On a crisp morning, the full Albury Hawks squad met for their warm up aware they were facing an imperious Farncombe team who had defeated them earlier in the season.
The team set up with defenders Lucian and Freddie in position with Kieran and Thomas responsible for controlling the midfield. It was a cagey start from both each teams who were feeling their way into the game. Neither team able to exert their dominance despite George and Arthur trying to push on up the wings. The passing was measured with Kieran battling in midfield, Lucian and Freddie making their customary crunching tackles.
We moved into the second quarter – Aaron introduced into the wing and William brought into the defence. Tackles continued all over the pitch with Thomas and George trying to create openings for the attack.
If anyone was able to bypass Keiron then they were not able to through the defence wall of Lucian and William. Aaron was working hard down his wing – getting forward to try and create opportunities, but also tracking back well. Max’s physical strength and hard work provided protection to the defences on the right.
Into half time we go with neither team recording too many efforts on goal. We move into the third quarter with Max, George and Arthur starting to show their quality on the pitch. Arthur, with strict instructions not to cross the halfway line, finds himself in the opposition penalty area following a fast break. With his back to goal, a neat swivel brings a shot that sneaks into the bottom corner!
Moments later, Thomas and Aaron – riding through tackles are able to set up George who steadies himself before swiftly adding a second. Into the final quarter we go. Lucian and Thomas who had both worked hard through the game were having their well deserved break. William and Freddie kept the defensive wall solid, the midfield of Kieran and George remained unbreakable and allowed Arthur and Aaron to try and push up the wings.
Aaron found it hard work on the left, but to his credit kept trying to beat his player and always tracked back. Arthur was purring and sensed another goal and it came –again he found himself in the box and a neat assist from George saw Arthur slide the ball into the bottom corner. Despite some goal line moments, the ball was kept out by Max in goal as the Hawks recorded a clean sheet.
This was truly one of the team’s best performances and each player was at their best. Each worked hard, listened to instructions and fought for one another. A mixture of calm, collected passing with aggression and determination.
Honourable mentions to William for shoring up the defence alongside the ever reliable Freddie. Kieran’s weekly all-action performance will be drawing unwanted attention with the transfer window about to close – though the Hawks have no intention of entertaining offers. With Arthur nicking two well earned goals, he is back to scoring ways. And finally, a man-of-the-match performance, as picked out by Coach Percy, for Aaron – driving down the wing, tracking back and for his combative display.
Well done the Hawks.