Venue: Greenwich Avenue, Basford, Nottingham
Competition: CML South Division
Referee: Scott Spering
Assistants: Barry Polkey, Nigel Prost
Scorers: Ben Waplington (19), Aaron Evans (23), Jeremiah Anson (81), James Rigg (86)
Line-ups - no idea
After this result, new Bulls boss George Hulley can probably see what a task he has to try and get his team back to the force they were last term, when they finished third in the league, losing only 5 games thoughout the entire campaign. Although the Bulls did win comfortably at second from bottom Holbrook last week, this game against their local rivals always looked as if it would be a much sterner test, and so it proved.
Hucknall were very good defensively throughout the game, but particularly in the second half when Bulwell had the majority of possession. The Yellows also knew where the net was, although a poor display by the Bulls usually reliable keeper Scott Miles didn't help their cause.
The league table prior to the game showed that the teams were having fairly average starts to the season, and we thought that this may be a tight game with the points shared.
Great to see our friend Nigel Prost again - usually good for a laugh when he runs the line.
Although Bulwell bossed the first 10 minutes, when they managed to get behind the Town defence, they found keeper James Beddingham in good form and failed to take advantage of their early domination.
Town's Nathan Robinson, Joe Atkinson and Leon Aikman slowly began to take the game to the Bulls, but it was a neat ball from Aaron Evans on 19 that created the first goal. The striker collected the ball in midfield and played in BEN WAPLINGTON who ran at goal, side-stepped the challenge from out-rushing keeper Miles before rolling the ball into the empty net. Hucknall dominated the rest of the half, but failed to add to their solitary strike.H-T 0-1
Bulwell came out for the second half fired up, and forced Town onto the back foot. This fast paced and full on attacking play lead to their downfall though, as the Yellows counter-attacked and EVANS was on hand to scramble the ball home from close range after Miles had fumbled a cross in from the left.
With 9 minutes to play and with Bulwell still pressing, Town broke forward and won a corner. The ball in was met with a glancing header from JEREMIAH ANSON, the sub left totally unmarked some 10 yards from goal.
Two minutes later it got even worse for the home team, this time Miles misjudging the flight of the ball when it was fired in from the left, leaving JAMES RIGG a simple task of firing home on the turn. F-T 0-4
Decent enough game, and described on the Hucknall Town forum as probably the Yellows' best game of the season so far. The Bulls are a good team and Miles is a good keeper, but everyone has off days. I'm sure they will shrug off this defeat and get their season back on track sooner rather than later.
A poor turnout for a local derby. The corresponding fixture played on Boxing Day last year saw over 150 in attendance.
Admission: £3.00
Programme: £1.00
Attendance: h/c 65
Charity: £3.00
Pics: Kev Goodman
