A depleted and bedraggled Hawks fell short this morning in their battle to top the table at Christmas., missing 4 players the Hawks ran out of players as they fell 4-2 to table topping Hearts of Teddlothian . Starting with only the bare 11 and an injured Michael amongst them the omens didn't look good for the high flying Hawks. Despite a stern lecture before the game on starting fast and winning the first tackle the Hawks fell behind in the first minute. Unable to clear their lines the Hawks were up against it from the off as they conceeded a poor goal. With little shape and drive from the team the early midfield exchanges were lost as Teddlothian casually passed their way through the Hawks time and time again.It was hardly a suprise to anyone that Teddlothian extended their lead despite a great save from Harry R. A gimpy legged Michael had to leave the action leaving the Hawks to play with 10 men but they continued to work and Jake's fierce strike stung the palms of the keeper. The Hawks were desperate to hang on to half time but were coming under heavy pressure and were then reduced to 9 men after Chris injured his foot. Unfortunately half time didn't arrive quick enough as the Hawks fell 3-0 down.
A half time reshuffle of personnel finally jolted the Hawks into life. Jasan took over between the sticks with Harry R and Bobby moving into midfield along side Ewan. Jacob switched to the left with Gleb moving to the right. Michael made a Lazurus syle recovery and the Hawks were back to 11 men for the start of the half .The Hawks began to dominate with Jacob making inroads down the left , Bobby running from deep and Jake and Michael back to their meddlesome best. Jasan was still busy in goal making a couple of great reaction saves but the Hawks were pressing with real menace. Jacob broke into the box and only the keepers face saved the day, losing his glasses in the process , a throwback to Thelma in Scooby Doo! Jake was then thwarted as he raced clear , the keeper saving again as Jake tried to round him. Jacob's good strike was then grabbed at full stretch by the keeper before Teddlothian hit the Hawks with a sucker punch , going 4-0 up despite Jasan's great save . But the Hawk's never say die spirit came through in bucket loads as Jacob stormed down the left and crossed low into the box . Michael's first attempt was blocked but he bravely slid in to score and was injured in the process as 2 defenders converged on him. Now the Hawk's finally believed and Jacob's great left foot cross was volleyed in at the far post by Bobby. The Hawk's pressed for the final 5 mins but were unable to score again as Teddlothian hung on and wasted as much time as they could. A real shame for the Hawks as a full strength team would have been more than capable of getting a result today. But this doesn't tarnish a great first half of the season for the Hawks in which they have won 9 games and narrowly lost 3. There is a lot more to come from this group of lads who never know when they are beaten !!
