January 4th 2023 saw Hucknall Reserves play their first competitive game at the new RM Stadium. The ground looked absolutely immaculate, and the floodlights just added the final gloss to surely one of the best grounds in Nottinghamshire nowadays.
The previous meeting had seen Southwell run out comfortable 4-0 winners on a night that Hucknall would prefer to forget. Tonight's visitors were looking for a win to take them back to the top of the league. But Hucknall were in confident mood after losing only one game in the last seven.

Hucknall started nicely and could have taken the lead early on from a good stooping header by Ally Staley but the keeper positioned himself well and made the save. Southwell tested the Hucknall backline with a series of long balls over the top, but the Yellows stood firm.
Midway through the half Southwell were awarded a penalty after Hucknall Keeper Blaine McGrory upended their striker, but the spot kick was blasted over the bar much to Hucknall's relief.
Injury to Staley forced Hucknall into an early change and Kuba Adamczyk entered the game.
Late in the half Trev Lindo beat the last man but was hauled down just outside the box when through on goal. Unfortunately, the resultant free kick was put over the bar and at half time the scores were level.

Half time: Hucknall Town Reserves 0-0 Southwell City Reserves

Hucknall were forced into another change for the start of the second half with Callum Orange replacing brother Kieran Orange who was struggling to shake off a heavy cold. Southwell continued their test of the Hucknall defence with more long throws or balls into the box, but still the backline held up well.
A nicely built move provided the opening goal of the game for Hucknall. Ethan Greenidge found some space on the right-hand side and picked out Callum Orange on the edge of the Southwell penalty area. He jinked his way past a couple of defenders and slotted home with the coolness of a player much older than his own 18 years.
Ten minutes later David Briggs provided a moment of brilliance when he beat his marker in the wide right position, drove into the box and delivered the perfect pass to pick out Orange for a tap in at the far post to make the score 2-0 to Hucknall.
More injuries meant Hucknall had to change things once again as Skipper Ricky Clayton picked up a knock and Lewis Ridley-Phoenix entered the game with Josh Vere moving into the centre of defence.
Southwell got themselves back into the match with a well-taken free-kick.
A serious-looking injury to Hucknall's Callum Clarke meant another reshuffle with Fraser Hallam moving to left-back and brother James Hallam moving into midfield
McGrory pulled off a terrific save when one-on-one with the Southwell striker.
Another injury to Adamczyk this time saw him replaced by Corey Scothern.
In the final moments both teams looked exhausted after a terrific game and Hucknall could have snatched a third when Lindo found space in front of goal, but his shot hit the wrong side of the post.
However, a depleted Hucknall side held on and took a hard-earned victory in their first competitive game at the RM Stadium.

If Malcolm was up there watching, we hope he enjoyed it.