The error rate crept back into
the Hawks game as the side failed to focus in a disjointed scrappy
game against local rivals Prospect. Faced with the possibility of
reaching the top four, only three points away a lack of continuity
and too much individual endeavor robbed the side of any semblance of
the rhythm necessary to be successful at this level of soccer.
Prospect came out with all guns blazing, turning a Hawks attack into
a quick counter to find the defence wanting at the near post against
a fine 20m low shot after only a few minutes. This early setback
seemed to knock the sides confidence around in the first half as
they struggled to string passes together, turned over possession at
critical stages, and ran down their energy levels chasing the ball.
As is often the case the luck went further against the side as an
own goal made it 0-2 at the break.
To the Hawkscredit, the break helped them get their minds back on the
job, getting back in the chase with a goal after two passes from the
kick off by Matt Sumeghy. With the game turning the pressure was
applied and Andrew Jones finished off a good passage of play to even
up things with 30 minutes left in the game. A very dubious free kick
that bounced off the wall for a player standing wide to finish off
showed that it wasn’t our day and set the scene for the remainder
of the game. Chasing a score against a side one position above the
Hawks that was determined to hold their defensive line resulted in a
couple of late goals from counter attacks.
Man of the match was Gavin
Hartge
Reserve Grade: Hawkesbury 0 Prospect 0
With the final just around the
corner the Hawks played a cautious game intent on getting at least a
point that would, depending on other results would secure second
spot and a place in the finals, this year comprising the top two
teams in each grade from each conference. Still
short on players and with a number still involved in the first grade
the game was evened out against a young and eager Prospect. Not a
lot of chances were presented to either side as the game was
basically fought out in the midfield. Results later in the evening
helped out our cause with the reserves now guaranteed of second
spot.
