Report

Hartwood ended their season with a much below par performance, getting well and truly taught a lesson by the simply unstoppable Chivas FC, who thoroughly deserve to achieve the wonderful landmark of a 100% winning record in the entire season. Run by one of the nicest guys in Sunday league, Albert Ashe, this team could beat anyone in all 4 divisions. Nice bunch of lads too, play football the proper way, pass move, not a dirty tackle in sight.

Hartwood-s season ran out of steam pretty much as soon as the snow started to thaw in January, with what was looking like a promotion season frittering out into a 7th place finish. Still, progress has certainly been made - this was Hartwood-s best points total in years and much credit must go to Ray Bell, who has coached the team this year. Ray looks likely to assume full managerial duties next season and has promised a disciplined and more orginised team that will hopefully follow in the footsteps of Chivas, Dales and St Georges etc.

With a number of injuries and people away, Hartwood could only name a bare 11 for the match, with Manager Henderson marking his swansong for the club with a place on the bench. Butler continued in goal, in what has been a fine season for the young man. Kieran Bell was partnered with Sparky Stannard at centre half, with Jason Ulousy right and Dan Smith left full backs. Nick Harkness was at right wing, a position Ray Bell thinks might be great for Nick next season. Chris Sanders was pushed into centre mid alongside Mark Lloyd, with Scott Hunter on the left. Nick Ainsworth and Andrew Camp were up front.

In truth, the game was over after 15 minutes. Jason Ulousy was given a torrid time by the left winger, who crossed in ball after ball, with the visitors clocking up 4 goals in a matter of no time. Andrew Camp was moved back to centre half, with Chris Sanders at right back, Jason Uluosy pushed up front. Hartwood shored up a little, but still found themselves 6-0 down at the break. The only highlight of an otherwise miserable 1st half was a solid performance from Nick Harkness, who looked full of guile and purpose at right mid.

With only pride to play for, Hartwood started the second half in better spirits, but it was not long before they were 7 down. Hunter was replaced on 55 minutes by Henderson, but the goals kept on coming, with a further 4 going in to take the score to an embarrassing 11-0.

Hartwoods only consolation was a penalty, won by Harkness after a cutting run from the right. Sparky Stannard gobbled up the chance to at least register a goal for the home team. On the opponents the prolific forward from Chivas was celebrating scoring an unreal 50th league goal of the season, a fantastic tally for any player.

Dan Smith is likely to retire from the game, so fitting he was named man of the match.

So a brave new world ahead for Hartwood - a new manager, no doubt some new signings, what looks to be a very hard summer of training will hopefully produce a lean, mean Hartwood machine for next season.

Bring on 2011/12!!!!

Cheers for everything guys this season

Stephen :)