Through Thick And Thin: 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.