Hucknall boss positive despite defeat on penalties
Tris Whitman took heart from his team’s performance despite holders Hucknall Town exiting the Notts Senior Cup on penalties on Wednesday night.
The Yellows drew 3-3 before being beaten on spot-kicks by a Carlton Town side from the league above.
And Whitman felt that despite having seen a 3-1 lead slip away late on, there were plenty of positives overall.
He said: “I felt that apart from the last ten minutes we were excellent and displayed some of the football that had been missing over the previous two games.
"We were really aggressive out of possession and showed great bravery to play to our principles when we had possession. This allowed us to create good opportunities which we were able to convert.
"Carlton looked a threat at times through the quality of their individuals and at times we rode our luck not to concede.
"I felt after they had a man sent off they increased their intensity which was probably our undoing as we looked tired towards the end and they started to exploit the gaps we left and took advantage from three corners which took the game to penalties.
"I do think we were a little naive in the final moments of the game and our decision making probably cost us, but overall I was extremely encouraged by the performance.
"It was a shame to eventually lose on penalties but again their quality shone through from the spot and sadly it wasn’t to be for us.
"I really hope the performance now instills the belief in the players to transfer what we did last night into the league games.”
On Saturday, Hucknall were well beaten 4-0 at UCL Premier North title-chasers Sherwood Colliery.
This weekend, Hucknall, who sit three points off the play-offs, host Melton Town (3pm) on an entertaining day that continues with House of Pain wrestling taking centre stage at the ground (6.30pm doors for 7pm start), followed by food and a disco.
Entry to the wrestling, food and disco is £5 or just £2 with a Melton match ticket.