Hawks returned to the venue of a 4-0 loss last season in game that would be interesting to measure the progress that the team has made. Despite Isaac Tokura and Bobby Spelman being unavailable for selection, Hawks took a strong looking team to the match.
In the first 5 minutes, Hawks took a while to get to grips with the game as the opposition were physical and a little pushy without really going too far as to engage the referee. The opposition were very keen on getting as many crosses in a possible as well as their trademark corner routine. Added to this, it was a busy day for the Hawks wide men, often having to get up and down the line like wingbacks to counter the opposition playing the ball out from the back.
Hawks went one up when Davey Hirst was tripped and a free kick was awarded. Sam Hobson some way out hit a near perfect long range shot with pace dip and swerve right up into the top right hand corner. Hawks were soon too up when Jack Bickles right wing run eneded with a pass in to Sam Hobson who controlled well and with a jinking Peter Beardsley esq jink left two defenders for dead to finish under the keeper. Hawks were now well in the game and competing well. Queinton Greenaway was making some good tackles and Joshua Corcoran was putting in a lot of work. In the last minute of the half, Josh got out numbered on the right and other Hawks failed to close the ball as the oppoisition midfielder scored a good looping goal from distance.
The start of the second period was Hawks worst part of the game. Hawks were getting outrun and substitutes were taking a while to adjust. This meant freedom for the opposition and thus goals. It was a lesson for all Hawks. In tough games against good players, you cannot stop chasing, pressurising and tackling. Do so and you will lose. This said, Hawks shipped two poor goals from corners with Edward Griffin going for the ball, only to be defelected in; this added to a long ranger that seemed to go through Griffin put Hawks down 4-2. As we discussed at the break, making mistakes is fine and part of the game, however I felt the mistakes were down to poor communication with two players going for the same ball and getting in eachothers way.
Hawks then pushed to get back into the game. Jesse Musson came on with some energy, Joe Davenport went to midfield and Tyler Cross up front. The latter went close, hitting the post on two occasions! Added to this, Jonny Wright hit a few that went close and Joe Davenport also almost scored from a Sam Hobson pass. Sam Hobson now in midfield, pulled another one back with a good run into the box to tap in from close range following an assist and some good work on the byline from Davey Hirst.
At the break Hawks were told that they could take this game and that they did. In the last period, Hawks were dominant. Davey Hirst got better as the game went on and bossed two opposition midfielders, whilst him and Jack Bickles played some good one twos. The scores were level when Tyler Cross chased for the opposition defender to panic and kick the ball against an on coming Joe Davenport to score. The deserved winner came from Davey Hirst from Sam Hobson. The midfielder battled past 3 challenges to nick the ball past the keeper.
What a game, what a result. Hawkpower. COYH!
