Youth football: FC Holyport U14 Hawks 5-2 Ascot United Hornets

The Hawks returned from a mini mid winter break to tackle the Hornets on the astro at Cox Green School, the game switched from the paddy field at Bray.  The Hawks welcomed back long term absentees Jack and Jacob to the fold , eager to build on their last victory in Teddington.  The boys were briefed on their roles and the two dangerous front men of Ascot were highlighted as players to mark tightly. Unfortunately all this went out of the window as Ascot raced into a two goal lead in the first 8 mins with the  two danger men of Ascot running amok through a makeshift Hawks back four. The hapless Hawks struggled to cling onto a lifeline in the game, as their season looked to be disappearing into  a mid table abyss .  A couple of quick substitutions steadied the ship with Harry A bring some steel into centre midfield and Jake joining Michael up top. The game slowly began to turn as Jake shot wide before Jude  pulled one back. Jude made a great run in from the right wing onto Jake’s pass , easily beating the keeper . Hawks 1 Hornets 2 . In the blink of an eye the match was turned totally on its head as Michael equalised.  The moody marksman went on a typical mazy run from the right wing, somehow wriggling into the box through a mass of defenders before slotting home . Hawks 2 Hornets 2. So ended a topsy-turvy first half in which the Hawks did really well to fight back from two nil down.  The defence steadied by Harry R, Kush , Chris and Bobby ended the half on top as they neutralised the Hornets speedy front men.  Riley also enjoyed a good first half in midfield breaking up attacks and setting his team back on the front foot.  HT  2-2

The Hawks entered the second half in high spirits knowing that the 5th goal in the match could prove pivotal.  Jasan slotted in at left back after a good performance in goal in the first half with Harry R replacing him in goal. Jasan enjoyed an excellent start to half , showing great composure to release Bobby twice down the wing with slide rule passes. Jude had a shot saved before Jake shot agonisingly wide.  The Hawks were now piling on the pressure and a goal and the lead seemed imminent and they thought they had it when Jake squared the ball to Jude in front of goal. The shot was fired in and with the keeper stranded the Hawks waited for the net to bulge. A brave Hornet’s defender thought otherwise as he took the ball straight in the face and the Hornet’s scrambled clear.  Harry R had a very rare lapse at the other end as he let a routine back pass slip under his foot , the keeper easily recovering his mistake as the ball trickled towards the goal. The vital 5th goal soon came and it was all down to Jude’s pace and power as he outpaced the Ascot defence before rounding the keeper. Hawks 3 - Hornets 2. The Hawks now relaxed and looked like scoring every time they attacked as the Hornets heads visibly dropped. Jude sent Jake clear or him to stab home number 4 .  Hawks 4- Hornets 2.  The Hawks were now running riot and number five   arrived in a flash. Jacob darted in off the right wing to nip the ball between two Hornet defenders , his next touch sending Jude through on goal, he made no mistake as he completed his hat trick.  5-2 to the Hawks.

There was still time for Harry A to have a shot saved after Michael’s good chasing down the right, and for Jake to send a shot inches wide.  Harry R showed his concentration in goal as he turned a late shot round the post.  An excellent 5-2 win for the Hawks as they cemented their 3rd place league position. Superb performances for many players today in a team effort in which all 13 players contributed.  The Centre half pairing of Kush and Chris dominated the game after a very nervous start. Riley put in a tireless performance in the middle of the park, ably supported by Harry A and Tommy. Once the boys got on top today they never let up as the forwards chased and pressured the Hornets backline into submission.  Some excellent passing and movement, especially in the second half, was key to the victory. Goals for Jude 3, Michael and Jake showed the scoring power the Hawks posses once they relax. It was also pleasing to see Jacob and Jack get through the match after long lay offs , both visibly rusty at the start , grew into the game well.

Man of the match went to Jasan for an assured and probing second half performance at left back and a great first half in goal