HUCKNALL DENT SHERWOODS TITLE HOPES

HUCKNALL TOWN 1 SHERWOOD COLLIERY 1
CMFL SOUTH @ WATNALL RD
1 APRIL 2017 --- 3PM

HUCKNALL GO FOR GOAL

A towering header on 70 minutes from Hucknall's Matt Brian put a big dent in Sherwood Colliery's title hunt this goal equalised a Jordan Harris strike 4 minutes before half time for the visitors.  Over the 90 minutes it was probably the correct score although after a dour opening half the home side by the conclusion of play were the team forcing the game.
After a break of around 20 years since I last visited this ground the selection of this potentially mouth watering fixture was selected especially with a threat of torrential downpours, something that thankfully didn't materialise.  With both side in league cup semi final action last week, Hucknall winners and Sherwood defeated in separate games, this would give a stern test to both sides with Hucknall now out of the title race they could have a big impact here on the chasing Sherwood Colliery.  The visitors needed a win to keep the pressure on favourites Selston although of course Eastwood have the points in the bag.

HUCKNALL CLOSED TODAY

An early start on The Comet with a comfortable change at Alfreton before having 50 minutes to meander away in Kimberley where we would pick up the Amberline service to Hucknall.  An early look at the ground would see us pass swiftly by before departing in a building site that was masquerading as Hucknall and to all intense and purposes the town was closed.  A massive re design and street block paving was under way and by all accounts had been since October, it will look great very soon I'm sure.  We rescued the visit around 'Herres' fenced street with a luncheon break in The Pilgrim Oak a newly collected Spoons pub, within the hour break fish and chip intake was kept to an acceptable level for those interested.

HUCKNALL TOWN THE NEW GROUND IS ON ITS WAY

We retraced our steps on the Amberline service to Watnall Rd and made a small deviation to the adjacent Aerial Way for this is where Hucknall hope to move for the 2017/18 season we were led to believe though that this may be around September.  Two pitches have been laid and the club will have a two tiered clubhouse block with changing rooms below and bar area above its a shame the club will move from their much loved ground that like all clubs has seen so much but the old lady is looking a bit weary now.
Indeed since loosing the name Colliery in their title the club saw fast progress but at least now the new ground on the former 'top pit' site of Hucknall Colliery they will keep an attachment to their roots.
Fast progress for Hucknall saw them quickly progress through the Notts Alliance, Central Midlands, North East Counties, Northern Premier League before their pinnacle of the Conference North newly formed but only after being denied access to the Conference National on ground grading issues for 2004/05 season.  There was to be a raft of quality players and manager before it all started to go wrong with relegations and financial problems the glory boys had gone and by 2012/13 the club took 3 steps down to re join the CMFL and only then thanks to a hard working band of supporters who refused to let their club disappear.  It had got so bad around this time I seem to recall the club going to one away game with just 8 players this for a club who in 2005 had appeared in an FA Trophy final at Villa Park against Grayes Athletic.  The sadness around the club must have been palpable indeed watching from afar you could feel the struggle but thanks to the fans they rallied together and now even at step 7 they have a merry band of helpers and regular supporters who although they probably crave those days are just grateful to have their club.

THE GLORY DAYS ARE FADING

So with a ground developed since my visit all those years ago I was looking at areas of the ground not previously seen, developments that took place for their previous promotions and ultimately to the Conference North League.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE BIG STAFF GONE NOW

The main facade proudly displays the clubs name but the side car park feted entrance is now a derelict picture and with the administration cabins to the side boarded up displaying Director of Football, General Manager, Commercial Manager and Secretary you could feel for where he club had been and maybe would never be again.

FORMER CLUB SHOP WITH TV GANTRY

Upon entry straight ahead you walk towards the dug outs with on the right hand side of the terrace a large former club shop area.

TERRACING AT THE OLD CHANGING ROOMS END

Towards the far terrace behind the goal which is uncovered and of around 4 steps you have to pass the former changing room which were in use on my last visit here, the current one are by the entrance.

THE OLD CHANGING ROOMS

The far touchline has the highlight of the ground a full length low roofed stand with terracing either side of a large selection of tip up seats some now having already given up hope of repair.  This area contained a press box and former boardroom, all around signs of how the club developed so fast but now out of use.

COVERED TERRACE AND STAND THE HIGHLIGHT OF WATNALL RD

Behind the goal were we entered the ground and to the front of the large clubhouse a covered terraced area which was built for Conference days.  A quick look at the ground then but one that is obviously not being kept up now but for any hopper there is a fascination with the history and weeds on the terracing as aside to any derelict or unused buildings on the ground.

TERRACING AT THE WATNALL RD END OF THE GROUND

Enough reminiscing then and onto the game well the first 45 minutes were pretty forgettable although I quite enjoyed it after some of the dross I've seen in the last few weeks.  The visitors in search of the much needed 3 points were to have 2 goals disallowed the second a superb header from Harris.  Liam Thakstone had a superb chance when he took on Hucknall keeper Michael Randall but he was pushed wide and the chance was gone.  On then 4 minutes before half time the deadlock was broken when Harris hit the back of the net and this time it counted.
Sherwood went into half time a goal to the good and that was a fair reflection of the opening 45 minutes.  Half time saw a quick read of the programme which was a standard effort for a club at this level but over priced at £2.

WE'VE SEEN IT ALL BEFORE LAD

The second period was proving a little tedious until the last 25 minutes saw the game open up first Randall was in fine form again saving from the visitors Julian Topliss and at the other end Joe Ashurst forced a save out of Alex Smith in the Sherwood goal.

HUCKNALL GOAL SCORER MATT BRIAN IN POSSESSION

As the tempo increased from a Hucknall point of view there was a clear head of steam forming and no surprise when on 67 minutes Matt Brian towered above all to head home into the bottom left hand corner to equalise.  It was all Hucknall now and after a few half chances a superb chance fell to substitute Ashley Whitt who was forced wide by Sherwood keeper Smith but got his shot in from a tight angle only for Jobe Shaw to clear the ball off the line.
The final stages of this encounter produced a superb watch with Hucknall looking all out for the win and Sherwood hoping to hit them on the break but overall this a couple of points lost for Sherwood however football being a funny game who knows if the point could still yet prove important.
A luxury return with bus stop outside the ground we made a change at Eastwood before jumping buses again at Alfreton and with a return to base just short of 7pm.

ONE MORE LOOK AT NOSTALGIA

  This had been an interesting drop back in time to previous visits while enjoying the hard work this merry band of Hucknall supporters had achieved in keeping their club going and now within months a new chapter opens for them just a short goal kick away at their new ground.  The blog wishes them all the best and we look forward to seeing you in your new home soon.