The Hawks yet again enjoyed home comforts as they eventually brushed aside Ascot Utd Hornets in the U13s Plate competition. The Hawks started in the usual dynamic fashion and were unlucky not to score in the first minute as Ewan put Riley's corner wide. They didn't have to wait long as Jake ran onto Riley's pass before slotting home with the outside of his right foot for 1-0. Michael then smashed in a left foot strike after the keeper parried Jake's shot 2-0 Hawks. Ascot were themselves looking lively up front and Harry R continued his excellent form with a superb double save , after saving a fierce strike he was up quickly to stop the second effort just in the nick of time as the ball squirmed behind him. That save was to prove pivotal as the Hawks extended their lead to 3-1 , Taylor turning in a rebound with his left foot after Jacob's shot was saved. Harry R then made another superb stop with his feet before Ascot made it 3-2. The Hawks defence were really under the cosh , Tommy winning tackle after tackle and Jasan putting another very steady performance just about kept the Hawks ahead. The Hawks upped their game for the last 10 mins of the half scoring 3 times. Taylor made it 4-2 as he ran onto Jake's cute through ball and 4 soon became 5. Taylor was scythed down when running clear and Jake exacted sweet revenge as he smashed the ball home from 25 yard from the ensuing free kick. Jake then set up yet another goal as he fed Bobby in the inside left channel and he fired home, across the keeper to make it 6-2 at half time.
The second half was a far more comfortable affair for the Hawks as they controlled the game without really threatening the goal too much. Taylor had a great long range strike saved before Jake sent a shot wide. Michael then arguably scored the goal of the game to make it 7-2 , a sublime turn inside fooled the whole Ascot rear-guard and he calmly ran into the box unchallenged before slotting home. With Michael, Jake and Taylor now on Hat -tricks passing was becoming limited for the Hawks front three. Bobby then hit number 8 as he miss hit a cross from the left which sailed over the keeper and went in off the post. Bobby was then unlucky not to get his hat-trick as he struck the post from close in,The Hawks then fell asleep at the back as Ascot made it 8-3 with a break-away goal.
The Hawk's eased through to the next round to face Tywford and Ruscombe Hurricanes and despite four players hitting braces the star of the show was Tommy with a masterclass in defending and tackling. He deservedly took MOM honours but plaudits also went to Harry R for a great first half display in goal, Riley again anchoring midfield well and the four scorers for their share of 8 goals.
The Hawks real litmus test comes next week when they host 2nd place Ashridge Park, a team who beat them twice last season!
