The finale to a fine season casme with a game against Cougars Yellow. The team were down to the bare bones with Isaac Tokura, Jack Bickles, Jonny Wright and Keelin McLoughlin missing for the Hawks. The absentees made a difference as on another day, Hawks could of won this game.
The game itself was fairly even and Edward Griffin being left exposed by non commited defending was the busier of the two keepers. Indeed, the value of a keeper cannot be under estimated and as the season has progressed, Griffins 'transfer value' has raised dramatically. The first half itself was not the best quality football and the team were constantly reminded to get the ball on the floor. Cougars were been gifted shots at goal as defenders found themselves out of poisition or just simply refusing to tackle. This has to be rectified as pre requisites of football are to run, tackle, work hard and pass. That is non negotiable. The particular specifics of defending then include concentration, bravery and a little positional awareness. Defenders are going to have to work very hard on this pre-season as Hawks cannot play defenders who refuse to tackle. Common sense.
Despite the pressure, Hawks went one up via an excellent free kick from 15-20 yards by Sam Hobson. The shot went over the wall with power straight into the top left corner. Great goal, but a generous lead. Hawks then were there own worst enemy when two players failing to tackle the advancing striker was met with one player running in the other direction. Result = an easy goal that was not down to Edward Griffin. 39 goals this year have been down to defensive mistakes, most of which come from either failing to go to the ball or refusing to tackle. If Hawks can sort this out, the team will improve imeasurably. If they'd sorted it out this year, we'd only have conceded 35, but scored 224!!!
In the second half, Hawks played slightly better football. Joshua Corcoran continues to improve and make an impact, whilst Queinton Greenaway added some energy to the midifeld in support of Davey Hirst. Both teams had chances. Sam Hobson had two saved by the keeper and one dragged wide following an excellentDavey Hirst through ball, whilst Queinton Greenaway went close of the top right corner. Davey Hirst got man of the match as his decision making in the second half was better. At least 4-5 through balls could/should of resulted in goals. Sam Hobson was a yard of it today and will have to work very hard next season on making better runs and movement. The potential is there .... The game ended a fair 1-1, however with a full team, Hawks could beat this team. Hopefully we will see this in a return pre-season game.
It has been a very positive season for the Hawks ... winning 39 games, drawing 5 and losing only 9. The team nearly scored over 200 goals including tournaments (224) ... all of which is a massive turn around from season 1. Hawks will need to continue to work and hard and improve further as the challenges next season will be greater.
Well done to everyone, including supporters. Here's to an even better 2013-2014 season. COYH!!!!
