2025 A YEAR OF CONSOLIDATION AND SILVERWARE FOR HUCKNALL TOWN

 HUCKNALL TOWN 2025 REVIEW

The year began following a defeat at rock bottom Kimberley MWFC on Boxing Day 2024. A disappointing performance which buoyed on a forlorn Kimberley into a quite remarkable resurgence. More to come on that later.

So the Yellow's went to Coronation Park for our first game of 2025 still anxiously looking over their shoulders and needing some victories to ensure they would be competing in this division come August. Tris and Aaron had been at the helm for about 6 weeks and despite a remarkable victory at eventual Champions Lincoln defeats at Boston and Deeping Rangers followed. A welcome win at home to Melton preceded the Kimberley defeat and we were still in a relegation battle.

A brace from our talisman striker "Big Nige" Towle and an Ethan Hulley strike saw the Yellows defeat our biggest rivals Eastwood despite ex Yellow Terry Hawkridge scoring for the Red Badgers. 

A break from the league saw us play a Notts senior Cup tie at the RM against fierce rivals Sherwood who at the time were step 4. A win at Selston and a good win at Newark Town had brought us to this stage of the competition where hand on heart I thought it would end. However a blistering first half display and goals from Solace and Brad Lathall saw Hucknall home despite a goal for the visitors in the second half. Could this be our year?

Back to the league and confidence gained from these two results saw the Yellows produce a fine run of results.Wins at home against Wisbech and away at Ashby Ivanhoe were followed by a draw at Harrowby before another home victory this time over Gresley saw the Yellows put distance between themselves and the relegation zone. 

A disappointing defeat at home to perennial bogey side Heanor Town still meant the Yellows had work to do.

Another visit to Coronation Park saw another victory this time over tenants Belper United and Hucknall were nearly safe.

Returning to the Notts Senior Cup saw a tie with one of Nottinghamshire's big local sides in Basford United. We couldn't could we?..........Again a superb first half performance saw two Bradley Wells' goals put the Yellows ahead at the break and they saw a second half out to produce a result that will live long in the memory of all Hucknall fans. It also installed a belief that we could go all the way and lift the cup.

Back to the league and a goalless draw at home to Skegness was followed by a superb performance at Melton Town where the Yellows scored six when it could easily have been double figures. It also made the Yellow's safe from any lingering relegation fears.

The rest of the season was pretty much immaterial apart from a certain Notts Senior Cup Final against Newark and Sherwood. Understandably performance levels dropped a little bit. A defeat at home to Newark Town was followed by a victory at home to Deeping Rangers. A last minute equaliser denied Yellows a victory at AFC Mansfield before victory at home to fellow senior cup finalists Newark and Sherwood followed though everyone there agreed the final would be a different proposition (no kidding).

A defeat at eventual play off winners Bourne Town and a last league game defeat at home to Kimberley which saw the visitors safe from relegation ended our league campaign which meant a comfortable 12th place finish. 

All roads led to Field Mill and a quite remarkable match saws us triumph on penalties after a 6 6 draw. Our never say die attitude tested to it's limits. 

The season's awards night saw "big Nige" scoop up most of the awards after an amazing season for the striker.

The new season began in disappointing fashion as we lost at home to newly promoted Blackstones despite dominating possession. 

A good win at Belper United followed and a welcome FA Cup victory at home to Yaxley made amends for the opening day defeat.

A  3 2 defeat followed at Newark Town was followed by a home win against Gresley. We bowed out of the FA Cup away at Basford despite a good first half the home team scored in the second  and we fell apart conceding 4 more to exit the competition.

The Yellows responded well defeating Boston Town at the RM in the FA Vase, drawing away at Grantham and winning at Melton Town to bring a busy August to a close. Lewis Belgrave earned the first Player of the Month award.

September began with the news that Niall Towle was out of action with a knee injury sustained in the FA Vase game against Boston. At the time it seemed innocuous but has resulted in our key player being ruled out for the season.

Results on the pitch didn't do much to lighten the situation as Sherwood demolished us at the RM and then further games against Boston saw them triumph at home in the Knock out cup and also win at the RM in the league. Further bad news followed when in the League Cup game Brad Lathall suffered his serious shoulder injury which has put him out of contention since. Hopefully a return is not to far away now. 

A stoppage time equaliser gave Ashby Ivanhoe a share of the spoils at the RM. More disappointment followed at Lutterworth Town when another late strike saw the Yellows exit. Ex Yellows keeper Luke Jeffrey playing his part in thwarting the Yellow's attack.

Just when it looked like September was going to be a total loss a good performance away at Newark and Sherwood (at Harrowby FC) saw the Yellows win and this was followed by yet another great performance at local rivals Eastwood with goals from Joey and Solace seeing us victorious.

Brad Wells won the player of the Month award for September really stepping up to the mark in light of Big Nige's absence.

October started with our usual defeat to bogey side Heanor Town at the RM before two home victories over Deeping Rangers and AFC Mansfield. Kimberley then came back to haunt us at the RM once again returning home victorious.

The month ended with another victory at Harrowby this time against the landlords. Another good away performance.

Player of the Month for October was Cash Rowe with some sterling performances.

There was very little action in November. A defeat at home to Belper raised some concerns about our home form which hasn't been the greatest in the first half of this season. In contrast our away form was one of the best in the division and this continued with a draw at Skegness.

The weather then intervened and forced a 17 day break. Whether the break played a part or not our return to action wasn't to be covered in glory. Heavy defeats at Gresley and Sherwood ended the month and gave the management plenty to think about as we dropped out of play off contention.

Due to lack of matches there was no award for player of the month for November and that it would be joined with the December award. 

December began with us bowing out of the Notts Senior Cup despite a very much improved performance. We were unable to hold on to a two goal lead and a stoppage time equaliser saw the game go to penalties which we eventually lost. No disgrace to lose to Nottingham's team of the moment Carlton Town. This however meant we were out of all the cup competitions.

Our Home form continued to be a worry with defeat at home to Melton Town. We finally beat Kimberley at Basford United and then ended the year with a draw at the RM against Clay Cross.

We end the year in 9th place which I am more than happy with. The home form concerns me with only 2 league wins at home so far this season. Thankfully our away form despite a couple of heavy defeats is still one of the best in the league. 

For the rest of the season we must look to improve the home form whilst maintaining the away record. I will be more than happy with a top ten finish but would like to get to the 40 point mark ASAP.

So happy new year to everyone connected to Hucknall Town FC lets hope 2026 is a good one for us.

REASON TO BE CHEERFUL AS YELLOWS COME FROM BEHIND TWICE TO DRAW WITH CLAY CROSS

 

HUCKNALL TOWN 2 CLAY CROSS TOWN 2

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH 

SATURDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2025

MATCH REPORT

A composed finish from Dylan Reason gave Hucknall Town a share of the spoils against a very good Clay Cross outfit who twice led before being pegged back by the Yellows.

TEAMS AND OFFICIALS: FROM THE OFFICIAL TEAM SHEET:

ATTENDANCE: 270

Hucknall lined up with new signing Ferdinand Bartley going straight into the side with Reece Sugars suspended. Brad Lathall was named on the bench as he recovers from his injury, one of only 3 subs named. Clay Cross named ex Yellows. goal keeper Frankie Shepard and Raife Poplar in their line up.

The first quarter of the game was scrappy with the visitors having the lions share of the possession and Hucknall looking to counter on the break. 

23 minutes saw Clay Cross deservedly take the lead. Alex Marshall's tight angled shot hitting the underside of the bar and ending up in the net.

The lead lasted only five minutes when Mahzi Simmons was upended in the box after a great run. Joey Ashurst stepped up and beat Shepard to his left to equalise.

Hucknall were buoyed by the equaliser and had a decent spell of possession with Dylan Reason catching the eye latching on to long balls over the top of midfield.

Just when it looked like being level at half time Hucknall old boy Raife Poplar picked up the ball outside the box and his low drive found the corner of the net past the despairing dive of Smith-Eccles.

Half Time : Hucknall 1 Clay Cross 2

Hucknall came out in determined mood and only had to wait 2 minutes into the half to find another equaliser. Another long ball was controlled by Reason who ran into the box and supplied a composed finish past Shepard. A really good goal from the youngster.

Aarron Coyle then saw a speculative effort go just wide from distance.

55 mins saw captain Short go off for Myles for an apparent trapped nerve issue. 

Clay Cross responded by looking for a winner and the home keeper Smith-Eccles produced a fine save from close range to keep the scores level on 58 minutes. A couple of minutes after he was down for quite a while but was able to carry on after treatment.

65 mins saw Wells replace Tefera.

Clay Cross were in no mood to settle for a draw and this made for an exciting end to proceedings. Reason again went close on 76 minutes but Shepard made a good save.

Both keepers were kept busy with Smith-Eccles saving well on his line and Shepard having to tip over a cross.

Right at the death Smith-Eccles was on hand again to make a superb save and it was enough to seal a point for the Yellows. In my opinion a fair result but Clay Cross probably edged the contest without finding a winner.

My man of the match for the Yellows was Dylan Reason for his great finish and all round performance. Goal keeper Smith-Eccles also in the frame and i thought Bartley did well on his debut performance for the Yellows.

So that brings football for the Yellows to a close for 2025 and we begin 2026 with a visit to Blackstones looking to avenge our seasons opening day defeat at the RM. 

Since the game Hucknall have brought in midfielder Dan Tuck from Kimberley MWFC. Welcome to the Yellows Dan.

CLAY CROSS AT THE RM ENDS ANOTHER YEAR FOR THE YELLOWS

 HUCKNALL TOWN V CLAY CROSS TOWN

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH

SATURDAY 27TH DECEMBER 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH PREVIEW

Clay Cross are the final visitors to the RM for 2025 in what has been a memorable year for the Yellows. Clay Cross were promoted from Division 1 last Season as Champions and are lying in 14th spot. This is a bit of a false position as they have played the fewest games of anyone in the division (18)and they have games in hand on both teams above and below them. Their league record reads:

played 18 winning 8 drawing 1 and losing 9 with a gd of plus 9

It's an odd stat that they are the only ones with a positive goal difference outside the top 5 despite losing more than they have won. 

Victories have come against Wisbech (home 3 0) on opening day, Harrowby (home 5 0), Ashby Ivanhoe (away 2 0), Skegness (home 4 0), Boston Town (away 4 3), Gresley Rovers (home 2 0), Heanor Town (away 4 1) and AFC Mansfield (away 2 1) on Saturday.

The single draw came in a Goal Less game away at Sherwood second game in. There are some impressive results in there.

Defeats have come against Grantham Town (home 1 2), Heanor Town (home 1 4), AFC Mansfield (home 2 3), Kimberley (home 1 2), Newark Town (away 2 3), Melton Town away 2 3), Eastwood (away 2 4), Belper United (home 1 2) and Eastwood (home 1 2).

in the cups:

FA Cup: beat Tividale (away 3 1) before defeat at Shepshed Dynamo (0 2) saw them exit.

FA Vase: Beat GNG Oadby Town (away 6 1)only to be thrown out of the competition for playing an ineligible player. Oadby went on to beat Nuneaton Town in the next Round where they will play Coventry United away in the 4th Round.

League KO cup: Beat Radford (home 6 2), Beat Gedling MW (home 7 2)and Gresley (away 7 0). They have Kimberley away in the next Round

Derbyshire Senior Cup: Beat South Normanton (away 3 0) but lost at Gresley (2 4) only a week after beating them 7 nil in the league cup tie.

Hucknall will be looking to build on their victory over Kimberley on Saturday and improve their home results in the process.

Hucknall's record reads

Played 22 winning 9 drawing 3 and losing 10 with a GD of minus 2

This puts them in 9th spot on 30 points.

There isn't much recent history between the 2 sides and you would need to go bsack to our CML days to find the last fixture between the two sides.

FESTIVE CHEER FOR YELLOWS AS KIMBERLEY BOGEY PUT TO THE SWORD

 KIMBERLMWFC 0 HUCKNALL TOWN 2

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH

SATURDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2025 15.00 KO

MATCH REPORT

Hucknall finally laid their Kimberley bogey side to rest with a hard fought 2 nil victory at Greenwich Avenue Basford, Kimberley's temporary home. Goals from Dylan Reason and Aarron Coyle either side of half time were enough to see off a Kimberley side restricted to one shot on target in the entire game.

Teams:

Kimberley: 

 Hucknall: 

Attendance: 184

Match Officials: Dylan Adams, Rachael Mee, Stewart Walker

 

Hucknall started brightly pressurising the Kimberley defence from the off with Joey Ashurst and Dylan Reason catching the eye early doors. Hucknall thought they had taken the lead on 12 minutes when the home keeper made a good save following a Hucknall corner. Despite appeals from the Yellow's players the Referee ruled that the ball hadn't crossed the line.

Reason then had a shot on 17 mins but dragged it just wide.

Kimberley upped their tempo and began to force the Yellows back and really should have taken the lead on 20 mins but the home player shot straight at Smith-Eccles in the Hucknall goal. It proved to be the home sides only effort on goal despite several chances, the next of which was well wide on 23 mins.

Kimberley continued to press causing the Yellows to pick up two yellows, First to see a card was Sugars for a high tackle on 25 mins followed by Jaine for a pull back on 27 mins.

The game entered a period where defences dominated until the impressive Reason put Hucknall ahead on 37 mins. A goal I completely missed due to talking to Dazza about Sheffield Wednesday's woes.

Reason again went close just before half time with a good effort that went just wide before the home keeper saved from both Reason and Parkes to keep the half time lead down to just the single goal.

Half Time: Kimberley 0 Hucknall 1

Kimberley came out for the second half on the front foot but went 2 goals down on 48 mins when Coyle was played through on goal by Ashurst. The ex Kimberley striker still had plenty to do but unleashed a powerful shot. Ben Allsopp in the home goal got his hands to the ball but couldn't prevent it from going in much to the pleasure of the away support.

One of the most pleasing aspects for the Yellow's was their defence today. Kimberley pressed but really created very little and indeed Hucknall looked the more likely to score again. 

On the hour mark Captain Short was replaced by Cash Rowe and he got deserved applause as he left the pitch. Kimberley had a dangerous looking free kick on 69 but the set piece was well defended and it looked today that work on the training field was paying dividends.

Further changes game on 70 mins when Ashurst and Tefera came off again to applause for their efforts being replaced by Wells and Myles. 

Belgrave picked up a Yellow for the team stopping a quick break on 74 mins.

The impressive Reason who was my Man of the Match was replaced by Lindo on 79 minutes.

Kimberley huffed and puffed but Hucknall's game management was spot on today and they ran down the clock to record a good victory on the road a laid the Kimberley hoodoo to rest in doing so.

The result saw the Yellows move up to 9th 3 points behind Kimberley who remained in 5th despite the defeat having both played 22 games.

Next up for the Yellows is Clay Cross at the RM on the 27th December 3 pm KO.

So a very Happy Christmas to everyone associated with Hucknall Town FC. Have a good one folks.

YELLOWS HOPING FOR CHRISTMAS CHEER AT BOGEY SIDE KIMBERLEY

KIMBERLEY MINERS WEFARE V HUCKNALL TOWN

GCE HIRE FLEET UCL PREMIER NORTH 

 SATURDAY DECEMBER 20TH 2025 15.00 KO

(AT GREENWICH AVENUE BASFORD)

MATCH PREVIEW

Hucknall travel to Greenwich Avenue Basford, Kimberley's temporary home hoping not only to get back on track after a series of disappointing results but also put an end to Kimberley's dominance in this fixture both home and away. The Yellows have failed to take a single point off Kimberley since our move to the UCL. Indeed you would have to go back to our East Midlands Counties days when Hucknall won 5 2 at our old Watnall Road Ground and even that result was expunged from the record due to Covid ending that season prematurely.  

Kimberley stayed up on the last day of last season when comfortably winning 3 nil at the RM and carried on the victories against the Yellows by returning to the RM in October and once again took all the points in a 2 1 success.

Kimberley have fared much better in this campaign and lie in 5th spot with a record that reads

Played 21 winning 10 drawing 3 and losing 8 with a GD of plus 6

As with Hucknall though it has been a topsy turvy season for the Stags ending their own poor run of results with victory over AFC Mansfield last weekend. Since their victory over the Yellows they failed to pick up another league victory for 7 games until last weekend. 

This period also saw them exit the Notts Senior Cup, losing 4 1 at home to very much in form Retford United. There was also defeat in the FA Vase Losing 3 1 at Hanley Town.

They remain in the League Knock out Cup having beaten Retford United on penalties after a 1 1 draw. They face Clay Cross Town in the next round. 

In the FA Cup Kimberley went out early doors following a 2 nil defeat at Boston in August.

Hucknall's record now reads

played 21 winning 8 drawing 3 and losing 10. with a GD of minus 3

The Yellows form since the excellent 4 nil win at Harrowby has been disappointing and a little concerning. 6 games have failed to register a single victory. A draw at home to Skegness has been the only point gained in five league games and an exit in our defence of the Notts Senior cup albeit against a very good Carlton team and our best performance in this period. Of concern in that time we have conceded sixteen times with half of those coming in very similar fashion from corners. 

I'm sure that Tris and Largey will have been equally concerned and hopefully these frailties will have been worked on. I'm looking forward to tomorrows game and think the 4g pitch will be beneficial as we have on the whole played well on these surfaces this season, even in the Basford FA Cup game we did well until Basford showed their class. 

In squad news the enforced break has allowed a few niggles in the squad to clear. CJ Dunkley has gone to Sandiacre Town in a bid to find fitness and indeed he scored last weekend. Goal Keeper Frankie Shepard has left for Clay Cross in search of first team football. He did very well for us when Alfie was out injured and we wish him all the best as we do CJ.