

Victories over Arnold Town Res, AJ Sports and Elston United meant that the last day of the season for Hucknall Reserves would be a cup final. In a season that saw them underachieve in the league, Yellows had a chance to show their true potential on the perfect stage. The opposition for the day was FC Pelican with the game being played at the RM Stadium for the Intermediate Cup.
Injury to Reece Gatland two weeks previously robbed him of the chance to play in the final, but Yellows were able to put together a strong squad with everyone else available.
Hucknall started really well and nearly fashioned a chance in the opening minute, but Kai Byron just couldn't get the ball out of his feet to get a shot away. Pelican showed their hand in terms of tactics by laying siege to the Hucknall goal with a series of long balls and numerous corners. However, Yellows defense of Ally Staley, Aaron Roberts, Marshall Collingwood, Sam Price and keeper Piotr Strycharz were in no mood to concede any goals. Strycharz was immense and caught everything thrown into his penalty box. On 25mins Hucknall took the lead when Connor Whiles delivered a perfect corner for Keilen Gretton to head home from close range. Hucknall created more chances, and wingers Byron and Olly Peate proved a constant menace in the wide areas. On 40mins the opposition got themselves back into the game when a free kick wide on the right evaded all Yellows defenders and a header was smashed home. With 5mins to half time, it was end to end football now with both teams looking for a goal to take them into the break leading. On 45mins Trevell Lindo broke free of the Pelican back line but as he closed down on goal he was clipped and the referee awarded what was a clear penalty. Up stepped Lindo to send the ball to the bottom left corner giving the keeper no chance and taking his season total to 25 goals.
Half time: FC Pelican 1-2 Hucknall Town Reserves
In truth, Hucknall's first half performance was way off the standards they set for themselves. The second half instructions were clearly laid out in the changing room and Yellows reset for a big 45mins.
Hucknall improved immeasurably and chances started to appear more regularly. Byron was really unlucky to see his first-time shot hit the post after a great passage of play. On 70mins Hucknall grabbed their third. Gretton thought he'd bagged his second of the game, but the ball was hacked off the line only for 'Captain Fantastic' Aaron Roberts to force the ball home. Any thoughts of Pelican folding were quickly dismissed and if the opposition had had their 'shooting boots' on they could have got themselves back into the game. On 80mins Hucknall wrapped up the match when the trio of substitutes Harry Jephson and Danny Stokes combined to set up Gievanni Andrews to score low to the bottom right. In the final minutes Hucknall almost grabbed a fifth when Dhiren Brandy setup Connor Whiles but he just couldn't find the back of the net.
Man of the Match was awarded to Connor Whiles by the match-day officials.
But special mention has to go to Mitch Jackson who put in a measured performance at the heart of midfield after a harsh yellow card in the first 6mins and also to Keeper Piotr Strycharz who was simply immense for us.