Hawks were poor in this game, and having players missing and a swap in goalkeeper was not the major contributing factors. Hawks maybe are getting used to playing against lesser teams, and when they come up against a challenge, do not step up and forget what they've been told in training.
In this game Jack Bickles went in goal first half and Jonny Wright in the second. Both did well and were not responsible for the goals and if anything, made saves to keep the scoreline down. When Bickles went on pitch, he also made a positive impact. Collier Row played 3 in defence for this one, meaning only 3 players going forward, however Hawks could not even cope with this. The midfield lacked any desire, energy or bite in the first half and it was clear Collier Row wanted this one more. They were first to the ball, where as Hawks stood off, watched and admired without closing down. Hawks also stood around waving their arms as though the ball was going to magically find its way to them. At times Hawks were beat to the ball, lost the tackle, then just let the opposition attack without making an effort to chase back. This is frustraing as you never know which Hawks team will turn up.
The team seemed unhinged and with no midfield, Davey Hirst struggled on his own and seemed to lose heart. There was no energy, work rate or battling to help him. Joe Davenport had a little more composure at times and was trying to play the ball out, however must learn not to panic when under pressure. Also, he must add some steel to his game as at times the opposition go past to easily. Queinton Greenaway played well, tackled and is proving to be a good last man in defence. If everyone went to the ball and tackled like Queinton, we'd be a very different team.
Collier Row were restricted in chances in the first half, however went ahead through a long range strike. Three Hawks players were on holiday it seemed and just watched the player line up and shoot and made no effort to stop this happening. In the second half, Hawks looked better in midfield with Jack Bickles, however as a team were still not doing the basics. Bottling out of tackles, not closing down, trying to run through 4 players, not passing in the final third. With this, some poor defending gave the ball away as Collier Row went 2 up. Sam Hobson was playing some very good link up play with his back to goal which is positive, however the 1-2's never came back and this meant not many chances. Without chances, his confidence seemed to drain.
Hawks were victim of some poor tackles, which is unfortunately part of the game. However, Hawks also did not take advantage of the free kicks with Davenport and Hobson not hitting the target or testing the keeper once. Hawks got one back through an Edward Griffin lob, however, the result was a fair reflection and Hawks did not deserve the result. In talking to the opposition, they have maximum attendance at training week in week out and are progressing. Hawks need to be aware that other teams are improving, catching up and closing the gap. Hawks need to do likewise or find themselves on the end of more results like this, which in reflection should never happen.
Simple rules Hawks have not learned from training:
When you're not in posession, get in position. Nearest person closes the ball. Always go to the ball. Pass.
