Hucknall chasing friendly to stay sharp for cup final

The Yellows are due to play Selston in the final at Alfreton Town FC on Sunday, 30th April and boss Andy Graves said: “It’s a strange situation.

“We’ve been on catch-up, then it turns out Selston will be playing a game the week before the final, keeping fit.

“We’ve had four games in nine days and then we are going to have two weeks without a game, which is a bit crazy.

“So I am trying to get a game on the 22nd. We will do something. We thought we’d got a fixture but we’ve had one or two drop out.

“We do need to keep the momentum going.

“Some teams don’t play games for a couple of weeks, yet there are only 15 teams. So you’d think the fixtures would be sorted out. God help them if they ever get 22 in the league.

“But that’s just my little gripe.”

Competition for places will be high with two tough Easter games ahead after the midweek 5-0 win over Blidworth

“I picked the team and left the game on Saturday and kept in touch with Phil and Stevo yesterday by phone,” said Graves.

“I watched the game via social media while I was crossing over from the Channel Islands back from work.

“We were happy with them first half. Second half we took our foot off the gas a bit, but when you’re 4-0 up at half-time you do get a bit casual.

“It wasn’t until late on that Dave Leak got another goal and we closed the game out completely. But Blidworth won’t give up, they are a good side.”

He added: “We have been building up for knocking a few goals in I must admit with the amount we’ve been missing.

“But hopefully we keep some of our powder dry for the final.

“On Saturday we have RBL away which won’t be easy, then we have a Bank Holiday Monday local derby against Linby.

“I am sure they will be dragging in some of their dual signed players for that game from the likes of Arnold. I am sure they will be up for it on Monday, so we have got to be as well.

“We are a squad and we will play players trying to look towards the cup final starting XI. We weren’t far off it on Saturday to be perfectly honest. But things can still change with injuries and things.”