The U13 Hawks maintianed their 100% home record with a hard fought win over Westwood Wanderers hoops. Jasan stepped in as goalkeeper as Harry R was ill as The Hawks were made to work extremely hard for the win. The first half was a scrappy affair in which neither side took hold off the game, the Hawks prolific strike force of Michael and Jake were well shackled by a sturdy defence. Struggling to get control of the game the Hawks' flair players were peripheral to requirements. Riley was once again having a dominant game in midfield and the defence of Harry A, Tommy, Chris and Bobby were repellling all threats. Jasan was only called into real action the once and his flying save kept the score level The Hawks were unlucky not to score from a couple of Riley's dangerous corners, Taylor and then Chris were unlucky not to score with headers The Reds peserverance finally paid off when Michael broke into the box on the left hand side, he cut back and his centre was tucked away by Gleb from close range. Westwood battled back and were winning the physical battle in midfield, they equalised from a free header from a corner to make it 1-1. A real first half battle , with elbows and tackles flying in ended 1-1.
Harsh words were said at HT and the Hawks were instructed to get stuck in and win their individual battles. The Hawks responded in style with a dominant 2nd half performance . The Hawks were in the ascendancy from the off and took the game by the scruff off the neck. Jasan was only forced into one save in the 2nd half as once again Tommy, Chris and Harry A stood their ground . Midfield protectors Ewan and Riley were winning the midfield skirmish and slowly the width of the Hawks took over the game. Taylor , Michael and Jake were all struggling to break through the blanket defence and were tackled everytime they got the ball. A tactical switch from the canny Hawks gaffer's mid way through the 2nd half would soon unlock the game for the Hawks. Taylor was switched to the right hand side in place of Jacob, who switched to the left. He soon made inroads down the right as Westwood began to tire , but the Hawks despite being in total control, failed to test the Westwood keeper .
A tight game was sealed 10 minutes from time by a goal worthy of winning any game . Jake took down a long forward pass and laid it back to an onrushing Taylor , cutting in from the right. He smashed the ball first time from 30 yards into the top left corner , sparking wild celebrations on the sideline. A jubilant Taylor was engulfed by his teammates and management , hardly believing what they had witnessed. The Hawks saw out a nervy last 5 mins and despite a couple of late corners were untroubled .
2-1 to the Hawks and it was a day when boys finally became men . A great team performance ,who fought off elbows and scratches to get the win. It wasn't a day for the Hawk's flair players but their fighting and grafting paid off. Jasan did all that was expected in goal and was well protected all day by Chris, Tommy, Harry and Bobby. The real stars of the day were Riley and Taylor , for constasting performances . Riley once again dominated the midfield , winning tackles and headers galore, whilst also delivering dangerous set pieces galore. Taylor excelled on the right with fight ,desire and a winning goal that most players could only dream of.
Onward and upwards for the soaring Hawks and another home game to look forward to next week!!
