Hook Youth 3 vs 0 Rushmoor Community Cobras

The second of the double-header fixtures saw Hook take on Rushmoor Cobras - Rushmoor being the 'bogey' club for Hook this season as they have rarely put together their usual standard of performances. On the back of the good result against CPR, Hook should be buoyed for this one.

Asked to forget about the previous match and focus on the next, the manager told them to continue their own game, talk a bit more and ensure they work for each other.

A flying start saw a quick counter executed well and a 1-0 lead opened within 2 minutes. Good start, stay focused. The football was good and Hook continued to press the opposition. A little slow to pick up on loose balls, Hook often handed the advantage to Rushmoor but they didn't capitalise on it. A very good save from C N, using a bit more of his body than he would have liked, was about all that Rushmoor seemed to muster in the first half.

Reassurance that Hook could kick on and win more convincingly, the manager highlighted that Rushmoor were playing with a single striker and 4 defenders, and he encouraged Hook to ensure they kept their shape and exploited the numbers. Eventually, they did just that. 2 goals scored in the last 10 minutes, both first time/follow up shots that the manager has been nagging the players to do more of since the start of the season. Both goals from good team moves, and a thoroughly deserved 3 points.

Huge thanks to the linesmen (for both games), and indeed to the ladies for providing the food between matches. Great support, as ever - Hook really are lucky to have a great bunch of parents backing them.

4 games to go...