Week two of the season and another home game. This time the lads were given a taste of things to come when we played at Hawkins Sports Club, the lads having the use of the changing rooms and shower facilities. This being our home ground from next season.
Cannock came into the season having won Division 3 last year and having signed two or three new players. Hawkins went into the game knowing that they had beaten Cannock last season. The opening encounters were a scrappy affair with both sides struggling to take control. Cannock looking to use the speed of their wingers and Hawkins looking to exploit the space in behind the Cannock defence. It became clear early on that Kian and Louie were in for a long afternoon. Neither side managing to boss the midfield and very little space for either side to knock it around.
The first goal came with Seb playing a defence splitting pass to put Josh through. Josh remaining composed and finishing low to the keepers left. On the balance of play Hawkins deserving the lead. Cannock restarted and looked to get back into the game quickly. As with Phoenix last week they found themselves up against and well marshalled and tight defensive unit. With Brogan showing great hands, Maccie and Jack clearing up and Leighton linking play from defence into midfield. As the half wore on Cannock resorted to shooting from distance, either failing to find the target or finding Brogan a rock in goal.
The second goal came in much the same way as the first, this time it was Ellison providing the assist and Josh again breaking into space and coolly finishing past the keeper.
Half Time - Hawkins 2 v Cannock Town Blues 0
The second half was a scrappy affair as a strong wind got up and a rain shower made decent football difficult. Cannock tried more and more to get their wingers into the game and as much as they gave Kian and Louie a hard time they never really created enough space to pick out a telling cross. If the game had become scrappy one thing that wasn’t was Brogans handling, With the wind and rain in his face and a greasy surface to contend with he showed great ability, never spilling or dropping anything.
Now playing into the wind Hawkins created few chances, Scott playing down the middle whilst Josh took a breather had few clear chances but when he did found the Cannock center halves were more than a match for him. Josh returned to the action and found the same problem as Scott, having between the defence twice they were determined he wasn’t getting through again.
As the clock ticked down it gave Hawkins a chance to give new keeper Lewis his debut. Almost immediately Cannock got a corner and a few hearts were in mouths. The team held strong and cleared with the ref then blowing for full time.
Not the most impressive of performances but a good result against a side who have a few obviously talented players and will win more games than they lose this year. Two games played and two wins on the board. Next up; Red Star Rangers who we beat 4-0 in the cup last year. A game we should be looking to keep up out wining start.
Full Time - Hawkins 2 v Cannock Town Blues 0
