Back to our old Watnall Road stomping ground - where hopes of a giant phoenix rising from the ashes of last season abound.
This incarnation of Hucknall Town and Mickleover Royal British Legion are newbies to the Central Midlands League, and we were unsure what to expect. Met up with Richard Lane and Deadly Derek inside the ground, and it was a pleasure to see Brian Dennett back on the road after his recent accident.
Hucknall had the better of things early doors and almost took the lead on 9, but Mark Smiths free-kick flew just over the bar.
The early possession was all for nothing though, as Legions' BEN STOCKLEY was allowed too much space to run into in the 3th minute, and when the ball was played through to him, the no. 10 stayed calm and made no mistake slotting the ball past James Beddingham.
Eugene Francis looked to have won a penalty for the Yellows on 22, but Ref Craig Langton saw it as simulation by the Hucknall striker and duly cautioned him.
Two minutes later Legion netted again, although the goal was gifted to them by Town centre-half Alex Arnold. His poor pass back to Beddingam was intercepted by BEN STOCKLEY and he had the simple task of taking the ball around the stranded keeper before rolling it home.
1st half action
CHARLIE SALLOWAY added the visitors' third on 31, his low, hard shot across the goal
flying past everyone before bulging the far post side netting.
Francis had another good shout for a penalty after he looked to have been brought down en route to goal, but again Mr. Langton waved away the Hucknall appeals - a decision that linesman Steve Sears was in total agreement with. I think Legion got away with one there!!! H-T 0-3
Town must have had a righ old bollocking during the break, they came out like they really meant business. EUGENE FRANCIS reduce their arrears in the 49th minute, hitting a sweet volley past Darren Keeling from the edge of the box.
The goal of the game, and already contender for the goal of the season came on 65. It was a pearler!! Right back Miontel Gatland swept in a super ball from the right wing and left back CAMERON DAVIDSON rose magnificently to swivel and head the ball powerfully past Keeling. I can't do the goal justice with words - you had to be there!!
Unfortunately the Town fight back fizzled out, and although they maybe deserved a share of the points, DAVID MOON added the Mickleover fourth in stoppage time, easily beating Beddingham after he was played in on goal from the midfield. F-T 2-4
Unlucky Town, but Legion made the most of defensive errors and may surprise a few teams as the season progresses.
Referee Craig Langton was not at his best, but still had a decent enough game. Three bookings I think, although the shocking challenge by RBL's Ben Roffey in the second half maybe should have been a straight red rather than just a yellow. But, what do I know?
Admission £3
Attendance confirmed as 89. For a CML game, very creditable...
