Racecourse Colts 3    Hucknall Warriors Yellow 3 ( Warriors win 1-3 on penalties)

An exciting encounter was served up for this Chad Mansfield Town Youth league u13 div 2 Supplementary cup final between two equally matched teams.
Both teams started cautiously and struggled to get into any sort of rhythm, Warriors relying on the odd break forward and containing the Racecourse team to very few chances. Warriors looked to have made it to the break keeping their goal intact when disaster struck, Racecourse getting the opener after Warriors failed to get the danger cleared from around their box leaving the Racecourse forward to score unopposed. Still only one down at half time and all to play for.
Warriors came out for the second half on a mission and dominated the play right from the kick off, before long they were level Regan Scott firing in from 10yrds to open Warriors account. Warriors continued to push forward and took the lead when Joe Hewitt got a touch to finish well  from a Charlie Miller corner, Warriors looked to have done enough to get them over the winning line but in the last minute of normal time Racecourse were awarded a free kick just inside the Warriors half. The freekick was fired into the goal mouth where a Racecourse player managed to get some contact on the ball to deflect it by the excellent Warriors keeper Jack Grainger drawing them level just before the final whistle. A deflated Warriors team now had to pick themselves up for extra time.
The Racecouse team were now buoyant after their last minute escape and looked most likely to score, and that they did when they were awarded a penalty following a clumsy challenge by a Warriors defender in the goal area. As extra time was coming rapidly to a close Warriors had one final last push to draw level, a Hail Mary  freekick into the Racecourse goal mouth found its way to  Jordan Tovey who dispatched the ball past the Racecourse keeper to bring the hard working Warriors team level.  Extra time was completed with both teams level, the game was now to be decided on penalties. The first two penalties were converted with some aplomb by Regan Scott and the impressive Andreas Kokkinou these came without reply as keeper Grainger produced two great saves to leave the Racecourse team on the verge of defeat. Then just to make it a little more tense Warriors missed their next 2 penalties as Racecourse finally got on the penalties score sheet, this left Joe Hewitt the responsibility of taking the final penalty to win the trophy for the Warriors and this he did converting past the Racecourse keeper to the relief of everybody connected with this battling Warriors team.

Racecourse Colts   0   Hucknall Warriors Yellow 1

A meeting of the Supplementary cup finalist gave both teams the opportunity to have a good look at each other before their big day in this Chad Mansfield Town youth football league U13 div 2 fixture. On a difficult pitch it was Warriors that began tentatively against a  Racecourse team that were looking to deny Warriors the chance of a fourth place league finish. Gradually the visitors pulled themselves into the game with midfield trio of Charlie Miller, Matt Brierley and Joe Gill all working hard to get some service to the Warriors forwards. Chances started to  come for the Warriors as the tricky Ben Clurow and the pacey Jordan Tovey looked to get the Warriors in front.  It was attacking midfielder Regan Scott that was unlucky not to open the Warriors account with a great effort firing just over  a difficult volley following a pin point Brierley cross. Warriors finally got on the score sheet, a long throw in from Miller was flicked on towards goal by Gill and the unlucky Racecourse defender trying to clear sliced the ball into his own net under pressure from Tovey.  Warriors could have made it two after Andreas kokkinou battled his way through half of the Racecourse team  and was unlucky not to score. The second half started with the home side pushing to get on level terms but came up against a defensive wall of Sam Stewart, Luke Atter, Sam Wells and Man of the Match Andreas Kokkinou and when the defence did get breached there was always keeper Jack Grainger to mop up any danger. Both sides created very few clear cut chances  in the second period and Warriors finished worthy winners after showing great effort and commitment to grind out this win. A great team performance.

Tibshelf FC  4        Hucknall Warriors yellow  3

Warriors were looking at taking their recent run of good form into the away match at Tibshelf in the Chad Mansfield Town Youth league u13 div 2. With a difficult wind favoring the home side in the first period Warriors struggled to get into any sort of rhythm and were under pressure from the start as Tibshelf created the best of the early chances only to be thwarted by Warriors keeper Jack Grainger making some fine stops. Tibshelf finally broke the resistance after a corner was swung into the far post and an unmarked forward finished well from close range.  Warriors looked to have weathered the storm with some stout defending from the back four but just before half time Tibshelf made it 2 after  keeper Grainger misjudged a ball into the box and allowed the Tibshelf player the easiest of tap ins. On the stroke of half time the home side made it an undeserved 3 after a cross into the Warriors area deflected off a Warriors defender and into the net. With Warriors looking to take advantage of the conditions they started the  second half playing  like the team of the past few weeks, quickly getting the ball forward to the constant threat of  Regan Scott on the wing.  Warriors got their goal and it was a typical goal from Charlie Miller firing in an unstoppable shot from 25 yards with Warriors midfield pushing forward at every opportunity ably assisted by full backs Sam Wells and Luke Atter, Warriors got their second a piece of individual skill from Regan Scott hammering the ball into the net from an impossible wide angle which the home sides keeper could only watch and admire. Warriors continued to look for the equalizer and were unlucky when a Matt Brierley free kick struck the bar and fell to safety, at last Warriors got themselves on equal terms a fantastic finish from Jordon Tovey who fired the ball back past the Tibshelf keeper following a poor clearance from a goal kick. Warriors looked to have scored a fourth but unfortunately man of the match Sam Wells effort just drifted inches past the post. Then the unthinkable happened Tibshelf scored a fourth and the winner after the Warriors defence had switched off and allowed the Tibshelf forward to get through on goal without a good challenge and to fire past keeper Grainger giving him no chance.

Hucknall Warriors U13 Yellow 4    Skegby Colts 0

Skegby colts were the visitors in a  match that both teams could not afford to lose in this Chad Mansfield Youth u13 division 2 fixture.  Warriors started well playing into the wind with some good short passing from the defence through the midfield and up to the forwards. With Warriors so much on top they still needed to open their goal scoring account and that they did with a quality Michael South chip from the edge of the box giving the Skegby keeper no chance.
Warriors continued to create chances to double their advantage with the dangerous Ben Clurow looking most likeliest to score and it was from a accurate free kick taken by Andreas Kokkinou that found Clurow and from his great run and cross gave the powerful Charlie Miller the simplest of tap ins.  Skegby continued to use the wind and the long ball but Warriors keeper Jack Grainger  must have had  porridge for breakfast and was having not of it coming out to the edge of his box and beyond to nullify any thoughts that the visitors had of getting a foothold in the game. Warriors bagged a third before half time James Starmore in the right place to convert a Clurow shot that was too hot for the Skegby keeper to hold on to.  The second half saw Warriors take their foot of the peddle, even though they continued to create chances for the unlucky Jordan Tovey and Danny Mitford and along with a  great header from none compromising centre half and Man of the match Sam Stewart just going wide, it was left to Joe Hewitt to score one of his trade mark goals firing in an unstoppable shot from 25 yards. Just the one goal in the second half to make it four but enough to send away the visitors looking sick as parrots.
Hucknall Warriors Yellow u13 4 v Welbeck Welfare FC 3

Warriors won a bruising encounter against Welbeck 4-3 to ease their relegation worries.
A scintillating start saw Warriors rush into a 2 goal lead. With Matt Brierley scoring twice including a 20 yard free kick into the top corner.
Welbeck fought back and levelled the scores by half time as they threatened the Warriors goal with direct football.
In the second half with man of the match goalkeeper keeping Welbeck at bay, Warriors took command with a spectacular goal from Charlie Miller and a close range effort from Jordan Tovey. The Warriors reargard of Sam Wells, Sam Stewart, Andreas Kokkinou and Luke Atter held firm to keep the lead, and with hard working midfielders Michal South, Regan Scott and Dan Mitford continuing to probe, the forwards of Joe Hewitt, Ben Clurow and Tovey continued to press. Welbeck did claw back a late consolation, but the win was more comfortable than the final one goal margin.

Manor 4th   3     Hucknall Warriors yellow 0

The final score was not a true reflection on the performance of the Warriors as they made the trip to Manor 4th for this Chad Mansfield youth league div 2 fixture. Warriors played all of the football  and looked more like the team chasing a top spot finish with the home side relying on the not very pretty big boot approach. In the first period warriors enjoyed some good play going forward and looked most likely to score first with some neat interchange play between Sam Wells, Michael South and the hard working Charlie Miller. Warriors  continued to dominate the possession and were unfortunate not to take the lead  when a  great ball into the box fell to striker Jordan Tovey who unluckily saw his shot hit the base of the post and rebound to safety. Just before half time the unthinkable happened a speculative hoof from the sideline caught the wind and flew over stranded Warriors keeper Jack Grainger to land  inches inside the post. One down at half time but all still to play for, Warriors struggled to find the spark that could lift them during the second period but  it looked  that they had when  Michael South finished well only for the referee to pull the play back for of all things a Warriors free kick unsurprisingly the man in the middle chose not to play the advantage rule. Warriors did not deserve to go two goals down after a Manor player appeared to use his arm to knock the ball out of Graingers hands to score the referee saw no infringement and gave the goal. Tovey again had a chance to get Warriors back into the game but failed to convert after man of the match Charlie Millers powerful strike had not been dealt with by the home sides keeper. Just to rub salt into the wounds manor scored a third, the local referee awarding a free kick right on the edge of the Warriors box from what seemed to be a good tackle. The strong free kick was fired in unfortunately  substitute keeper Jack Mitford could only push the ball out to the oncoming forwards feet leaving the Manor player with the easiest of tap ins. A mention for the outstanding Andreas Kokkinouwho put in another great performance.

Hucknall Warriors Yellow  5    Tibshelf FC  4

A close encounter of the nail biting kind was in store for the Warriors against Tibshelf FC in this Chad Mansfield Town league U13 division 2 fixture. Warriors started the game brightly and were quickly into their stride with some good controlled passing through the midfield. Warriors took the lead after a Charlie Miller throwing found Joe Gill raging forward and his cross/shot was converted by  James Starmore who reacted quicker than the visitors defence. Shortly after Warriors got their  second goal  scored by Joe Hewitt firing in an unstoppable shot after being put through by Ben Clurow following a powerful and determined run. Warriors were looking confident and playing some of the seasons best football and this cumulated in Warriors third, a series of short passes starting with full back Danny Mitford involving hard working Charlie Miller and Joe Hewitt  finishing in the back of the net from a great shot from Joe Gill. Tibshelf on occasions did get forward but were ably dealt with by some quality defending from centre backs Andreas Kokkinou and Sam Stewart to nullify any threats. Goal four for the Warriors came straight from the training ground a pin point corner from Matt Brierley saw Sam Stewart rise above everybody to glance his header into the net for a well worked goal. Rampant Warriors then made it five.  Man of the Match Ben Clurow who had been a thorn in the side of the Tibshelf defence bagging one for himself after being found by yet another sleek pass from the influential James Starmore. Warriors five up at half time the game was over but someone should have told the Tibshelf team that, within minutes of the restart the visitors scored converting the rebound after a shot had hit the goal post. Minutes later it was two for Tibshelf  Warriors not clearing from a long throw into their goal area, once again some indecisive defending made it three for the visitors. Warriors were looking nervous and struggling to get into the game but did create a good chance for Jordan Tovey who was unlucky to see his shot rebound off the post and to safety. Tibshelf continued to push forward and got within touching distance of a draw scoring a fourth to set up a tense last 5 mins. It could have been all square at the close but for a piece of brave goalkeeping from Jack Mitford diving down at the on coming strikers feet to maintain the Warriors lead. The final whistle didn’t come to soon as Warriors managed to pick up 3 valuable points, just.

Glapwell Gladiators 1    Hucknall Warriors yellow 0

The first outing for the Warriors in a few weeks saw them pitched against top of the table Glapwell Gladiators for this Chad Mansfield Town Youth Football League u13 div 2 fixture. With a number of the Warriors squad missing it looked like the result would be a foregone conclusion, but the eleven Warriors players had other ideas. The Warriors got into their stride quickly and gave the home side no time to dwell on the ball as hard working and tough tackling midfielders Matt Brierley, Charlie Miller  and Joe Gill set about the challenge. In a first half where Warriors were always going to be under pressure the Warriors defence held firm limiting the home side to very few chances as centre backs Sam Stewart and classy Andreas Kokkinou snubbed out any attacks down the middle. With Warriors showing ambition and breaking well with lone forward James Starmore ably assisted by Michael South they were awarded a corner, Brierley stepped up to take it and put in a fabulous ball that the home sides keeper was lucky to push onto the post.  As half time approached keeper Jack Grainger was called into action with a brilliant finger tip save that kept the Warriors level up to the break. The second half continued with Warriors not being overawed by the home side and were unlucky not to take the lead after a Charlie Miller 30 yard shot was well saved by the Glapwell keeper. Full back Luke Atter was always looking to get forward to lead the charge from the back as chances were beginning to happen at both ends, Michael South unlucky not to finish after busting a gut to get forward into a goal scoring position. Unlucky Warriors then conceded as  the home side forward finished with some composure after looking surprised to find himself unmarked in the area. With time running out Warriors continued to give 100% this was typified by the efforts of brothers Jack and Dan Mitford who still had the never say die attitude.  Unfortunately time ran out for the Warriors losing to the only goal of the game.

Hucknall Warriors U13   2   Racecourse Colts 3
Another opportunity for the Warriors to make advances up the Chad Mansfield Town Youth Football u13 div 2 league as Racecourse Colts came to visit on this cold and foggy morning. The weather did not deter the Warriors as they started brightly with Matt Brierley and Charlie Miller controlling the midfield, chances started to come with the unlucky Jordan Tovey and Joe Hewitt both being foiled by the Racecourse keeper. Against the run of play the visitors took the lead from a break away, the referee choosing to ignore the assistants flag leaving the Racecourse forward unopposed on goal to finish well passed keeper Jack Grainger.
Warriors heads did not drop and they continued to play some good football in the search of the equaliser and it seemed only a matter of time before Warriors drew level and when they did what a goal it was, Joe Hewitt scoring with an acrobatic volley from 12 yards that gave the visitors in form keeper no chance to save. With Warriors keeper Grainger a cold spectator the unthinkable happened an indecisive piece of defending punished to the maximum giving the visitors the advantage. The second half started with Warriors in search of the equaliser with the lively Ben Clurow and James Starmore leading the charge, it was the influential Starmore that got the reward for all of his hard work firing in the equaliser from just inside the box.  The game was now up for grabs but with the Racecourse team now inspired by an outstanding performance from their keeper it was they that bagged the decisive third goal after Warriors once again failed to clear the danger from a corner. It was all out attack for the Warriors in the final part of the game but after a series of accurate corners from Man of the Match Matt Brierley, a point blank save, a cross bar hit and some unlucky finishing it was just not going to be Warriors day.

Quarrydale United Rangers 3   Hucknall Warriors   5
Not one for any Warriors supporter of a nervous disposition as Warriors made the short trip to Quarrydale for a must win fixture in the Chad Mansfield Town Youth football U13 division 2 league. With Warriors still looking for their first league win of the season this looked a good opportunity to kick start their season against a team that were bottom of the league. Quarrydale also had ambitions and came out showing a great deal of effort and commitment, with Warriors on the back foot and struggling to make any impact on the game they conceded the first goal. A free kick from outside the area deflecting off the wall and ending up in the back of the net wrong footing keeper Jack Grainger. Before long it was double trouble for the nervous Warriors as the home side bagged their second, an unchallenged shot from outside of the box finishing up in the top of the net. If Warriors were going to get anything out of this game they needed it quickly and it happened straight after the break, the influential James Starmore working hard and finishing well to halve the home side’s advantage. With Warriors now on top and looking for an equaliser they managed to shoot themselves in the foot letting in a third after failing to clear the danger. But as in previous weeks Warriors kept going forward and scored a second the lively Ben Clurow heading in from an accurate Joe Hewitt corner. With their tails up Warriors continued to push forward looking for the equaliser and good pressure going forward resulted in the home side giving away another corner, hit man Hewitt put in the dead ball kick of such quality the Quarrydale keeper could only push the ball into the roof of his own net drawing the visitors level. Good link up play down the Warriors right hand side between hard working Danny Mitford and outstanding man of the match Michael South fed tricky forward Mitch Cassidy who was then fouled on his way to the by-line. Another pin point freekick from Hewitt created panic in the home side’s goal mouth, Clurow again reacting quickest to bag his second and put the Warriors ahead. To seal the victory Hewitt got his second and Warriors fifth from the penalty spot after Cassidy was felled in the box followi

Skegby Colts U13 3    Hucknall Warriors U13 Yellow 3
Warriors travelled to Skegby Colts in search of their first win of the season in the Chad Mansfield Town U13 Div 2 League. A good positive start from the Warriors saw the midfield begin to dominate the possession, Matt Brierley and Charlie Miller pulling the strings. With Warriors on top and restricting the home side to the odd break away it seemed only a matter of time before they took the lead, both Joe Hewitt and Jordan Tovey going close. It was from one of those breaks that the home side scored the first goal, the Skegby forward showing good pace and finishing well from 12 yards. With Warriors still reeling from going behind the home side doubled their advantage when a cross to the far post was converted from a difficult angle giving keeper Jack Grainger no chance. After the break Warriors continued to push forward looking to get back into the game they were finally rewarded, Dan Mitford converting with power from a determined Charlie Miller run. Again Warriors made things difficult for themselves conceding a third after failing to clear a home sides foray forward. All credit to the warriors they kept going forward and a Joe Gill flick on header from a Matt Brierley corner resulted in Joe Hewitt being first to react to get the warriors back to within one goal deficit. Outstanding play from James Starmore and Michael South kept the Warriors going forward in search of the equaliser and it came from an unlikely source, full back and Man of the Match Luke Atter winning the ball on the half way line driving forward and firing in an unstoppable shot from 25 yards. A good team performance in which Warriors played some good football and on another day would have come out of this game with a victory.

Hucknall Warriors Yellow 1   Manor 4th 4

A lack lustre performance from the Warriors that must have had manager Brierley pulling his hair out in frustration. A strong Manor 4th team were the visitors and this was a good opportunity for the Warriors to kick start their league performances and progress up the Chad Mansfield Town Youth U13 div 2 league. It was not to be as the Warriors struggled to get into the game and never got any sort of passing game going against a team that were well drilled. Once again Warriors found themselves two goals behind and with the midfield misfiring Warriors relied on individual efforts from Ben Clurow, Mitch Cassidy and the long range shooting of Charlie Miller to get them back into the game. With Warriors limiting the visitors to two in the first half there was still hope that the Warriors could turn the game around in the second, James Starmore continuing to work hard for the cause. Warriors defence showing some good commitment and dealing well with any of the visitors direct forward play until a couple of errors resulted in the vistors doubling their advantage to make it four. Warriors did get a consolation goal at the death, make shift midfielder Jack Mitford getting the reward for all of his hard work directing the ball in from a Joe Gill Shot.

Hucknall Warriors U13 Yellow  1    Tibshelf  3

Second division table topping  Tibshelf were the latest test for the Warriors in the Chad Mansfield youth league u13 cup. Once again Warriors were not switched on at the start of the game and consequently found themselves conceding two early goals. With Warriors struggling to get into their stride it could have been a lot worse if not for a string of brilliant saves from Warriors keeper Jack Grainger keeping them within touching distance. Finally Warriors got into their stride the influential James Starmore and the hard working Charlie Miller leading the fightback. Starmore unlucky not to halve the visitors lead after striking the post after some good work and a great effort. Starmore did get his reward scoring with a well placed header from a pin point corner from Joe Hewitt. The second half started with Warriors playing with more confidence and looking most likely to score as the dangerous Ben Clurow and Jordan Tovey always looking a threat but again luck was not on the side of the Warriors defence as a sliced clearance unfortunately fell at the feet of the visitors forward who finished well putting a comeback out of Warriors reach.

Hucknall Warriors Yellow  3       Glapwell Gladiators 5

Table toppers Glapwell were the visitors for the Warriors in this Chad Mansfield Youth League U13 division 2 fixture. On a day where Warriors needed to be at their best they found themselves adrift conceding two early goals after some ineffective defending. All credit to the Warriors though they kept plugging away and began to create chances with Jordan Tovey and Ben Clurow both going close. It was the lively Tovey that halved the visitors lead converting well from a Joe Hewitt pass.  It didn’t take Warriors long into the second half to draw level and what a goal it was, Man of the Match Charlie Miller firing in an unstoppable shot from 25yards. Both teams continued to create chances but it was the visitors that once again got their noses in front, Warriors not dealing with a corner which gave the Glapwell player a free strike at goal. Glapwell made it four taking a quick free kick before the Warriors could get organised leaving the visitors forward unmarked to fire home. Warriors pulled a goal back, diddy dynamo Mitch Cassidy squeezing the ball in between keeper and post after a good direct run. Hope of the Warriors deservedly getting something from the game was dashed when Glapwell scored a fifth and sealing the victory for the visitors.

Welbeck Welfare 4     Hucknall Warriors Yellow 4

After the heady heights achieved from the previous week it was back down to earth with a bang as the Warriors visited Welbeck Welfare in attempt to take their cup form into this Chad Mansfield Town youth league u13 Div 2 fixture. Once again Warriors started slowly and with very little constructive football being played it was always going to be difficult for the Warriors midfield to get a grip on the game. Warriors conceded the first goal from the penalty spot after the homes sides forward was adjudged to have been fouled in the penalty area. This sparked the warriors into action and it was action man Mitch Cassidy himself  that first went close after being put through by Ben Clurow, next to go close was the hard working Charlie Miller deserving more from a great run and shot. At last the Warriors were on level terms Cassidy firing in from a pin point Joe Hewitt corner. Warriors were now on top and with more decisive finishing should have finished the first half with an advantage. The second half started with a disaster as the home side scored a second from a break away. Warriors again dug in and soon levelled, Joe Hewitt getting the second after being put through by Captain Matt Brierley. With the game going from end to end both teams continued to create chances unfortunately it was Warriors that went behind again. All credit to the Warriors they again levelled the score Hewitt converting a penalty after James Starmore had been fouled in the area. With both teams going for a win Warriors conceded a fourth after failing to clear the ball leaving the home sides forward with a simple finish. Not much time for Warriors to get anything from the game but amazingly they scored an equaliser, Man of the Match Matt Brierley firing in a free kick from 25 yards to give the Warriors their first league point.

Hucknall Warriors Yellow 10    Pride of Shirebrook 1

The sun finally shone for the Warriors as visitors The Pride of Shirebrook were demolished during the first round of the Mansfield Youth league u13 knock out cup. The visitors were straight into their game, putting the Warriors defence under some early pressure and were rewarded by scoring the first goal from a well struck shot that flew in over the head of keeper Jack Grainger. Warriors stepped up their game and began applying pressure, goal scoring chance started to happen with the excellent Charlie Miller going close after a powerful run and shot and captain Matt Brierley testing the keeper with a well struck free kick.
The equaliser finally came after chaser of lost causes Jordan Tovey scored from an acute angle with a shot that the visitors keeper found too hot to handle and could only push into his own net. Soon after it was two, Joe Hewitt finishing bravely after colliding with defender and keeper. The third came from a well worked corner Dan Mitford winning the header at the back post and converted by Tovey for his second. With Man of the Match Tovey in this sort of form it was only a matter of time before he was on the score sheet again and just before half time he completed his Hat Trick with another great finish. At the start of the second half the visitors tried to get back into the game but were foiled with a great save from new keeper Jack Mitford. Warriors again took control of the game scoring a fifth, Joe Gill bulldozering his was through to goal. It was now one way traffic, Joe Hewitt made it six with a typical quality finish. Ben Clurow made it seven with a rocket of a left foot shot into the top corner of the net. The visitors did not give up though but every time they approached the Warriors goal they met the wall of no compromising defenders Sam Stewart and Luke Atter. Joe Hewitt bagged his Hat Trick to make it eight converting a spot kick after Clurow was denied a goal scoring opportunity by being fouled in the box. Pocket rocket Mitch Cassidy made it nine with a clinical finish from an accurate Clurow pass, Joe Hewitt got his fourth and number ten for the Warriors with a pile driver of a shot.

Hucknall Warriors U13 Yellow  3      Walesby U13  6

Warriors belated start to the season finally got going with the visit of Walesby JFC in this Chad Mansfield Town Football league Div 2 fixture. The new look warriors team started well and were more than holding their own against a well organised team that had spent last season in the top flight. Warriors conceded the first goal, after not being able to get the ball clear they were punished by a good finish that gave keeper Jack Grainger no chance to save. The visitors then doubled their advantage with a move that cut open the Warriors defence leaving the goal scorer with a simple finish. Warriors continued to play some good football and continued to create chances with the hard working Jordan Tovey and new signing Ben Clurow both going close. Things went from bad to worse for the Warriors as some clinical finishing saw the visitors rattled in another three goals before half time. With Warriors still in shock Walesby continued where that had left off in the first half and were soon on the score sheet making it six. All credit to the home side as they continued to play some good football particularly from the full backs Michael South and Man of the Match Sam Wells. Warriors still created chances and it was James Starmore that opened the home sides account for the season finishing well after being picked out with a slide rule pass from Captain Matt Brierley. Warriors were now on the up and bagged a second goal from a Brierley corner that was met by Joe Hewitt who converted with a bullet of a header. The home side never stopped pressing and were rewarded with a third, Clurow scoring low into the corner from a difficult angle. A result that did not reflect the Warriors performance.

Interski 4   Hucknall Warriors Yellow 2

Interski were the next challenge for a low on confidence Warriors side in much need of a good performance in the penultimate Chad Mansfield Town league Division 2 u12 fixture. Warriors started well defying their recent form and were soon on top, with some slick passing from Matt Brierley and Mitch Cassidy Warriors began to create some good goalscoring opportunities for the hard working Jordan Tovey and James Starmore. Against the run of play Interski got the opener when the Warriors defence did not deal with a speculative through ball. Things could have got worse but a goal line clearance from Michael South that kept the Warriors in touch. All credit to the Warriors they did not drop their heads but continued to press forward looking for the equaliser and were rewarded with Tovey netting from Starmore’s hard work. All square at half time, Warriors were rocked by two quick goals from the home side and were now having to dig deep if they were going to get anything from the game. Man of the match Mitch Cassidy brought the warriors back into the game with a 30yard shot that the home side’s keeper could only admire as it sailed over his head and into the net, with the Warriors on top they were given the chance to draw level after Cassidy was felled in the box and a penalty awarded, unfortunately the spot kick was not converted. To rub salt into the wounds Interski bagged a fourth to make the victory safe. A good gritty performance from which Warriors were unlucky to come away with nothing.

Hucknall Warriors Yellow 3    Skegby Colts 6

A better performance from the previous week was required from the Warriors against visitors Skegby Colts in this Chad Mansfield Town League u12 Div 2 fixture. Alas it was not to be as the Warriors soon went 2 goals behind due to some ineffective defending. Poor keeper Jack Grainger must have been having that deja vu feeling as once again Warriors were left on the starting blocks. James Starmore gave them a life line with a fantastic finish from an acrobatic overhead kick from a well worked corner, just before the interval the visitors regained their 2 goal advantage again after Warriors failed to clear the danger.
With Warriors squandering some good chances in open play it looked like their best chance to score was going to be from a set piece and it was again from a corner that James Starmore bagged his second with a good finish converting a near post header from Joe Gill. Warriors then crumbled and allowed the visitors to score another 3 goals without reply with the greatest of ease, only keeper Grainger showing any source of resistance with one in particular point blank shot that was brilliantly saved.
On the stroke of the final whistle Matt Brierley fired in a free kick that found its way into the Skegby net via a deflection from a defender.

Hucknall Warriors U12 Yellow 2 Manor 4th Yellow 5
Warriors played as poorly as the weather in the Chad Mansfield Town Youth League cup match at home to Manor 4th.
Warriors were very slow off the blocks and were soon trailing by 3 goals. However, chances were made and the team kept battling and pulled a goal back through James Starmore just before half-time.
At the interval, the team still appeared in the game, but there was a familiar start to the second half as Manor soon scored a deserved 4th. An excellent late second goal from Jo ‘H’ Hewitt  was due reward for a battling performance from him as he kept creating goal scoring opportunities.
However, a final fifth goal secured the win for Manor 4th to avenge the result from the previous week. Overall, Warriors kept battling and pushing forward promoted by man of the match Charlie Miller, but did not adapt to the wet conditions.

Manor 4th Yellow 0 Hucknall Warriors U12 Yellow 1
Warriors battled to a deserved win in the Chad Mansfield Town Youth League div 2 match away to Manor 4th.
A battling performance with few chances created for either team. The Warriors goalkeeper, Jack Grainger and defence of Sam Wells, Sam Stewart, Leyton Weatherall and Michael South excelled and rarely looked likely to concede a goal.
The midfield had to battle throughout the match, with a typically all action display from man of the match Joe Gill, supported by Matt Brierley, Mitch Cassidy and Charlie Miller.
After a goal-less first half, and a number of substitutions, Warriors continued to press and Joe Hewitt, James Starmore and Gill all went close, before just after returning to the pitch, Jordan Tovey lobbed the Manor goalkeeper with a sublime finish from the edge of the penalty area.

Hucknall Warriors Under 12 Yellow 3     Glapwell Gladiators 5
An epic encounter was expected as the Warriors took on the Glapwell Gladiators in this Chad Mansfield Town Youth league Div 2 u12 fixture. Warriors must have thought it was going to be their day as an under strength Glapwell team took to the pitch, but it was the visitors that opened the scoring, firing in a free kick from the edge of the box that gave keeper Jack Grainger no chance to save. This sparked life into the Warriors who took control of the game and were soon level when pocket rocket Mitch Cassidy showed great determination to finish off all of his own hard work with a cool headed strike. Chances came for the Warriors and James Starmore was unlucky with an effort that was just inches wide. With the Warriors on top it was against the run of play that Glapwell scored their second, again from some indecisive defending. On the stoke of half time striker Joe Hewitt nearly got Warriors on level terms with a fabulous shot that hit the bar. The second half began like the first with Warriors conceding an early goal. The home side were again having to play catch up. Matt Brierly pulled one back from a well taken free kick that rocketed into the net giving some hope. Again Warriors showed defensive frailties allowing the visitors to bag another couple of goals leaving them with a mountain to climb. Warriors did score a third, hard working Charlie Miller getting the reward for his efforts. Man of the Match Joe Gill showed great commitment but unfortunately no matter how hard the whole team tried it was not going to be Warriors Day.

Hucknall Warriors U12 Yellow 3 Clipstone Welfare YFC 2
Warriors battled to a deserved win in blustery conditions in the Chad Mansfield Town Youth League div 2 match against Clipstone Welfare.
Playing with the wind in the first half, Warriors took a 2-0 first half lead, with goals from Jordan Tovey after 8 minutes following a pass by Callum Standen, and a second from Joe Gill who picked up a weak goal kick and slotted home. Further goals should have followed, but a mixture of good goalkeeping and misplaced shooting meant only a two goal lead to take into the second half. The closest to a third goal was a speculative shot from the edge of the area by Leyton Weatherall well saved by the Clipstone goalkeeper.
After half time, the game was more even as Warriors battled into the wind, and they were pegged back by an early scrambled goal and a speculative cross-shot from the right wing that ended up in the back of the Warriors net.
At this point, man of the match Joe Gill took the game by the scruff of the net and urged Warriors forward. He fed James Starmore through on goal, and when he rounded the keeper looked certain to score, but the shot was cleared off the line. However, Matt Brierley on his 50th Warriors appearance followed up to put the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the area.
Further goals did not materialise despite chances for Mitchell Cassidy, Joe Hewitt and Charlie Miller.

Hucknall Warriors U12 Yellow 2    Welbeck Welfare 4

A difficult fixture for the Warriors against promotion hopefuls Welbeck Welfare in this Chad Mansfield Youth League U12 division 2 clash. Warriors continued their good form and started well taking the game to the visitors, with some good passing and movement from the warriors midfielders Charlie Miller, Matt Brierley and Joe Gill  they began to create chances for the lively Jordan Tovey and Joe Hewitt. Warriors finally got the opener, Tovey finishing well after the ball fell to him when Hewitt had been taken down by the visitors keeper and an advantage from the referee had been played. Welbeck began to come more into the game and were awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge from a Warriors defender, this was duly converted giving keeper Jack Grainger no chance to save. Warriors continued to push forward and were rewarded for their pressure when hard working Mitch Cassidy was bundled over in the box for the second penalty of the match. Up stepped hitman Hewitt to bury the spot kick with a fierce strike. Back came Welbeck with an equaliser just before half time after Warriors failed to clear the danger from  a corner.
In the second half Warriors continued to  play their football and were unlucky to go behind from a rocket of a shot from 30yards out that keeper Grainger had no chance with. The visitors then made it four sealing the victory with an easy finish after a lapse of concentration from the Warriors. All of the Warriors defence did well with the excellent Sam Wells, Layton Weatherall ,Michael south and leading by example captain and Man of the Match Sam Stewart. The score was not a true reflection on how well the home side performed and every player involved in this performance should take a lot of credit.

Hucknall Warriors U12 Yellow 5 Manor 4th Yellow 1
Warriors carried their good form of the previous week into the Chad Mansfield Town Youth League div 2 match against Manor 4th Yellow.After an even start to the match, Warriors battled to an early lead. Callum Standen battled to win the ball on Manor’s penalty area to set up James Starmore for the opening goal after 4 minutes.Manor hit back, and strong defending from the Warriors back four of Joe Gill, Sam Stewart, Michael South and the outstanding man of the match Samuel Wells. Eventually, the equalising goal came direct from a corner on the left which was missed by the whole Warriors defence.The home team came flying back and Charlie Miller had a chance from a great Joe ‘H’ Hewitt cross. Then Miller put Warriors ahead with a strike through a crowd of players from 20yds which found its way into the net. Standen then hit the post and Miller slice another chance wide. Warriors keeper Jack Grainger then scrambled a ball wide from a Manor attack to keep Warriors ahead at half time.The second half was much more one-sided, and Warriors extended their lead with good play by Miller who crossed from the right to allow Joe Gill to volley in from 10yds. Gill then turned provider with another cross from the right that James Starmore smashed  into the roof of the net from close in. Warriors finisehed the scoring late on when Substitute Jordan Tovey picked up a Manor goal kick and smashed into the top corner.

Worksop Town Juniors 4 Hucknall Warriors U12 Yellow 1
A match against Chad Mansfield Town Youth League div 2 leaders Worksop Town Juniors , who held a 100% record and average of 7 goals a game finished with Warriors holding their heads high after a creditable performance. The match was 0-0 at half time with the Warriors defence of Jack Grainger in goal, Sam Wells, Joe Gill, Sam Stewart and Michael South giving an excellent disciplined performance. Warriors actually came close to taking the lead with efforts from James Starmore, Charlie Miller and Mitch Cassidy.The game opened up more in the second half and Worksop took the lead with a scrambled goal after twice being foiled by Jack Grainger, quickly followed by a second scrappy effort. Joe ‘H’ Hewitt with a through ball for Jordan Tovey almost clawed a goal back before Hewitt picked up a long throw from Charlie Miller and volleyed it into the net from the edge of the penalty box.Worksop hit back to re-establish a two goal lead with a 20 yard unstoppable strike of their own and the scoring finished when Joe Gill brought down the Worksop forward to concede a late penalty. Overall, a creditable team performance against a top side.

Hucknall Warriors U12 Yellow 1   Cresswell Parish Juniors 0

Windy conditions looked like they were going to spoil the Warriors first home fixture of the year against Cresswell Parish Juniors u12 in the Chad Mansfield Town Youth League div 2 fixture. In a game that both teams needed to win, the Warriors started brightly and were soon into their stride. Pushing forward Jordan Tovey was unlucky not to open the scoring after getting onto the end of a good cross from Joe Hewitt, soon after Warriors did get the ball into the net after a powerful run and finish from Charlie Miller, unfortunately for the home side it was chalked off after a contentious offside decision. Good full back play from the impressive Michael South and Sam wells kept the Warriors going forward and with the consistently good Matt Brierley and hard working Mitch Cassidy it was only a matter of time before the Warriors took the lead. Once again they had the ball in the net, Joe Gill with a good finish from what looked like a cross that had been pulled back but again disallowed for offside. The second half continued like the first with the Warriors pushing forward and only some committed defending from the visitors kept the home side out. Finally the breakthrough came, Mitch Cassidy breaking the deadlock after latching onto a through ball played by Joe Gill and finishing with style. Cresswell now started chasing the game but centre backs captain Sam Stewart and Layton Weatherall were having none of it denying the visitors any chance of a comeback with some good defending. Joe Hewitt nearly doubled the advantage going close with great free kick towards the end of the game. A good win for the Warriors and in particular man of the match Matt Brierley who deserved to be on the winning side for his efforts.

Welbeck Welfare 3   Hucknall Warriors Yellow 3

A game of two contrasting halves is the only way to only way to describe this game as the Warriors came up against high flying Welbeck Welfare in the Chad Mansfield Town Youth League U12 div 2 fixture. Warriors started well and soon began to take control of the game with Matt Brierley pulling the strings in midfield, when the home side did push forward they were met with some stiff resistance from resolute defenders Sam Stewart and Michael South. As the Warriors began to create chances James Starmore was unlucky not to open the scoring after going close. With Warriors playing some good football they got the reward they deserved when Matt Brierley played a peach of a pass to hard working Jorden Tovey who crossed well for super striker Joe Hewitt to convert. Some great runs from Calum Standen continued to put pressure on the Welbeck defence and Warriors were finally awarded a penalty after Tovey was taken down in the penalty area. Unfortunately Warriors failed to double the advantage after the spot kick was well saved. On the stroke of half time Warriors did get a deserved second when a fantastic run and shot from Leyton Weatherall was saved only for the ball to fall to Joe Hewitt to finished comfortably. The second half saw the game turned on its head as Welbeck sniffed a chance of getting back into the game and only a goal line clearance from Joe Gill and some excellent goalkeeping from Jack Grainger kept the Warriors in front, but with constant pressure from the home side it was only a matter of time before the Warriors advantage was halved. After scoring their first it was only minutes before Welbeck were level when the over worked Warriors defence failed to clear leaving the home teams striker to finish well past Grainger. With the Warriors pinned in their own half back Welbeck took the lead and were looking favourites for the victory but with man of the match Calum Standen and James Starmore working hard to break the shackles Warriors were awarded a corner. Joe Hewitt put over a great corner which was met with power by Joe Gill and from the resulting goalmouth scramble Warriors were given a penalty after a Welbeck player handled a goal bound shot. Up stepped Hewitt to convert the kick for his hat trick giving Warriors a hard earned draw. A first half performance that confirmed that on their day Warriors are a match for any team in the league.

Tibshelf 6 Hucknall Warriors 3

Warriors took on Tibshelf in their first match after a long Christmas break, and it showed with a slow start. The Warriors defence of Sam Wells, Sam Stewart, Leyton Weatherall and Michael South were slow clearing their defensive lines, and a shot from distance by Tibshelf rattled the bar. For the rest of the first half, this continued and Warriors reached the break 4-0 down, despite the best efforts of Joseph Gill and Matthew Brierley in midfield. There was a different story after half time, as James Starmore and Charlie Miller pulled the strings. Starmore cut in from the left, and Jordan Tovey followed up the shot to finish from close range. Miller then also crossed from the left for Joe Gill to score his first ever Warriors goal again from close range. The revival then ran out of steam, and Tibshelf scored two late goals on the break before a speculative shot from Joe Hewitt squeezed past the Tibshelf keeper to complete the scoring at 6-3.

Notts FA under 12s Challenge Shield

Hyson Green 6 Hucknall Warriors Yellow 0

Warriors took on the leaders of the YEL Saturday division in the second round of the Notts FA U12 Challenge Shield.An even match at the goose fair site was decided by the strength in attack of Hyson Green, who took their chances whilst Warriors didn’t.Stand-in keeper Charlie Miller produced a fine performance, and there were good performances throughout the team, particularly from the hardworking Matt Brierley and man of the match Joe Gill in midfield.

The back four of Sam Wells, Sam Stewart, Leyton Weatherall and Michael South all battled hard against physically stronger opposition, and the previous weeks goalscoring hero Jordan Tovey and Mitch Cassidy battled hard to create openings.In summary, a better performance than the result showed with good passing football played at times.

Glapwell Gladiators 4 Hucknall Warriors Yellow 1

Warriors fell to their second consecutive defeat of the season with another 4-1 defeat at Glapwell. Warrior were slow out of the blocks with some poor defending leaving them 4-0 down at half time, with the Glapwell strikers taking advantage of a disjointed performance. Warriors did have their chances, particularly Callum Standen with some strong runs down the right hand side, and Joe Hewitt, but unfortunately none were taken.

The second half was a different story, as Warriors pinned the Gladiators in their own half for most of the match, pushed forward by substitute Jordan Tovey. The whole team raised their game, and the warriors defence led by captain Joe Gill and Leighton Weatherall didi not give Glapwell any further scoring opportunities.

Warriors were disappointed when the referee failed to play the advantage when Joe Gill was brought down 20 yards out, but Joe Hewitt scored his second goal of the season with a shot from the resulting free kick into the top corner.

Warriors continued to press through Hewitt, Tovey, Mitch Cassidy and Sam Stewart but could not force any further goals.

24th March 2007 Ripley Colts 5 Hucknall Warriors Black 2

A tough away match for Warriors in the Chad Mansfield Town Youth Div 2 u11 League against a big, strong Ripley Colts team.A scrappy start to the match, with no real chances at either end for the first 10 minutes. Ripley mainly threatened with a succession of long range shots well dealt with by Jack Grainger in the Warriors goal.As Warriors lost concentration, Ripley took the lead with a scrambled goal. There was an immediate reply following good work by Mitch Cassidy and Charlie Miller, which resulted in a scuffed shot by Miller that found the back of the net.

At this point, Warriors were pushing forward for the lead and found themselves caught on the break after ricochets in the Warriors area. Ripley then went 3-1 ahead after the Warriors defence failed to clear a corner.After half-time, Warriors had their best spell of the match and pulled a goal back when substitute Michael South played a through ball for Joe ‘H’ Hewitt to complete a clinical finish. From this point on Ripley pressed forward and confusion in the Warriors defence led to them going 4-2 behind.

In the closing minutes, Warriors pressed forward and emergency striker Joe Gill rattled the bar. With the final kick of the game, Ripley scored a 5th to give the scoreline an undeserved look.Overall, the inability to clear the ball at the back cost Warriors in a game that they should have taken something from, although man of the match Layton Weatherall held the back four together under pressure

27th January 2007      Hucknall Warriors Black 4     Shirebrook Rangers 0

Straight from the kick off Warriors went on the attack putting visitors Shirebrook Rangers U11 on the back foot. Good passing and movement from Sam Stewart, Michael South and Matt Brierley saw good chances created but Warriors failed to hit the target, until a fantastic run and cross from Charlie Miller found Michael South unmarked who managed to squeeze the ball in between keeper and post. Chances created and missed was the story of the first half for the Warriors.

Shirebrook began the second half believing that they could get something out of the game but some good defending from Layton Weatherall, Chris Dunham and Callum Standan kept the Warriors on top. Charlie Miller made it two with a powerful run and a perfectly executed chip over the advancing goalkeeper, goal number three was not long in coming when Michael South’s determined run and finish from a perfect through ball from Man of the Match Joe Gill gave him his second goal of the game.

With not long to go James Starmore got the reward for all of his hard work bagging the fourth.

13th January 2007      Hucknall Warriors Black 2     Clipstone Welfare YFC 3

Despite poor playing conditions for the Chad Mansfield Youth League U11 Division 2 fixture both teams began the game well with chances created at both ends. Slick passing from Warriors Michael South, James Starmore and Charlie Miller started to get the home team on top. After creating some good chances Warriors failed to take advantage with Joe Hewitt, Sam Stewart and Man of the Match Mitch Cassidy all going close. Against the run of play the visitors took the lead netting after a poor clearance fell to an unchallenged Clipstone forward. Things got worse for the Warriors as Clipstone doubled their lead after a fierce shot flew under keeper Jack Grainger. Warriors never let their heads go down and were back into the game when James Starmore pulled one back just before half time. Warriors continued to push for the equaliser in the second half and did draw level when Joe Hewitt hit a fantastic shot from outside of the box found its way inside the post. With Warriors pushing for the win they were hit on the break just before the full time whistle when the visitors scored a third.

06.01.07 Hucknall Warriors 4 Tibshelf FC 0

A chance to blow away the Christmas and New Year cobwebs with the first fixture of 2007 in the Chad Mansfield Town Youth League U11 Division 2 fixture against visitors Tibshelf FC for the Hucknall Warriors Black. Tibshelf started well and soon put the Warriors under pressure with some good forward play, committed defending from Chris Dunham and Layton Wetherall, kept the visitors out until the Warriors could get a foothold in the game. The Warriors midfield started to get their passing game going with some good play between James Starmore, Matt Brierley and Michael South. Against the run of play Warriors got the opening goal when striker Joe Hewitt finished coolly after being put through on goal during some good passing between Sam Stewart and Mitch Cassidy. After half time the game went from end to end with both teams creating chances but it was the Warriors that got the second goal after some determined work from Charlie Miller saw the visitors score an unfortunate own goal. Charlie Miller did get the reward he deserved for his efforts scoring the third after some good pressure from a determined Warriors team. All credit to Tibshelf as they never gave up and to continued to push forward but Keeper Jack Grainger never looked like he was going to be beaten, especially with some great defending and last ditch tackling from Calum Standan, Matt Brierley and man of the match Joe Gill. With the visitors finally running out of steam another clinical finish from Joe Hewitt made it four just before the end. Tibshelf were unlucky not to score but the effort put in by every member of the Warriors team made sure of a deserved win.