the NPL. They made the play offs at the end of the 2014/15 season losing to Coalville Town but won the league 2017/18 to progress to the NPL Premier. Football logistics found them being placed in the Southern Premier Central before coming back to the NPL Premier.

Last season saw them suffer relegation to the NPL Division 1 Midlands League alongside other local sides Carlton, Belper town, Long Eaton United, Shepshed Dynamo and Mickleover FC (formerly Sports).

During this period Basford also won the Notts Senior Cup 4 times from 2014 until 2019, beating Hucknall at some point in most of those victories.

So it came as a surprise to many including myself to be honest when Hucknall swept them aside at the RM last season  on their way to claiming the trophy for the first time since 2003. 

Basford have played 2 league games this season winning 1 and drawing 1. Victory came against Shepshed away by the only goal of the game. This followed a 4 4 home draw on the opening day at home to Sutton Coldfield Town, all the goals coming in the second half.

Hucknall will be buoyed by there excellent victory over Gresley on Wednesday and also tend to perform well on 4g pitches.

Should be a cracker of a game.

Useful links:

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

Twitter: https://x.com/Basfordutdfc

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

Address: Greenwich Avenue, New Basford, NG6 0LE

Weather Forecast: 24 degrees, sunny with cloud at kick off.

I understand that Basford have this week lost a valued member of their family. Sam Shaw assisted in many roles over many years from the bar to the refreshments stand and many other roles and she was a very much loved member of the Basford Family. There will be a minutes applause before the game. Sincere condolences go out to Sam's family and our friends at Basford United from everyone at Hucknall Town FC.

YELLOWS SHINE AGAIN UNDER THE FLOODLIGHTS TO CLAIM THE POINTS

 HUCKNALL TOWN 3 GRESLEY ROVERS 1

GCH HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH

WEDS 13TH AUGUST 2025 19.45 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS: 

Hucknall Town:

Gresley Rovers

Officials: Aidan Murphy, Robin Bourne, Michael McGill

Attendance: 269

Hucknall returned to winning ways in an entertaining encounter with Gresley. A first home league win of the season was achieved with goals from Niall Towle, Louis Belgrave and Brad Wells.

Hucknall started brightly with a good tempo and as at the game with Belper were rewarded with an early goal in the 6th minute.Niall Towle's looping header from a great cross going over Catlow in the visitors goal.

The first 20 mins were all Hucknall and Towle again went close with a similar effort which went just wide.

Alfie Smith-Eccles was then tested for the first time producing a fine save  from Gresley's first real attempt.

Wells and Towle were linking up well and Towle should have done better when played through by Wells on 22 minutes.

Gresley started getting into the game and I think Hucknall were pleased to hear the half time whistle.

Half Time: Hucknall 1 Gresley 0

Hucknall came out second half with the same tempo as the start of the first and were again rewarded with a goal that doubled their lead. Dunkley supplying Belgrave who slotted home for his third goal of this campaign.

Gresley rolled up their sleeves and made an effort to get back into the game by pressing further upfield and were unlucky on 58 minutes when a really dangerous cross evaded everybody. 

Hucknall though wrapped up the game when on 58 mins Brad Wells got the goal his performance deserved. with a low shot that flew by the visiting keeper.

Towle was replaced by Skervin on 73 mins after another solid display.

Most of the crowd thought Wells had scored another from close range but the ball went just wide of the target.

Right after the goal Dunkley and Belgrave who had both played a good game were replaced by Ashurst and Tefera.

Gresley had always offered a threat and got a consolation goal when Ryan King slotted home from close range to deny Hucknall a clean sheet.

Gresley were buoyed by the goal and went close again. Smith-Eccles producing another great save.

The Hucknall replacements freshened up the Yellows and both Skervin and Tefera went close both being thwarted by the visiting keeper..

Wells was then replaced by Scoular much to the pleasure of the Gresley No 5 who had a running battle with him all game. A super effort by Wells who later received the Man of the Match award. Sims also replaced Parkes.

There was still time for the visiting keeper to keep the score down producing a fine save from Tefera who's follow up shot was cleared off the line. 

The final whistle brought an end to a fine team performance by the Yellows and a good game of football to which Gresley definitely played their part.

Hucknall's attention now turns to Saturdays FA Cup game with near neighbours Basford at Greenwich Avenue. 

Yellows look to another Mid week victory as the Moatmen visit the RM

 HUCKNALL TOWN V GRESLEY ROVERS

GCE HIRE FLEET PREMIER DIVISION NORTH

WEDS 13TH AUGUST 2025 19.45 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall will be hoping mid week will  again prove to be victorious when they take on Gresley Rovers at the RM this Wednesday night.

The Yellow have one victory from their 3 league games so far. That being a good performance away at Belper in a mid week game after a disappointing loss at home to Blackstones the Saturday before. Once again this fixture follows a disappointing defeat at leaders Newark Town  where two late Yellows goals wasn't enough.

Gresley have started the season with two wins and a defeat in their 3 games. Sherwood colliery away on the opening day was never going to be easy. Ex Yellow Craig Westcarr scoring 4 goals as Gresley lost 5 1. The Moatmen responded well by beating Melton Town 2 1 at home.

They then got a creditable 2 2 draw at Eastwood before bowing out of the FA Cup after a 4 2 penalty shoot out in the replay where the game itself finished goalless.

Again they bounced back from that with a 3 2 home success over Skegness on Saturday.

This all bodes well for Gresley after surviving on the last day of the season at the expense of Sleaford on having a better goal difference.

Hucknall won't find this game easy and will have to work hard to get the points Hucknall won the corresponding fixture 3 nil in February to avenge a 4 1 defeat at Gresley last September.

A tough game awaits.

YELLOWS DO A YAXLEY BUT LEADERS NEWARK HOLD ON

NEWARK TOWN 3 HUCKNALL TOWN 2

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER DIVISION NORTH

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS: 

Newark Town: 1 Scott Loach 2 Sam Greenwood 3 George Robbins 4 Joe Braithwaite 5 Alex Hales (Capt) 6 Matthew Clarke 7 Charles Opoku 8 Harvey Grice 9 Ryan Rushen 10 Matteo Perkins 11 Louis Czerwak SUBS: 14 Freddie Pitts 15 Martin Tudosa 16 Adrian Bilicz 17 Louis Nesbitt 18 David Kolodynski

Hucknall Town 

OFFICIALS: Robert Holland, Darren Reynolds, Andrew Benner

ATTENDANCE: 270 

Hucknall did what Yaxley did to the Yellows last weekend scoring 2 late goals when looking well beaten to make for an interesting finish but League leaders Newark took the three points and became the only side with an100% record following Deeping Ranger's defeat at Sherwood. 

For the Yellows it was a second defeat in 3 league fixtures following on from the victory at Belper.

The home side were in front after just 6 minutes. Captain Alex Hales leading by example. Hucknall failed to clear from a corner allowing Hales to pick out the top corner from the edge of the box.

Newark went close on 11 mins with Hucknall again struggling to defend a corner but Smith-Eccles produced a good save from  Rushen's header.

Hucknall responded with a couple of corners themselves but Newark cleared their lines.

Rushey was then fouled on the edge of Hucknall's area but the free kick came to nothing.

Wells then had a tame effort saved by the home keeper as Hucknall began to exert some pressure on the home goal. Two corners in quick succession And Robbins produced a goal line clearance to prevent an equaliser.

Both sides had half chances before the break but Newark went into the breal a goal to the good

HALFTIME: Newark Town 1 Hucknall Town 0

The second half started poorly but the home side doubled their lead on 57 mins when ex yellow Czerwak ran across the box before shooting across Smith-Eccles who got a hand to it but couldn't prevent the goal. Think he enjoyed that one.

Hucknall made changes on 65 mins with Rawson and Parkes going off for Scoular and Lathall.

Sugars had a go from distance as Hucknall tried to get something from the game but Newark seemingly put the game to bed with a third goal shortly after on 71 mins. Hales getting his second of the afternoon with another tidy finish. 

Tefera and Wells were replaced by Skervin and Dunkley after the goal and Hulley replaced Rowe on 75 minutes.

Newark very nearly got a 4th on 86 minutes., Nesbitts shot producing a great save from the Hucknall keeper.

Brad lathall was then sin binned for dissent as the game seemed up for the Yellows.

Just as the game entered added on time Dunkley got his first league goal in a Yellows shirt and when Belgrave scored another 2 minutes later it led to a tense finish for the hosts who had been cruising. 

In the end it was too little too late and Newark took a deserved victory to stay top of the table. They travel to Boston town on Tuesday.

 Hucknall drop to 14th but have a chance to make amends on Wednesday night when they host Gresley at the RM. 

EARLY LEAGUE PACE SETTERS HOST THE YELLOWS

NEWARK TOWN V HUCKNALL TOWN 

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH

SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST 2025 15.00 KICK OFF

MATCH PREVIEW

 

 Hucknall Town return to league action this Saturday after progressing to the next round of the FA Cup last weekend. The Yellows visit early pace setters Newark Town who sit top of the league after two games. Along side Deeping Rangers they have won their opening 2 league games. On opening day they travelled to Skegness and returned home with the points after a 5 3 success. This was followed up by a 4 0 mid week victory at home to AFC Mansfield. They also defeated fellow Premier North side Grantham Town 2 1 away in the FA Cup on Saturday so they are very much on form.

Last season saw them finish a creditable 7th with a record of 

played 38 winning 18 drawing 11 and losing 9 with a GD of plus 17

They won both of the league fixtures against Hucknall. An impressive 4 1 victory at home at the end of October and a 2 1 away success at the RM last March.

Hucknall though did beat Newark 2 1 away in their remarkable Notts Senior Cup campaign.

Ex Yellow Louis Czerwak still plays for Newark and will be one to watch out for on Saturday.

Hucknall  of course have played two league games themselves losing the opener at home to Blackstones but making amends with a good team performance in the midweek win at Belper. By and large they played well in the FA Cup victory at home to Yaxley but will be annoyed that they nearly let a 3 goal lead slip in the last 22 minutes. The Yellows picked up some injuries in that game notably to Reece Sugars and Sam Sims who were both forced off so it remains to be seen if they recover in time to play on Saturday.

I'm unable to make this game so safe travels to the players, staff and fans making the journey on Saturday.

Newark Town Info.

Address: YMCA Activity Village (Men's & Ladies 1st Team)

Lord Hawke Way

Newark

Nottinghamshire

NG24 4FH

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

Website: https://www.newarktownfc.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=newark%20town%20fc (up to date)

Twitter (X):  https://x.com/NewarkTownFC (up to date)

Weather Forecast for Kick Off: Sunny Intervals and a gentle Breeze

Admission charges: Adults(over 18's) £8

Concessions £6

16-18 year olds £2

Under 16 Free with a paying adult

HUCKNALL SURVIVE YAXLEY FIGHT BACK TO PROGRESS IN THE FA CUP

 HUCKNALL TOWN 3 YAXLEY 2

FA CUP EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND

SATURDAY 2ND AUGUST 2025 15.00 KICK OFF

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS: HUCKNALL TOWN:

YAXLEY: 

Kyle Andrews, George Carder, Nicolas Diaz Da Costa, Jezz Goldson-Williams, Makere Kazomblaze, Linus Kusi, Freddie Marshall, Fayed Nazir Rhaman, Max Rigby, Frankie Webster, Luke Gilbert.

SUBS: Adam Mabrok, Ethan Scott-Plummer, Ben Roberts, Benjamin Skillett, Kobie Smith.

ATTENDANCE: 235

Hucknall survived a very late scare when they looked to be coasting into the next round. In the end the post came to Hucknall's rescue as a 3 nil lead with 22 minutes left nearly became a mid week replay in Cambridgeshire.

Hucknall once again started brightly on the front foot and as with Tuesday were rewarded with an early goal. In the 6th minute Joey Ashurst's shot was handled in the area and penalty specialist Niall Towle scored from the spot despite the keeper getting a touch with his legs.

Mahzi Simmons was seeing a lot of the ball down the right wing and from one of his crosses Ashurst put the ball just wide of the far post. 

On 18 mins Reece Sugars received lengthy treatment for a shoulder injury but was able to carry on.

Hucknall were looking for a second but were nearly caught out when Yaxley's No 10 hit the bar with a nice effort. 

on 28 mins Sugars was no longer able to carry on and was replaced by Lathall. Sims dropping to centre back alongside Short.

Hucknall's constant pressure finally paid off on 40 mins. Lewis Belgrave providing a tidy finish from 12 yards, a low left foot shot.

Half Time: Hucknall 2 Yaxley 0

On 50 mins Hucknall looked to have wrapped up the game when they were awarded a second penalty for handball. Towle was in possession in the box and looking to get a shot away. The Yaxley player fell on the ball and the referee adjudged him to have controlled the ball with his hand on the floor. No where near as clear cut as the first penalty  but the outcome was the same as Towle again found the net from the spot. 

Hucknall at this point looked in total control and a host of substitutions took place with Sims being replaced by Rawson, and Dunkley, Wells and Hulley coming on for Belgrave, Parkes and Tefera.

Whether the substitutions affected Hucknall or Yaxley decided to throw the kitchen sink in is open to debate but I don't think anyone could have foreseen the last 22 minutes coming. 

Yaxley pulled one back on 68 mins after a period of pressure, a nice volley from Goldson-Williams. Surely just a consolation. But no, on 77 mins Yaxley were awarded a penalty of their own even though the ball had ended up in the Hucknall net anyway. Goldson-Williams netting his second from the spot and it really was game on. 

Towle could have eased the nerves on 80 minutes when through on goal but the visiting keeper tipped the ball around the post.

Yaxley certainly had Hucknall rattled and were unlucky when a good effort came back off the upright.

The full time whistle blew much to the relief of Hucknall's players and supporters and a Preliminary Round tie at Basford United awaits the Yellows.

Fair play to our visitors for making an unlikely game of it and good luck for the rest of the season. 

YELLOW'S FA CUP ADVENTURE BEGINS AT HOME TO YAXLEY

 HUCKNALL TOWN V YAXLEY

FA CUP EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND

SATURDAY AUGUST 2ND 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall Town's FA Cup adventure begins with a home tie against UCL premier South division side Yaxley. It is the first time the two teams have met in any competition (unless anyone knows different.)and as such are a bit of an unknown quantity.

Yaxley are based in Cambridgeshire just South of Peterborough just off the A1(M)so have quite a long journey tomorrow. Nick named the Cuckoos they play in blue at home and red away. Established in 1962 their home ground has an unusual name in being called Leading Drove and has a 4g pitch installed in 2011.

As recently as 2017/18 Yaxley won the UCL Premier division South and were promoted to Div 1 of the Southern League Central. being moved across to the Midlands Division of the Northern Premier League for the 2021/22 season. Yaxley have the distinction of appointed the youngest ever manager in English football when 20 year old Sammy Mould became manager in January 2023. He was only to hold on to that post for 3 months and Yaxley were relegated back to the UCL premier South at the end of that season. 

Last season saw them finish 17th of 19 teams( Coganoe united disbanded before the end of the season) with a record pf

played 36 winning 10 drawing 4 and losing 22 with a SD of minus 31

In their 2 league games this season they started with a 1 1 draw at home to Northampton O.N Chenecks FC (yes Honestly) and a 3 nil home defeat v Leicester Nirvana on Tuesday evening.

Hucknall will be looking to do better than last season when they went out at the first hurdle at home to a very good on the day Bottesford Town and will certainly be buoyed by a good performance on Tuesday in defeating Belper 4 1. 

The winners will pick up £1,125 and the losers £375. If the match is level at 90 minutes there will be a replay at Yaxley on a date to be confirmed but must be played on or before Thurs 7th August. There will be no extra time played on Saturday.

Safe travels to our visitors.

HUCKNALL BOUNCE BACK IN STYLE TO GET THE POINTS AT BELPER

BELPER UNIED 1 HUCKNALL TOWN 4

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH

TUESDAY 29.07.25 20.00 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS:

Belper United:                                                                  Hucknall Town:

Officials: Peter Brothwell, Rhys Watkinson, Al Parker.

Attendance: 142

Hucknall bounced back in style from Saturdays home defeat against Blackstones to post their first league victory of the season against Belper United at Eastwood's CFC's Coronation Park on Tuesday evening.

Everything that was wrong on Saturday was put right, accurate crosses, excellent finishing and an upbeat performance in which every player contributed.

Hucknall started brightly and were ahead after only 2 minutes when Joe Ashurst was played in and put the ball through the home keepers legs from a tight angle. 

The lead only lasted for 5 minutes though as Belper's Dunkley powered his way through the middle of the Hucknall defence lofting the ball over the advancing Smith-Eccles into the net. Dunkley was clattered after shooting and though after treatment he carried on but was replaced shortly afterwards by Harry Banks.

Hucknall carried on with their upbeat tempo and a fine header from Brad Wells following a great cross from Ashurst put Hucknall back in front on 13 minutes.

Hucknall were in no mood to let this lead slip and had a good period of possession which included a long range effort by Brad Lathall and a header by Wells from an Ashurst corner which went over. 

The home side went close on 39 minutes, Smith-Eccles well positioned to save a header from a corner.

Five minutes were added on due to a couple of injuries that needed treatment and these moments provided drama. First Belper were reduced to 10 men when a red card was shown to ex yellows player Daniel Odunaiya for an apparent elbow on Reece Sugars but the general opinion in the crowd thought Belper's captain Bryant had committed the offence.

Worse was to follow for Belper as right on the stroke of half time Niall Towle produced a fine header that looped into the Belper net. Brad Lathall with the assist providing a great cross to the Hucknall front man.

Half Time: Belper 1 Hucknall 3

Belper came out second half determined to achieve something but nothing much in the way of chances happened/

Hucknall made changes on 58 mins with Tefera being replaced by Dunkley and Rawson going off for Rowe.

Hucknall went very close to making it 4 when Captain Short's ferocious shot came back off the post with the keeper looking on helpless/

On 65 Joe Ashurst's great display was brought to an end with him going off for Luis Parkes. Lewis Belgrave was then replaced by Ethan Hulley.

The tide could have been turned when on 76 Mins Mazhi Simmons was shown a straight Red for a silly kick out on a Belper player to give Belper renewed hope.

However 3 mins later Hucknall put the game to bed when Lewis Parkes produced a cool finish when played through on goal.

Sam Sims came on for Brad Lathall to bolster the midfield but there was no further drama and Hucknall ran out time to claim a good victory.

Belper's second 4 1 defeat in 2 games having suffer the same result at Grantham and they really need to work on there defensive side of their play.

Elsewhere results meant that only 2 teams have 100% records after only 2 games. Newark town who have scored 9 goals in their 2 games and host Hucknall in our next league game and Deeping Rangers who seem to have put last seasons poor display behind them'

Yellows attention now turns to the FA Cup and an extra preliminary round game at home to Yaxley of the UCL premier south division, a team I don't think we have played before.