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Hitchin Hawks U9 v Stevenage Town U9

Saturday, April 5 2008

As the game got underway, Stevenage were the first to show with some early pressure resulting in a shot on goal that was deflected away for a corner.

The Hawks responded with a strong run by Tyler down the right wing, the ball was quickly crossed in to Ben whose shot thundered into the right hand side netting. As the Hawks regained possession another ball fed through the midfield found Ben in the centre. This time his shot was just left of the goal but forced a diving save from the keeper none the less.

There followed a period of end to end play with neither team managing to break through the others defence. Stevenage were a very physical side and really tested the resolve of some of the Hawks players who fortunately were up to the job and did not give any ground.

As the Hawks made another break forward this time it was George F with a cracking shot from the right wing which unfortunately got a deflection of the crossbar. As the Hawks continued to pressure Stevenage it was a Tyler corner that found Ben’s head for a perfect goal in the top right corner of the net [1-0]. Another Tyler corner followed soon after which again found Ben unfortunately the shot was high over the bar.

As the first half came to a conclusion the Hawks were happy to go into the break one up, however a strange clearance from Tyler on the half way line turned into a lob of the keeper and the ball ended up in the back of the net to make it [2-0].

As the second half got underway Stevenage came out all guns blazing, the half time pep talk from the manager had obviously fired them up and the Hawks defence were put under pressure. Stevenage had a corner which was eventually cleared. As Stevenage pushed forward again a shot from the edge of the box found the bottom left corner of the net making it [2-1].

The Hawks however dug in and seemed determined not to concede another goal, Ben made a run through the central midfield but his shot was just over the bar. Stevenage had an injury on the edge of the Hawks box and the resulting drop ball saw a shot on goal that was just over the bar. Stevenage continued to push forward and a goal mouth scramble looked sure to produce a goal but the ball was eventually cleared by the Hawks diligent defence. Another Stevenage attack saw a long powerful shot on target forcing a superb diving save form Ali ‘The Hands’ Moatt. Tyler made a one man attack on goal running the full length of the left wing, his shot was hit well and on target but was saved by the keeper.

Stevenage made good progress down the right wing but the resulting shot found only the side netting. the Hawks responded once again as Ben twisted and turned through the midfield to beat three players. As the spectators shouted for the ball to be passed, Ben calmly slotted the ball to the right of the keeper to make the final score [3-1].

A great result for the Hawks against a well drilled strong physical side. They held their own well, stuck to the job at hand and were justly rewarded. Well done lads!

Hawks: Alistair Moatt; Ryan Cafferkey; Oliver Garner; Tyler Gray; Ben Wilmot; George Fitter; Juan Andres Ward; George Rodger; Ed Routh.

Result: Hawks 3 – Stevenage Town 1