Hook Youth 3 vs 3 Fleet Town Colts Lions

As forecast, the Hartletts Park pitch was playable but the snow arrived just before KO.

Hook did very well in their warm-up with good pressing, fast moving of the ball and accurate passes. They were told to make a quick start, playing their own style of football... what actually happened was far from it. Without dwelling, there was some very slow moving of the ball which allowed Fleet to put Hook under pressure; there was very little urgency both clearing the ball when in a dangerous area, and the midfield players with their recovery runs; and moving forward the ball was being held on to for far too long meaning any attack lost meaning and purpose, often resulting in off-sides. The end of the first half was 0 - 3 (gifted goals) to Fleet.

The half time talk by the manager was honest. The players had been poor. The second half needed to show a lot of fight. Hook are more than capable of scoring more than 3 goals in a half, and they had to do that if they wanted to get anything from the game. They were told to go out and enjoy themselves, but make sure they put far more effort in than they had in the first half.

What a second half it was. Back to the sort of effort and play that we have seen from Hook a lot this season... and 3 thoroughly deserved goals to fight back for the point. There could have been more but for a good defensive performance from Fleet, and a few rushed finishes, but nothing to lose heart for.

Hook must play consistently for the last 6 matches, and there is a real chance of a success end to the season.

Well done S G for carrying on after a nasty bang to the chin. Thanks to the linesman, and to the crowd for keeping the players going.