Hook Panthers 2 v 0 Aldershot Reds The boys have found their mojo, and it has only taken 21 games. But it was certainly worth the wait... We welcomed our guests on a warm and sunny Saturday morning. Panthers knew the opposition were strong and Hook demonstrated good focus right from kick-off. The first few minutes were fairly even, but a slight tendancy to back off gave Aldershot the chance to hit some long range shots that went oh so close. One in particular hit the inside of the post. We were also sitting a little deep encouraging the opposition to attack. ONlooked dangerous on the counter and had a couple of nibbles at goal. RD flashed a shot just wide of the post from the left edge of the box. A free kick on the right side, low shot from RD went in, touched by a defender trying valiantly to block the shot....Number 11 on right side was an excellent player and most of their good play came through him. They also had a couple of small but quick attackers, but they were well marshalled by OK, TH and JF. Second half Hook once again set their stall out to be hard to break down and then counter attack. Whilst Aldershot had more of the play, they had few clear chances. RE did a good block coming off his line and the defenders kept an eye over their should for danger. With 10 mins to go ON got the ball on the left hand side, cut in and then struck a lovely shot that squeezed past the unlucky keeper. Well done to SD who has been ill or week and had to put up with me nagging at him in the second half. He really worked hard for the team...Likewise SR had a good last few minutes, understanding the need to stay behind the ball on the left hand side...JF seemed to thrive against the difficult opposition and did the goalkicks and throw-ins really well. James came on and attacked but also made life difficult for the opposition when they had the ball by tracking back. Captain for the day was OK who had his best game of the season. TH was his usual self and put in some important blocks when opposition could have been through. RE was very assured in goal today and did some super kicks out of hand that put us in great attacking positions. RD was everywhere on the pitch and put in a couple of crunching but fair tackles. Also, that is the most headers I've seen from the team. I expect RD and JF to header the ball, but I can remember TH, ON, OK and JR (any more?) also putting their head to the ball...well done... In the second the whole team pressed and blocked and pestered the opposition, it was a real joy to watch...Speaking to the referee after the game, he felt that the football was a very high standard for U9s.
