In one of our best ever performances, we played some excellent passing football against a competitive North Shields side who have had plenty of good results this season.
We started superbly, and were on the offensive from the start, it was no surprise when we took the lead on 3 minutes, great link up play at speed from Sam & Elliott, made the gap, then a great cross field ball from Elliott was coolly put in by Joseph first time who had got himself in a good position.
This gave us the confidence for more slick passing football, and the next goal soon followed Josh making a great run down the left wing, and putting in a super cross for Joseph again to calmly place the ball in the net. We kept on the attack and only some good saves from the keeper kept us out
Second quarter and again we had the better of the game, with Elliott, Sam & Joseph all troubling the Hawks keeper, we eventually got the third when a long through ball was spilled by the keeper and Elliott was there to poke the ball into the net from close range, that's why we always tell the boys to follow everything up, never know when the keeper will make a mistake. Half Time 3 - 0
Third quarter, and we had our usual wobble, losing our way a little, with the Hawks going close on a number of occasions, but Harry, James, Josh & Aaron managed to keep them out. At the other end Josh and Sam kept causing the Hawks problems, Sam unfortunate not to get a penalty when he was pushed in the face inside the box. Right at the end of the quarter we got our fourth, to finally give us some breathing space. Joseph I think being fouled just inside the Hawks half, and from the resulting free kick, Elliott struck the ball really well and this managed to get past the defenders, and just beat the unsighted keeper and went in right at the corner. Great strike Elliott.
Taylor came on for Joseph in the last quarter, and had a couple of opportunities to score after getting in some good positions. Elliott, Sam & Josh were beginning now to dominate, and we had lots of chances, with the keeper again making some good saves. Pressure paid off when Elliott finished exquisitely with the outside of his foot to give the skipper his hat-trick. Joseph then came on for Elliott for the last five minutes, and went close straight away. From the resulting corner, Joseph swung in a lovely ball and this was deflected in off the defender according to the ref, in which case goal goes to Joseph, who in turn then got his hat-trick. We were now dominant with Sam & Joseph again going close. Final score 6-0.
A cracking performance against a good Hawks side, Elliott getting the opposition coach's man of the match award, for his well taken goals and good all round play. We are however going to give a joint MOM this time around, as Josh was outstanding playing in the left back position, getting forward making great runs, passing well, whilst also doing some good defensive work. Well done Elliott & Josh.
It was a very good all round team performance, and just as pleasing as the goals was the fact that we kept a clean sheet, so big up to James, Harry & Aaron, nice one boys. Harry like Josh asked to play in a different role of late, as took to his new position really well, we now have players who can play all over the park which is good for the boys development. Midfield and attacking combinations of Elliott, Sam, Joseph and Taylor all combined well. Joseph taking his chance to play as the striker, impressed with his finishing, just a little more work rate required at times.
Well done boys lets keep this momentum going through training and take it in to our next match against the Ospreys
