Hucknall Town AFC were hoping to build on last weeks win at Blidworth, but found Belper a little too good on the day. We were greeted inside Watnall Road by AFC's Paul Stevenson. Last time we saw Paul he was running a line, and previous to that he was actually in the AFC goal! For this game he was on tea-bar duty - talk about versatile!
Stevo mentioned that AFC had signed a new keeper from Sunday side Premier Travel as stand in for James Beddingham, and Michael Morrell must have feared the worst when he had to be alert to palm away a shot at the foot of his near post in the opening seconds of the game.
Morrell was soon picking the ball out of the net though after he was left exposed by Adam Moran in the 4th minute. The home skipper was dispossessed by SHAUN SMITH some 25 yards from goal, and the Belper no. 9 took the ball into the area before smashing it into the roof of the net.
Smith (far left) fires home Belpers first goal
JOSH MUSCHETT fire the home team level on 9, blasting the ball past Belper keeper Adam Jablonski from 12 yards, after strike partner Jake Thomas had made a mess of his initial effort.
Muschett (no 11) about to pounce on the loose ball
Belper regained the lead with 13 played, SHAUN SMITH heading home at the far post from Dan Riley's superb cross.
Morell did well to block Smith's effort on 28, then the keeper produced another fine save after Riley headed Adam Nichols' cross powerfully at goal. H-T 1-2
Kev called our good buddy Brian Dennett during the break - and was surprised to learn that he was currently residing at Kings Mill hospital. Brian took ill during the week and I'm sure all those who are familiar with the old duffer wish him all the best and a speedy recovery...
SMITH completed his personal treble 9 minutes into the second period, latching onto a ball played over the Hucknall defence before running into the box and slotting past Morrell.
75 minutes in and Belper added to their total - this time ADAM TAYLOR rifling the ball home after Smith had failed to take advantage of a loose ball in the box.
JOSH WISDOM was played in on goal with 7 to play, the Belper sub rounding Morrell easily enough, and slotting calmly into the empty net. F-T 1-5
Had some great banter with our friend Robin Bourne who was running the line nearest to us - although one comment almost ended with Kev lucky not to have the flag inserted where the sun don't shine!! All good fun and it's great to have official with such a superb sense of humour!
Robin Bourne - even starts the game with a smile on his face!!
Town line-up ( thanks Stevo!) Morrell, Moran A, Crisp, Moran J, Ford, Featherstone, Davis, Jack Lomax, Joe Lomax, Thomas, Muschett. Subs: Booth, Sanders, Spencer
Admission : HTFC season ticket
Programme : £1
Attendance : 41
Hucknall MOM Tom Crisp in action
