The Hawks produced easily their best performance of the season to run out 8-1 winners away to Castle United – although the hosts did make sure The Hawks had to work hard for their victory.
Horndean got off to the perfect start when Jake Lynch opened the scoring with only 4 minutes on the clock, dispatching a superb free kick beyond the flailing arms of the United keeper. His eye for goal clearly in fine form, Jake nearly doubled the Hawks’ tally on 12 minutes when he broke free of his marker and lashed a thunderous shot from 20 yards out that came crashing back off the post with the Castle keeper clutching at thin air.
The Hawks were enjoying good possession and territorial advantage but weren’t able to convert either into a more comfortable lead. They were made to pay for this after 20 minutes when Ed Wren rose highest to meet a corner from the left and bring Castle back on level terms.
However this seemed to shock The Hawks into action and they gradually stepped up the pace of the game. Will Codling and Lewis Harrison were imposing themselves more forcibly in the centre of midfield, Jake Lynch and Steve Fazackerly were constant threats on the flanks and Euan Condron and Harry Mansfield were pushing the Castle defence further and further back.
At the other end of the field the defensive wall of Jamie Emery, George McBride, Charlie Fry and Harry Fairclough were soaking up all that Castle could throw at them and leaving Anthony Batchelor with little to deal with in goal.
Within 3 minutes of Castle drawing level Horndean restored their lead when Steve Fazackerly latched onto a loose ball in the area to drive home from 12 yards out.
Shortly afterwards Jake Lynch again showed his marker a clean pair of heals, hared down the right and fired in a brilliant ball across the box. Euan Condron lunged to meet the ball at the back post but just didn’t get enough connection to make it count.
The torment that Castle United were experiencing down the wings was clear when Jake’s marker tried to swap shirts with him whilst the game was in full flow!
Half-time : Castle United 1, Horndean Hawks 2
Despite The Hawks playing some fantastic controlled football, a single goal cushion was always an anxious lead to protect. As the second half got under way The Hawks continued to press their opponents and almost extending their lead after 45 minutes when Euan released Steve only for Steve to see his fierce strike well saved by the Castle keeper. However it was clear that The Hawks were beginning to move up through the gears now and it was only a matter of time before the breakthrough would come.
After 53 minues another Horndean attack saw Euan close down a Castle defender in the penalty box. The ball broke kindly to Harry Mansfield who kept his composure to neatly slot home his first of the match and put The Hawks 3-1 up.
A few minutes later the match burst into drama. Steve Fazackerly broke through from midfield again and was bearing down on goal. A United defender made a desperate attempt to stop Steve’s advance but only managed to haul him to the ground. The referee consulted with his assistant before sending off the unfortunate Castle player.
From the resulting free kick who else but Jake Lynch strode up and drilled in another trademark screamer to make it 4-1.
At this point the 3 goal lead and extra man advantage began to show.
On 58 minutes a corner from the left was flicked on by Charlie Fry and Euan Condron was on hand to head home number 5.
2 minutes later Steve broke free on the left and centred for Harry Mansfield to drill home his second of the game and Horndean’s 6th.
Steve then reverted to the role of finisher when on 65 minutes he went through one-on-one with the keeper and made it 7-1 to The Hawks. He was then unfortunate to miss out on his hat-trick almost immediately when his shot was parried away by the keeper.
The scoring was completed with 3 minutes to go when another sublime corner from Jake Lynch found Euan in space at the far post and he fired in another header to make it 8.
This was a fantastic team display throughout – from defence to attack – and a victory built on great teamwork and passing.
He may have been a virtual spectator for much of the game but Anthony Batchelor was still alert to produce 3 excellent stops in the second half as Castle United attempted to force their way back into the match.
The defence dealt with everything that came their way and impressed with their willingness to get the ball on the ground and pass their way out of danger. The midfield 4 of Will, Lewis, Steve and Jake controlled the game throughout, worked tirelessly and didn’t shirk the physical challenge that came their way. Up front Euan and Harry were constant threats and didn’t give the Castle defence a second’s peace.
Final score : Castle United 1, Horndean Hawks 8
