Reserves win away to AC United

For the second week running Hucknall Town Reserves found themselves playing on a 3G surface, on this occasion away to AC United at Forest Recreation Ground. This time around the surface was consistent, albeit with an excess of rubber crumb in places.
The previous meeting between the two teams, three weeks earlier, had been a good game with AC winning it 2-1 after Hucknall had missed a penalty with the scores at 0-0. Both teams were level in the league in fourth place, so an even contest this time around was predicted.

With the holiday season upon us squad selection was tough going and Yellows could only manage two subs. Additionally, with Josh Pearson and Keiran Orange unavailable they fielded a frontline of Stokes, Bouwen and Peate. New boy Will Bailey came straight into the starting 11 in place of Henry Cheetham who as delayed by his train back home from Lincoln. Whilst at the heart of midfield Mitch Jackson returned from injury and Josh Vere made his first start alongside him since August due to work commitments.

Hucknall took the lead on around 30mins when Danny Stokes finished really well to the bottom right corner from a wide angle on the left side after a lovely through-ball from Jackson. Unfortunately for AC they had to replace their central defender due to a serious-looking cut to the head and five minutes later Yellows extended their lead when a mix-up between defence and keeper saw a backpass roll agonisingly into the back of the net. Moments later the opposition manager was red carded after an altercation with the referee and just before half time Hucknall should have put the game to bed when Bouwen found space on the left and squared the ball, but neither Stokes or Peate could get the shot away.
Half time: AC United 0-2 Hucknall Town Reserves

Chances were very hard to find in the second half as both defences stood firm. Yellows young keeper Alfie Clayton claimed a number of catches, but other than that he didn't really have a save to make. United’s best chance came from a free-kick just outside the penalty area, but it was blazed over the bar. Hucknall had plenty of play in the final third of the pitch, but their shots on goal were blocked well by the opposition.
Cheetham and Rissasay entered the game in the final 20mins in place of Bouwen and Vere to see the game over the line.