HUCKNALL VICTORIOUS AS SEARCH FOR 2ND PLACE GOES ON

SWANWICK PENTRICH RD 0 V HUCKNALL TOWN 2
CMFL SOUTH AT HIGHFIELD RD
19 APRIL 2016 --- 6.30PM

HIGHFIELD RD ACTION

A goal 2 minutes from time from Hucknall's Niall Thompson made the three points safe as the visitors look to gather enough points to secure runners up spot in the CMFL South.  A goal on the half hour mark from Montell Gatland had given Town the lead they needed but it was not until Thompson's late strike that they could settle as Swanwick pushed them all the way.
Short mid week journeys are approaching aplenty as the season draws to a close and to badly quote Dave the flagman 'it's time for the camel to drink enough water before the drought', referring to the massive 7 week break before pre season begins!

RESPECT GREETINGS

A short direct journey from base for this 6.30pm kick off at Highfield Rd saw us depart at St Andrews Parish Church Mick waited for chips and curry while I popped to the immaculate Go Local store for a fill of sausage rolls and fizzy beverage.  On the walk to the ground Mick embarrassingly told me he had realised he had paid £5.50 for chips and curry, small version, and added 'it's a good job I didn't order large' otherwise he would have needed to pop back into nearby Alfreton to arrange a loan.  Clearly an error but we were well on our way now to Highfield Rd for tonight's early kick off which on a bright evening would not have any problems in relation to light by 90 minutes.

GETTING READY FOR AN ON TIME KICK OFF

Recently I have commented on late kick off times for 7.45pm games and often these CMFL/step7 games have problems kicking off on time, here both teams and the match officials headed up by referee Neil Allsop needed to take credit we were well underway by 6.30pm.

ASSISTANT REFEREE WALKER ALL HANDS TO THE PUMP

Before kick off and during the first half there was a chance to catch up with Lee from Swanwick and assistant referee Stuart Walker. Then during the game a chat with former SPRD manager Kev Grundy and Selston man in charge Craig Weston, pleasure as ever guys.  Referees assessor Malc Gratton was in attendance but sadly I missed him during the night and upon looking for him at half time I guess he had popped inside for his cake intake!
The home side have a enough games to fit in before the end of the season to feed any hungry non league fan and tonight's fixture against Hucknall Town looked a good one.

It was Swanwick who should have taken the lead early on but Ash Buxton failed to connect convincingly at the far post seeing his effort fly over the bar.  The confident start that Hucknall had made did though lead to them taking the lead just shy of the half hour mark when Gatland turned on the right hand side of the box and fired a cross goal effort into the far corner of the Swanwick goal.  By half time Hucknall were looking comfortable but would definitely need a second goal to secure victory.  The 2nd 45 minutes though saw the game develop into a box to box encounter, entertaining but little in the way of goal mouth action.  Hucknall front man Thompson did break the second half drought though, his pace had threatened to do so on a few earlier occasions, on 88 minutes when he fired home after his first shot had been well blocked.

Hucknall's management team could now relax with that extra cushion and very shortly afterwards referee Allsop, who had controlled the fixture well, called an end to proceedings as the evening sun subsided to leave a chilly night behind.

HUCKNALL TOWN'S MANAGEMENT TEAM

An enjoyable evening at the 'match' and good to see and end of season game receive a smart little up to date programme which was a steady effort providing the needed for information.

REFEREE ALLSOP OVERS HIS 'CALM DOWN' TALK