Home Pompey Cup tie was against Pickwick Youth Tigers from the D division so after last weeks attitude i was hoping for a vast improvement this week as we could end up on the back of an embarrising result with the wrong attitude and take the game for granted.
We were already missing Kieron and Ollie due to injuries and saving them for next weeks trip to WPTs but on top of that we were delt another double blow also losing Max and Billy to injuries, but having a hard couple games coming up it was a game where we felt confident in having them missing from the team and it was Billys first ever game he has missed for the Hawks in over 4 season so Ryan took his place between the sticks.
We started with a great upbeat attitude, going for the jugular straight away and it took only a couple mins to get the break through with Jake getting on the end of Cameron corner to make it 1-0 that was after great play by Josh down the right to win the set piece, then just a min later on 4mins Cameron went from provider to scorer to make it 2-0 after latching onto a Zack cross that was spilt by the keeper.
After 7mins it looked game over already after Zack made it 3-0 tapping in at the back post after Josh and Cameron hade linked up brilliantly down the right with Cameron crossing for another assist, Alfie still looking for his first goal of the season went close on 10mins but couldnt keep his well struck effort down shooting just over but from the resulting goal kick Jake made it 4-0 on 11mins Jack took a quick throw catching out the defence and Jake happily lifted the ball over the keepers head.
Cameron was getting so much time and space down the right with his tricks and step overs baffeling the Pickwick defence and after another great bit of link up play between Josh and Cameron set Jack through on goal he just powered through the heart of there defence but pulled his shot inches wide, Alfie again came close after Jake put him through one on one in the 13th min but he just lifted his shot over the bar then again Alfie came close flicking on a Jack cross inches past the upright he was getting the chances and it was only a matter of time until he took one and in the 23rd min thats exsactly what happened after Jack had an effort cleared off the line for a corner Cameron swung in a great cross to the pack post finding Jake who tead off Alfie cutting in on his right foot he smashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner to final get the goal he has deserved all season and one worth waiting for.
Jack continued to work very hard along side a tough determind Smithy domanating the Midfield and pushing the team forward and with that Jack again broke through to open up space to unleash a strike that looked like it was flying in but was well saved by the visitors keeper tipping it over the bar, but with the first half coming to an end we clicked with a brilliant team move BK broke up a Pickwick move playing it into Jack who played a one two with Jack who picked out Sam pushing up the pitch he slipped in Alfie who took on the right back and crossed for Jack to power home a great header to make the half time score 6-0.
At half time we made a change with Joel replacing Smithy.
The second half was a little bit more even with Pickwick making use of the strong wind playing the high ball that at times court our defence napping, on 34mins we did make it 7-0 Alfie played a one two with Zack who slotted the ball into Jack who smashed in from 25 yards.
Cameron then came close to making it 8 cutting inside but hit the post with his well struck effort, Jake got his hatrick in the 39th min to make it 8-0 again it came from the right foot of Cameron and another corner, he was in the right place and tapped home.
Pickwick then had a great chance to grab a break away goal with BK and Charlie playing a very high line the ball over the top court them out but Ryan stood his ground til the last min and made a great point blank save with his right foot and luckely saw the rebound dragged wide, from that goal kick we hit them where it hurts by making it 9-0 on 44mins Alfie split the defence with a great ball through to Zack who calmly slotted home past the keeper and that was soon followed by yet another hatrick for the little dynamo and it was the goal of the day turning on a six pence leaving the defender in knots he curled home an unstoppable strike into the top corner to make it 10-0 in the 52min.
Smithy did replaced Jack in midfield on 45mins when the score was at 9-0 and again worked tiredlessly in the center of midfield.
Cameron gave there right back a torrid time all game giving him the run around at times and the back four of Josh Charlie BK and Sam were solid Alfie and Zack were pulling the strings with there creative play Smithy and Jack were as always solid as a rock in the heart of our midfield Jake worked hard along side them but tired towards the end and Ryan pulled off a couple of good stops to keep a clean sheet and Joel played his part as a 2nd half sub working there right back.
Man of the match was a tough choice as both Cameron and Jack had top class games but it went down to there work rate off the ball that swung it in the favour of Jack.
Well done lads Quarters here we come.
