We start the season with a new squad – introducing Hugo, Hayden, Leo, Theo and Guy to the Hawks. We have moved leagues so now find ourselves in unfamiliar territory. Despite the drought that has cause havoc on fixtures, our opponents were able to offer us a game!

We started the game with Hugo holding midfield alongside Keiron. As expected, the tackling was fierce as they wrestled to win control – both central midfielder refusing to give an inch.
The defence looks assured with William his dominant self and supported by Lucian and Theo. The trio kept oppositions shots to a minimum.

Little battles appeared over the pitch with each team trying to wrestle control. Halfway through the first half, an opening appeared - Hugo struck an outrageous shot from just outside the box saw which hit the crossbar. The Hawks continued to probe and it would surely not be long for a goal - and there it was from Aaron, though a quick VAR check and the off-side was called.

Farnham Town took this as a sign to step and pushed on – the Hawks had a few moments where the team held their breath as an array of shots came in, but Hayden was equal to it and kept a calmness at the back.

We continued to probe down the wings with George and Leo making darting runs – trying to get in behind the opposition’s defence. Then, there it was – confusion in the box after a cross from Arthur and Guy was on hand to sore on his debut!

The game continued with neither side dominating. Before long, a little bit of chaos around the Hawks’ box and what may have been a ricochet, the ball looped high and over Hayden with nothing he could do. It was 1-1 !

Half time arrived and we regrouped. Coach Ian offered advice to the defence and we rejigged the team. Hugo back in defence , Teddy adding steel to the midfield and now Aaron taking a role on the wing. Leo soon found himself in the right place and was able to bobble the ball into the goal.

The was now some calm to the game as the lead had been restored. However the ball soon came to Teddy, who looked up and smashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner. Nothing more than the team deserved and they now lead 3-1.

Soon after, Guy decided he would have a go – same outcome – time to steady himself and ferocious strike into the goal from some way out ! The wingers caused havoc – and forwards George and Arthur were finding space now. The fitness work was paying off with the team working together to defend and move forward. Theo and Leo were soon back on. Lucian, with his usual assured performance, calm and collected – breaking up attacks and with Theo doing the same on the other side, the game was slowly coming to a close. George and Aaron continued to keep the opposition on their toes.

Then, after an attack broke down – tenacious Arthur chased down a lost cause and somehow won the ball – looking up and taking a moment, he saw teammates waiting in the box. The ball went into the mix and again, Leo watching the bounce, then hit a sweet strike that nestled in the corner!

The opening game came to a close and the team could take pride in their performance with an assured performance and win. Man-of-the-match was a very tough call and there was nothing to pick between Guy who had been a general in midfield and Theo who’d be calm, effective and solid at the back. In the end, the Theo won out – his performance offered a platform for the attack to work their magic ! We go again next week.

Final thank you to Ian for helping as linesman.