YELLOWS LOOK TO CEMENT PLAY OFF SPOT AS BELPER VISIT TOWN

HUCKNALL TOWN V BELPER UNITED

GCE HIRE FLEET PREMIER NORTH DIVISION

SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

After a fine away victory at Harrowby which moved the Yellows into the play off positions Hucknall will be looking to cement that spot as Belper United visit the RM Stadium.

Belper lie in 7th position 3 points behind Hucknall but having played a game less. Their league record this season reads as follows;

Played 15 winning 7 drawing 2 and losing 6 with a GD of plus 2

The season didn't start off too well for Belper losing their opening fixture away 4 1 at Grantham and then losing by the same scoreline at home to the Yellows the following Tuesday. Another defeat followed at Coronation Park as Harrowby emerged 3 2 winners. 

Belper finally got points on the board with victories over Newark & Sherwood (away 2 0) and Gresley (home 2 1). 

Kimberley MW then inflicted another defeat (2 3 away)before Ashby recorded their first points of the season with a 4 1 home win. A 3 3 draw with landlords Eastwood was followed by a fine 4 1 away triumph at highly fancied Sherwood Colliery.

Belper then played AFC Mansfield home and away exchanging 1 nil scorelines at the respective home games. Sandwiched in between was a goal less draw at Deeping Rangers.

Belper have since found a purple patch which has significantly improved their league position with 3 successive league victories coming into Saturdays game. 

Newark Town were soundly beaten 4 1 away, Melton town at home by the same scoreline and Clay Cross away 2 0 last weekend.

In the cups Belper have done reasonably well.

The FA Cup saw them beat Uttoxeter 2 1 at home before a 5 2 defeat followed also at home to Hanley Town.

The FA Vase saw a 3 0 home win against Saffron Dynamo and a 3 0 win at Clipstone before losing 1 nil at home to Dudley Town.

The League cup saw them go out at the first hurdle losing 2 nil at Bugbrooke. 

The Derbyshire Senior cup saw them defeat Staveley MW on penalties after a 1 1 draw at home. They face Heanor Town away in the next round.

Hucknall's league record now reads as 

Played 16 winning 8 drawing 2 and losing 6 with a GD of plus 8

Hucknall have one of the best away league records in the division having only lost once on their travels whilst their home form has been much less impressive having lost 5 league games at home and only winning 3. This does cause concern and needs to improve if the play offs are to be achieved. 

Belper will be tough opposition and come to the RM on form so it should be an interesting encounter.

YELLOWS MOVE INTO PLAY OFF SPOTS AS JOEY HITS HOME ON SPECIAL DAY

 HUCKNALL TOWN 2 DEEPING RANGERS 1

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH

SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS AND OFFICIALS:

ATTENDANCE: 194

Before the game there was a presentation to mark Joe Ashurst's 300th appearance for the Yellows spanning 10 years when he was signed by Andy Graves when Hucknall were in the Central Midlands League. Despite having numerous 'offers' over the years Joey has stopped loyal to the Yellows and also chipped in 107 goals. A massive favourite with the fans who sing 'he's one of our own'. Well done on this marvellous milestone Joey and thankyou for your loyalty and efforts.

Hucknall moved into the play off spots with a last gasp victory against a dogged Deeping Rangers side who will feel disappointed not to have held on for a point. 

Hucknall fielded the same starting 11 (for the first time this season) that started against AFC Mansfield last week. Although the injury list has shortened key players are still missing in Sims, Lathall, Towle, and Belgrave and also suspended Uyi-Olaye.

Deeping also had a few players missing due to injuries.

The first half started with both sides cancelling each other out but it was interesting that the visitors defended with a much higher back line than AFC Mansfield last week this allowed Hucknall to use both wings effectively with both full backs Dillon Rawson and in particular Cash Rowe having plenty of the ball.

Aaron Coyle produced a long range effort on 20 mins that went just wide which was the first real effort of the game. 

Joe Ashurst then had an effort on target from Rowe's cross but if anything he hit it too well straight at the keeper.

Rangers having weathered the early pressure stepped it up a gear and could easily have taken the lead. Home keeper Smith-Eccles called into action on the half hour mark saving with his leg when Arber was through on goal. It was a good chance for the visitors. 

Barnes then blasted over for Rangers when well placed on the edge of the box. The home keeper was tested again but Cook's effort was tame and Hucknall survived. 

Hucknall then had a period of possession five minutes before the break with Aaron Coyle's smart back heel was defended well. Ashurst then had another effort straight at the visiting keeper. 

Just as the half looked like being a stalemate Hucknall were awarded a penalty for handball. The Rangers defender went to head a ball in the area but missed with his head, the ball then striking his arm though there was no intent the official pointed at the spot.

I think there was always going to be one player taking the penalty and sure enough captain for the day Joey Ashurst stepped up and put the penalty away for his 108th goal on his 300th appearance. 

There was still time for Goodley to head over the bar for the visitors before the half time whistle blew. The visitors could consider themselves unlucky to be behind at the break.

Half Time: HUCKNALL 1 DEEPING RANGERS 0

The second half began with what at first looked like a serious head injury to a Rangers player but after lengthy treatment he got up and carried on but the six minutes treatment time was significant.

Hucknall seemed to lose momentum as the half went on and the visitors pressed for an equaliser. 

It came on 64 mins when Deeping were awarded a soft free kick out wide on the left and Hucknall's achilles heel this season struck again as from the set piece Harrison Dee rose highest to send the ball over the home keeper into the net. At this point the visitors deserved their goal. 

I have been a critic of some of the substitutions and the timings of them this season but changes were really needed and so they came. Short coming on for Rawson on 73 mins quickly followed by Myles and Simmons being replaced by Dunkley and Tefera two minutes later.

On 78 mins Coyle's powerful effort was saved by the visiting keeper and the corner came to nothing. 

The most telling substitution came on 83 mins with Trev Lindo replacing Ashurst.

Lindo's first contribution was to earn a free kick out wide but this came to nothing. The Yellows showed no desire to settle for a point which was good to see and Rangers were getting Frustrated. Dunkley was fouled which earned a yellow card for the Rangers player.

Lindo then just failed to get on the end of Rowe's cross.

7 minutes were added on mainly for the earlier head injury and right at the death another cross from the impressive Cash Rowe was met with a sublime touch from Lindo which found the back of the net sparking delirious celebrations from the players and home faithful. 

There was no time for the visitors to respond and the final whistle blew.

FULL TIME :HUCKNALL TOWN 2 DEEPING RANGERS 1

 The win moved Hucknall up to 5th with a key league game coming up on Wednesday night when third placed Kimberley MWFC are the visitors to the RM. 

Deeping are in 12th place and I wish them well for the remainder of the season. 

The Man of the Match award was presented to Cash Rowe by our chairman Bob after the game. His second MOTM award of the season and well merited. 

YELLOWS LOOKING UPWARDS AS DEEPING RANGERS VISIT THE RM

 HUCKNALL TOWN V DEEPING RANGERS

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH

SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Deeping Rangers visit the RM Stadium today in a game that is difficult to predict. Rangers come with a league record this season that reads

Played 13 winning 4 drawing 5 and losing 4 with a GD of minus 7

After last seasons battle against relegation Rangers started this seasons campaign off with 2 victories. On opening day they beat Ashby Ivanhoe 1 nil and followed that up with another home victory in midweek, a 4 nil victory against Harrowby. A 1 1 home draw against Skegness followed 

However a 6 nil defeat at title contenders Sherwood Colliery followed and a goal less stalemate at Blackstones after that.

Melton Town then hot 5 against them with a consolation goal for the visitors. 

Then came a victory against another of the title contenders Grantham town at home, the only goal of the game proving decisive. 

AFC Mansfield provided another defeat this time 3 2 at the Forest Arena before a run of 4 league games unbeaten began with draws away at Newark and Sherwood (2 2) and home to league leaders Boston Town (1 1) and Belper united (0 0). The draws were followed up with a 2 1 victory at Skegness Town. The unbeaten run was brought to an end by Kimberley MW with a 3 nil home defeat.

In the Cups Rangers lost at home 3 0 to Wellingborough Town in the FA Cup. In the FA Vase they had a 5 nil victory at home versus Allexton and New Parks FC before bowing out also at home 2 3 to Hucknall's old rivals Aylestone Park.

In the League Cup Division 1 high flyers Retford United won by the only goal at Retford. 

Rangers are still in the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy after defeating Pinchbeck 2 nil at home and are still in a local cup, the Hinchingbrooke Trophy.

Hucknall's league record now reads

Played  13 winning 6 drawing 2 and losing 5 with a GD of plus 4 to lie in 6th spot.

As mentioned previously this is a hard one to call as Deeping are certainly capable of winning this game  The Yellows will be looking for a victory of their own in a bid to join the play off spots.

Should be a good game. Safe Travels to everyone associated with our visitors today.

YELLOWS AT LAST VICTORIOUS OVER THE BULLS

 HUCKNALL TOWN 2 AFC MANSFIELD 0

GCE FLEET HIRE UCL PREMIER NORTH

SATURDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH REPORT

TEAMS AND OFFICIALS:

ATTENDANCE: 324

A week after coming up against and losing once more to bogey side Heanor Town the Yellows played another side they have failed to beat in recent times although a couple of draws have been achieved. So it was with a sense of relief that finally Hucknall produced a performance against the Bulls that was more than worthy of the victory though they had to show patience against a side that set their stall out to defend in numbers and try and catch the Yellows on the break. 

Hucknall's long injury list seems to have eased a little looking at the team selection. Reece Sugars partnered Taylor Jaine as centre backs and Aaron Short and CJ Dunkley were named as substitutes. Goal keeper Alfie Smith-Eccles returned to the side in place of Frankie Sheperd. Recent signing Aaron Coyle started upfront ater his debut goal last week. There was also a place on the bench for new signing Nelson Aideyan which meant 3 centre backs on the bench. Lewis Belgrave missed the game through injury but Lewis Parkes started despite his hamstring scare last week.

Straight from the off it was obvious that AFC Mansfield had set their stall out to be defensive and so Hucknall had the lions share of the possession. Simmons produced a save from Turton in the home goal in the 5th minute but despite a few corners and long range efforts that was as close as Hucknall got in the half. 

The Bulls spurned a great opportunity on 40 minutes but the ball was put wide of the post much to the Yellows relief.

Half Time: Hucknall 0 AFC Mansfield 0

The second half was pretty much the same with Hucknall dominating possession but creating very little and the home defence snuffing out any threat from the visitors.

On the hour mark CJ Dunkley came on for Mahzi Simmons as the home side looked to freshen things up. 

Sugars had a long range effort on 66 minutes but it was over the bar.

Hucknall thought the deadlock was broken on 70 minutes when from a corner the ball was hooked in  but despite protests from the players and particularly the home supporters the Linesman's flag had been raised and the goal was chalked off.

However the disallowed goal seemed to inspire the Yellows and 3 minutes later they did take the lead.  Cash Rowe was brought down just outside the box and the resulting free kick was swung into the box to be met by a Taylor Jaine header which found the net and sparked jubilant celebrations with the players and fans.

The Bulls upped their game in response but found a Yellow wall when attacking with both Sugars and Jaine outstanding at the back. 

Short came on for Rawson as the game entered added on time to bolster the defence.

Hucknall had another goal disallowed by a linesman's flag  but once again scored straight after the decision. Aaron Coyle was played through on goal and his low right foot shot from the edge of the box took a wicked deflection to beat Turton in the Bull's goal to seal the points.

Hucknall moved back to 6th position whilst the visitors remained one place above the relegation zone despite Ashby Ivanhoe's victory. 

The match sponsors gave their Man of the Match award to Taylor Jaine but as mentioned both centre backs were outstanding. Maybe Taylor's goal just swung it his way.

There was also a presentation to Brad Wells who was our player of the Month for September. 

Next up is another home league game against Deeping Rangers next Saturday.

AFC MANSFIELD UP NEXT AT THE RM

 HUCKNALL TOWN V AFC MANSFIELD

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH

SATURDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

The Bulls come charging into the RM stadium this Saturday hoping to improve their league form and move away from the relegation places.

Currentlty sitting in 18th place and third from bottom a win at the RM could move them up to mid table such is the tight nature of the league at the moment.Their league regord this season reads

played 11 winning 3 drawing 2 and losing 6 with a GD of minus 11

Their form is a bit of a surprise given that they lost out in the play off semi finals last season to Bourne Town.

Wins have come against Clay Cross Town (away 3 2), Deeping Rangers (home 3 2) and last Saturday Belper United (home 1 0)

Their first win came in their 7th league game so they have actually won 3 of their last 5 league games. 

Draws have come against Harrowby United on opening day (Home 3 3) and Grantham Town (home 1 1)

Defeats have come against Newark Town (away 0 4), Newark & Sherwood (away 1 2), Kimberley MW (home 0 2), Boston Town (away 1 3), Belper United (away 0 1) and Blackstones (away 1 2)

In the cups they haven't fared well either.

FA Cup went out at Blackstones 1 2

FA Vase lost out at home to Dunkirk 0 2

League cup Lost out at Coalville Town on penalties after a 1 1 draw

Notts Senior Cup lost out at home to Kimberley MW on penalties after a 0 0 draw.

After Defeat to perennial bogey team Heanor Town last week AFC Mansfield are another team that have a bit of a hoodoo over the Yellows in recent times. 

A late goal denied the Yellows all 3 points last season at the Forest Town Arena and the Bulls won 2 1 at the RM the previous September. This followed on a draw and a defeat for the Yellows the previous season. 

Hucknall's League Record now reads

Played 12 winning 5 drawing 2 and losing 5 with a GD of plus 2 to lie in 7th position.

Still blighted with a long injury list the Yellows will be hoping to close the gap on the play off positions.