Defeated derby boss bemoans passengers

Action from the derby between Hucknall Town and Linby Colliery Welfare earlier this season.

Saxby said: “We had too many passengers out there. There weren’t enough players switched on.

“Our side just didn’t have a winning mentality.”

The result meant Linby look set to end the Central Midlands League South season in ninth place, while Hucknall finished fourth after two Easter victories — and now have a League Cup final to look forward to.

Despite playing their third game in six days, Hucknall showed more energy and desire, and were three goals ahead before half-time.

The first chance of note fell to Hucknall’s Joshua Henry, whose initial shot stung the palms of Linby keeper Jamie Davies before Henry’s follow-up was blocked by towering defender Steve Johnson-Fikula.

Ashley Whitt broke the deadlock for the home side after 16 minutes, racing through on goal to slot home after Sean White mis-timed a clearing header.

Linby captain Aidy Harris almost levelled as keeper Michael Randall saved his shot from the edge of the box through a crowded of players.

Whitt doubled the home lead in the 21st minute, scrambling the ball over the line following Joe Ashurst’s cross.

Ex-South Normanton striker Whitt could have completed a hat-trick two minutes before half-time, but fired over from a Jordan Phillips pass.

Hucknall effectively stretched their unbeaten run to eight games in first-half injury-time.

Man-of-the-match Phillips fired through a crowded box after following-up Matthew Brian’s initial blocked shot to make it 3-0.

The second-half continued as the first one ended with Hucknall in control.

Matthew Brian curled a 25-yard free kick narrowly wide of Davies’ post seven minutes after the restart.

After being forced to make a half-time substitution following an injury to Johnson-Fikula, Linby manager Saxby made his two remaining changes straight after that chance as he looked for a reaction from his side.

But the contest was ended on the hour as Michael Banister left Davies rooted to the spot with a fierce shot from the edge of the area that further stretched the home lead.

With the win secured, Hucknall made three changes and one of the substitutes grabbed the final goal in the 68th minute.

Kajally Danso found time and space on the edge of the box to unleash a low shot into the corner.

Aidy Harris nearly grabbed a consolation goal, but his close-range shot was deflected by Randall.

At the other end Joshua Henry, Jaylee Hodgson, Dave Leak, Jamie Crawford and Adam Nelson might have added further goals.