Weekend Review – 1st November 2021

Three wins, one draw, two defeats and some very interesting off the field news has come from an eventful week on our local sporting stage.

Beverley Town have now gone two games without a win. By no means is this an emergency but a surprise to many. Since being in charge Mike Thompson has only seen Town drop points twice as manager, once last season in a defeat to South Cave and a loss to Reckitts a fortnight ago. The 2-2 draw this weekend showed a little improvement but Thompson was still disappointed with the lack of victory. It was even more frustrating as Town let the lead slip twice after Michael O’Connell put them ahead in both halves. Next week is a trip to top of the table Sculcoates.

An early goal by Matt Godden condemned Hull City to a 1-0 defeat against Coventry City at the MKM Stadium. Grant McCann made four changes to his starting XI that faced Luton Town last time out. Josh Emmanuel, Andy Cannon, George Moncur and Tom Eaves all came into the starting team, while there were recalls on the bench for on-loan duo Ryan Longman and Matt Smith… Hull City 0-1 Coventry.

Off the field, Hull City released this statement on Sunday: “In light of recent media speculation, we can confirm that the club has recently entered a period of exclusivity for due diligence to take place. No further comment will be made at this time.” This has increased the intensity of the rumours of Turkish businessman Acun Ilıcalı is close to the purchase of the club.

Hall Road Rangers picked up a second successive league win as they ran out 1-4 winners at Retford FC on Saturday. The hosts showed some early threat as a free-kick was dealt with effectively by Hall Road keeper Tom Macauley. Chris Spinks had an early chance for Rangers in the 4th minute when he drew a save out of Retford keeper Jon Kennedy… Retford 1-4 Hall Road Rangers.

In a huge clash at the top of the NCEL Division one table, it was North Ferriby who took all three points against Hallam. It was a resolute performance by the Villagers who on the balance of play more than deserved the points… North Ferriby 1-0 Hallam.

Hull City Ladies are still looking for an elusive win. Liberty Bott scored during the first half for the Tigress’ with a well-deserved lead. Two second-half Middlesbrough goals meant HCL would go home empty-handed despite hitting the woodwork in either half. Chances seemed to fall City’s way but were not taken. Middlesbrough 2-1 Hull City Ladies.

Another Jekyll and Hyde day for Beverley – badly below par one week and at the top of their game the next. Having slipped in recent weeks to an uncomfortably low position in Yorkshire One they needed a good win here today and they got it. This was without doubt the best rugby they have played for some time, in the first half at any rate. In the second half with the game comfortably won they went off the boil a bit and the match in its later stages became fairly scrappy… Beverley RUFC 39-15 Dinnington.