Hawks v Eagles

The Hawks’ final league match of the year saw them hosting the Eagles on a bitingly cold day. The ground was lumpy and the run of the pitch was slow with the ball bouncing in random directions making control and movement more challenging.

Play was pretty even, with the visitors taking the first goal of the day after ten minutes. The Hawks immediately looked for an equaliser and were finally rewarded with one after 26 minutes after a throw in from Michael Dowling found its way to Lucas Wilson who put in an intelligent shot to the right of the Eagles’ keeper.

The second half opened with Michael Dowling replacing Man of the Match Conor Quinn (pictured) in goal; Michael Dowling pulled off a good save at 34 minutes. The Hawks were pressing well and the defensive team of Vibhu Vadhoolan, Louis Catlin, Leo Schlaefli and second Man of the Match Daniel Flowers kept the Eagles’ attack under control.

Striker Harry Graham made a run left of centre and took a punt on goal from distance. The ball was running out of steam as it reached goal, but the keeper made an unfortunate fumble meaning Harry Graham’s on-target shot chalked up 2-1 to the Hawks mid-way through the second half.

The Hawks kept on the pressure and had several chances in the last quarter - Jenson Lea had a great attempt on goal at 49 minutes, but the keeper pulled off a finger-tip save.

The final 5 minutes saw renewed energy from the Eagles and great play from both sides. With only 3 minutes to full time, the Eagles pulled back an equaliser making in 2-2. The Hawks were then on a mission to keep their streak of league wins intact and were pressing the Eagles’ defence hard. George Acock won a free kick outside the Eagles’ box and Jenson Lea took a shot on goal that the entire Eagles’ team was now defending. The shot went inches above the cross bar and after a corner to the Hawks taken by Harry Graham and more frenetic activity in the box, the final whistle blew leaving it with honours even and the Hawks retaining their third place position in the league.