Attendance 34 !
But for some terrific goalkeeping heroics and some solid last ditch blocks by the visitors' defence, Hucknall could have had 10 - but silly mistakes at the back once again cost the Yellows the game. From 1-0 up at half time to 1-3 down after 62 minutes takes some doing, and the killer third was just a complete comedy. No matter how you dress it up, that was schoolboy defending at it's worst.
A second goal to underline the home teams dominance never came though, more defensive blocks and first class saves from Weston keeping the score to one-nil at the break.
10 minutes into the second half and Drayton were back on level terms - MARTIN DAVIES given acres of room in the box - and the skipper took full advantage, turning and firing past Michael Yates. This was the start of 7 minutes of madness as far as defending goes. Within two minutes the defence failed to clear their 6 yard box giving striker NEVILLE THOMPSON a simple prod home from close range.
Then the defensive madness culminated with a JOE STORER own goal - the defender was too close to Yates when he passed the ball back and the keeper performed the classic air-shot leaving the ball to roll into the unguarded net. Just about sums up the season.....
DANNY O'DONNELL pulled one back for the Yellows after 70 minutes had been played, his shot finally beating Weston after the keeper had pulled off two more great saves in the build up.
I don't know why Hucknall decided to change to a 3-4-3 formation soon after. I suppose it was thought that adding another striker might secure a point - but who plays that formation nowadays? 4-3-3 yes, but 3-4-3? Anyway, it left the three defenders totally exposed and gave Drayton carte blanche to run at them.
When a shot came in from the right on 84, Yates did well to palm the effort away, but the lack of defenders allowed ANDY COOKE to run in totally unmarked at the far stick - the sub simply nodded home one of the easiest goals he'll ever score.
Weston had the final word - his superlative display capped off with a true "worldy" at the death - diving at the far post to keep out O'Donnell's effort. F-T 2-4
Not much passing football played at Watnall Road, but a stirring game that, unlike most games seen there this season, absolutely flew by. Overall though, the lucky team won, the unlucky team lost - that's how it goes when your struggling.
Admission : season ticket
Programme : £1.50
Attendance : 34
Team sheet : thanks to Tony Knowles
