13th May - Weddington Thistle Demons (H) 0-1 (L)

First half report
Half Time 0-0

Second half report


Full Time 0-1



Man of the Match Award:

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29th April - Bulkington Bullets (H) 1-0 (W)

Match report to follow.

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22nd April - Weddington Thistle (H) 4-1 (W)

First Half report
Half Time 1-0

Second half report
Full Time 4-1

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2 April - Grove Farm (H) 1-0 (W)

Sporting, playing their first ever home fixture came up against a very resoloute and workmanlike Grove Farm side, and although we appeared to have more possesion of the ball, it took a deflected goal midway through the first half to decide this encounter.

Sporting kicked off, going up the slope in the first half with Lou having several runs towards goal superbly aided by Jack S and Ben on the wings. At the back Aiden and Thomas V were not in a charitable mood and confidently mopped up any attack that Grove Farm created. This attitude was backed up by Adam who was equally busy in the middle of the park, earning several free kicks with his fast footwork.

Sporting were regularly testing the Grove Farm defence but excellent handling and huge kicking by their keeper were keeping us out. Credit to the lads however as they did not get frustrated and took the lead midway through the half. Adams corner was not cleared out of the area and Lou pounced from a couple of yards to score.

Half Time 1-0

At half time, Thomas V took over the gloves from Jordan who had one of his quietest mornings to date. Jack W and Max came on to see if they could add to the score.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first half with Sporting, now playing down the slope, favourites to add to their lead. Grove Farm, however had other ideas and battled superbly in search of an equalizer. Both sides forced numerous corners without testing either keeper. With 5 minutes remaining Aiden was replaced by Jordan who performed well in his first ever appearance as an outfiled player. In the last minute Grove Farm almost snatched an equalizer but Thomas V got down well at his near post to thwart the danger.

Full Time 1-0

Well done players on both sides, another thoroughly enjoyable game and a huge effort by every Sporting player who are developing into a very useful side.

Man of the Match Award : Aiden

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25th March - Hinckley (A) 0 - 2 (W)

Test

First half report
Half Time 0-2

Second half report


Full Time 0-2

Both teams deserve congratualtions for an enjoyable game played in the right spirit.

Man of the Match Award : Thomas V

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25 March - Hinckley Utd (A) 0-1 (W)

On a bright and pleasant day a mixture of new and established players played in the first ever game for St Nics Sporting, the fourth team in the under 7s age group.

On a large pitch, it was obvious from the kickoff that chances would be at a premium and so it proved. Sporting started very brightly with Russell and Thomas E imposing themselves in the heart of defence where they were able to start numerous attacks and provide excellent service to the wide players, Ben and Jack S who were both making their first starts for the club. The start of the game was very even with both sides looking confident on the ball without showing any signs of penetrating each others defence. All this changed mid way through the half when Russell broke from the back to get in a shot that was only partially leared by the keeper and Thomas E was on hand to apply the finish from close range much to the delight of his team mates.

The rest of the half remained even as both teams continuted to demonstrate their excellent work rate and passing skills. The way Sporting defended corners towards the end of this half deserves a special mention as each player took it upon themselves to mark one of the opposition, negating the threat before it materialised.

Half Time 0-1

Both sides made substitutions at half time. Sporting brought on Thomas B for Lou and replaced Ben ,who also played in the second game with Adam who was making his
first ever appearance for the club.

The second half started in much the same way as most of the first half had been played with Hinckley gradually gaining more possession around the Sporting penalty area without really threatening Jordan who was making his first start between the posts. Excellent positional play by Adam and Thomas E meant that their attackers hardly got a sniff at goal. The half time substitutions allowed Russell to play further up the park in the second half and his pace was causing the defence numerous problems. Jack S worked
his socks off up front and with a bit more luck could have helped himself to a goal while Jack W and Thomas B worked tirelessly in the engine room and were solid all half.

Full Time 0-1

Both teams deserve congratualtions for an enjoyable game played in the right spirit.

Man of the Match Award : Russell

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19 March - Lutterworth (A) 0-1 (W)

Lutterworth Junior & Youth 2nds 0 – 1 St Nicolas Saints

The Saints team started on the offensive from the kick-off attacking down the right with Aidan, Danny & Jack T linking together well and getting the ball through to Lou who smashed a well hit shot wide of the goal. Saints continued to push forward and should have been rewarded but Danny’s shot was turned around the post. Lou hit another shot just wide and the game continued in the Lutterworth half with Jack T having a number of shots blocked, saved or hit off target. Jack W battled hard in midfield and had two shots within seconds of each other, the first was well saved and had the rebound pushed out for a corner. He was replaced by Jack S, who was quickly in the action going close down the left hand side. Ben came on and the Saints continued to attack but no matter how hard they tried they could not find the back of the net.
Any movement forward by the Lutterworth team was quickly stifled by Aidan and Thomas V, in the Saints defence.

Half time 0-0

The second half started as the first ended with Saints attacking strongly. Aidan and Thomas V moved up to midfield with Ben and Jack S covering at the back. Jack T went close again but after a period of pressure Saints were given a fortunate penalty, not long into the second half. It was well taken by Aidan, who hit it high into the roof of the net to the keepers left. Lutterworth staged a small revival as the Saints seemed to tire and attacked down the right but wasted their chance. The resulting goal-kick was Henry’s first touch of the game (he reminded me). Thomas B and Jordan were brought on, the latter replacing Henry in goal and enabling him to get into the game in an outfield position. Saints went close again with Thomas V having 2 shots blocked. The game opened up a little and Lutterworth counter-attacked but Jordan held firm in the Saints goal, saving 2 or 3 Lutterworth chances. It was “end to end stuff “ with Jack W & Lou back on for the last few minutes. Thomas B made a run down the middle, the ball finding its way to Henry who was fouled. Aidan blasted the freekick at the wall, on the goal line, and the Saints were caught napping as the ball was cleared to the lone striker. He beat the last man but shot wide as Jordan came off his goal-line.

Final Score 0-1

Well played both teams.

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26th February - Ambleside U6 (A) 3-0 (L)

26th February

Saints v Ambleside U6 A

3 – 0

The Saints had the luxury of not only a full team but 4 substitutes to call on for this game but the constant changing of players and positions eventually led to their downfall against a very well organised Ambleside team, who seem to play well advanced of their years..
The Saints having to play against a biting strong wind, started briskly with both Danny and Max having shots blocked. Thomas V & Jack W battled hard in midfield and Aidan & Lou were strong in defence during the first 10 minutes. With Saints continuing to push forward the inevitable happened. After a Saints attack the Ambleside keeper put a large wind assisted kick up front that bounced over the Saints defence leaving an Ambleside player free to slot home their first goal. Ambleside then had a strong 10 minute period where the Saints were unable to move forward, or if they did the ball was thumped back down into their half, and although Henry made a couple of fine saves another goal was scored. Thomas B and Jack T came on 5 minutes before half-time but Saints were again caught on the break and conceded another.

Half time 3 - 0

Saints started the second half stronger with Thomas E and Russell on. With the wind behind them it was all Saints, Ambleside only managing to get out of their half on a few occasions, but the ball was quickly won and punted back into the opposition half by Russell. Thomas E shot wide and had 2 further attempts saved by the keeper and one of the many Ambleside defenders. A number of corners went unrewarded. Aidan replaced Henry in goal, and immediately he pressed forward splitting the defence and laying a ball off to Jack T who was brought down in the area. The surprising free kick, on the edge of the box, was squandered and the game continued in the same fashion. Thomas V went close but it was well saved. Max stole the ball away from the keeper but somehow the ball still wouldn’t find the back of the net. It was definitely one of those days, that no matter how hard you try, the ball is not going to go in. Ambleside to their credit defended very strongly and were able to prevent Saints scoring.

Full time 3 - 0

Well played lads on both sides.
Shooting practice for the next few training sessions…!!!!

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19th November - Saints v Hinckley 3rd (H) 4-1 (W)

The game started briskly with Saints attacking from the off with Ryan Dulson dragging a left foot shot just wide of the post. Hinckley counter-attacked and broke through the Saints midfield but could not get past the solid defence of Aidan Donnison and Jack Thompson, both providing a few well timed tackles and clearances, Jack T even managed a drag back turn to leave the opposition (and his teammates) flat footed. This was all during a 5 minute spell that was Hinckley’s best period of the half, although Jack Kelly was not troubled in the home team’s goal.
The Saints midfield spurred on by the resolute defence took control of the game and some strong play by Lou Pacito saw the ball passed to Oliver Grainger who made no mistake firing the ball into the opposition net from 10 yards. Saints kept up the pressure with Ryan, Oliver and Jack Ward having shots stopped, and Hinckley unable to get out of their half of the field. Saints went down to 6 men near the end of the half. Oliver had to drop back but this enabled him to pick the ball up and break through to place a shot high into the goal.

Half time 2 -0

Hinckley made changes, but the second half started how the first ended. Josh Preston, on for Ryan, was also strong in defence making runs down the left to further trouble Hinckley’s midfield. Oliver added another shortly afterwards following some great work in midfield from Jack W, Jack T and Lou. Jack K was replaced in goal, by an ever eager Aidan. With everyone trying to get on the score sheet the Saints turned Sinners. After being caught square a Hinckley forward was brought down in the box. Aidan had no chance with the well taken penalty. This only prompted the lads to become more focused and the ball was soon in the net again. Oliver Grainger racked up his fourth of the game, after some great attacking play by Jack W and Jack K. The final whistle came to a loud cheer, in brilliant sunshine, although I think the outstanding football had already warmed up the spectators by the end of the game.

Full time 4 -1

WELL PLAYED lads and girls, on both sides….!!!

My thanks to all that braved the cold and especially Hinckley’s parents and coaches that made the journey down the A5. We look forward to the return leg in the New Year.

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