On a beautiful , sunny evening our local rivals Perrywood were travelling across to the home of football FINCHES FIELD to try and back up with actions what they have been taunting and teasing some of our lads with all week. Bringing in 3 ringers, that we could recognise, might be enough to do it.....
It was time to put to use the new net pegs, hammer and net ties for the first time (more money I have spent!!!) and we were all set up pretty quickly and efficiently this time.
They arrived in dribs and drabs and their manager had organised a referee that we split the costs for (another expense the club will not pay).
After a good warm up and a reminder of a few things from the coaches: > No in team moaning/bickering > Play the role the coach asks you to play > Impose yourself on the game/your opponent early
We had kick off and true Hawks style, Kian sets Jack and he hits a long/direct ball into the channel. This literally set the temp of the game. We attacked them constantly, at pace, with aggression and intent in our play all over the park.
Aiden and Kian played some fantastic link up moves that were very easy on the eye, with Ben using raw pace down the right flank.
Oscar sitting in front of the back 4, Jack H and Connor smashing in to tackles / winning the ball / using the ball was literally a master class in how to play a midfield 3 in our formation/style. Perrywood could not get near the ball.
Back 4 and GK were so composed and every time the ball fell to our defenders in possession we looked good, not just kicking away but starting off the next phase of the attacking move.
All this said, with 2 quick fire goals: a great hit from Jack H and a curling effort from edge of the box from Connor (keeper had no chance with either) we did relax a little as if the job was done.
WE HAVE TO TREAT EVERY MOMENT ON THE PITCH AS IF IT IS 0-0 LADS.
With that relaxed approach we allowed them to build up some momentum and they continue to try and release their right winger time after time. Jack C had him in his pocket all day. Even though the winger was lightening quick and strong, Jack C knew his positioning and that he had the cover from Antos and Aidan when needed. Plus the fact that our back 4 were very well organised that the attackers kept running offside (even if the ref disagreed with Joe for their goal).
So, the goal.... A great throughball down our right that split Antos and Ollie H but we stopped as the flag went up... You have to play until the ref blows the whistle (if he does).
This didn't dampen our mood and with the introduction of our very strong subs bench (Harrison / Oliver B / Owen / Rio / Tommy / Ty / Tyler) we stepped it up to our brilliant best and quickly got the score to 4-1 at the half time interval with 2 goals from Owen (assisted by Rio) so you could say it was a managerial work of art hahaha
2nd half was business as usual for Hawks, great work rate, never taking our foot of the gas, lots of superb football and some great goals (I won't list them all) it was but the 1 that stands out from a coaching viewpoint is Rio's corner (our training ground move that we worked on a lot) that was headed home like a bullet by Tyler - goalscoring centre back this evening! Get in!!
Now, reading the report you would be surprised that our GK (Oliver Lucas) would be a shared MoM with Jack H but he made some crucial save at important times in the game. Jack H was a beast in midfield and I am on your case every week as I know that is what you have in the locker. Connor with a hat trick was also awesome and every player played their role to perfection tonight, cheers lads for a great evening of pleasurable viewing at the fortress!
