Match Report: Hucknall Town vs. Stamford, 26th Oct 2011

Stamford returned to league action after the FA Trophy with a win away at Hucknall Town with new manager Tommy Brookbanks winning over his old club.

The first half was just about all Hucknall with the home side putting together strong periods of possession and attacking throughout but a resolute defence with a man of the match performance from Miles Chamberlain holding strong.

Hucknall had three shouts for penalties in the first half hour but all were waved away by the referee and if any had been given they would have been soft.

Hucknall had two good chances during the first period a free kick from Callum Lloyd was flicked on by Grant Ryan but his header was just wide and late on in the first half Kieran Walker got away and crossed to Aiden Brady but his shot was well blocked by Matt Cook.

Stamford flew out of the blocks in the second half and with only two minutes gone Nathan Watson got a debut goal he cut inside from the wing and unleashed a shot from 25 yards that should have been an easy save for James Lindley in the home goal but somehow the keeper let the ball squirm under him and into the net, this was Stamford’s first shot of the game.

The second came five minutes later when a great cross from Matt Cook was turned into his own net by Kieran Walker a goal made by a number two and score by his opposite number two.

Hucknall tried to get back into the game Grant Ryan had a shot from distance go narrowly wide and then Aiden Brady’s shot was well saved by Mario Ziccardi, the rebound fell to Phill Massingham his shot was blocked by Joe Pheasant the ball came out to Grant Ryan and he blazed over from 10 yards.

Stamford brought on the big man with fifteen minutes to go and Gregg Smith was soon in the thick of it flicking on a through ball to Gary King but his shot was well saved by the Keeper.

Phill Massingham saw a late volley saved by a flying Mario and in the final minute Grant Ryan had a shot blocked on the line again by Pheasant.

A hard fought win for the Daniels that puts them joint top of the league missing out by goal difference but with a game in hand.

Stamford: Ziccardi, Cook, Barrett, Staff, Chamberlain, Pheasant, Beeson, Deane, King, Mullarkey (Smith 75), Watson (Gibson 85)

Unused Subs: Toyne, Whitby

Att 171

MOM Chamberlain.