U17 AFC Henley Hawks
Matches
Sat 12 Jan 2019  ·  Under 12 Division 7
AFC Henley
U17 AFC Henley Hawks
O Duncan (36'), G Acock (50'), J Halliwell (53')
3
4
U12 ASCOT UNITED COLTS
Top of the table clash

Top of the table clash

Gilly Lea30 Jan 2019 - 00:17
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It really was a game of two halves...

The Hawks hosted Ascot United Colts for their second return match of the season. Henley had won the previous encounter 3-2, though it had been a close game.

Ascot had definitely had their Weetabix this morning and they came out stronger than the Henley side. Ascot had a lucky break when the bobbly pitch helped the ball pop over the line in the first 5 minutes. Buoyed by the early goal, they went on to go 2-0 up in the 12th minute. After producing some impressive joined up play the previous week, Henley were not a cohesive side in the first half. The Hawks did have some good chances; Conor Quinn had a shot saved after a good break left him one on one with the keeper. Jenson Lea followed this up with a beautiful corner in, but no-one connected to put it away for the much-needed goal. Keeper Max Messias pulled off a couple of great saves to prevent the score line rising. Jamie Halliwell and Jenson Lea both had shots that went just wide. In the dying minutes of the half, Ascot put away their third of the day leaving the Hawks dejected and in the unenviable position of being 3-0 down.

After a rousing half time talk, Henley came back on to the pitch with spirit and belief and were certainly not going down without a fight. This belief transferred to the way Hawks played and it has never been truer to say that this was indeed a game of 2 halves. The Hawks play was fluid and energetic as they took the second half by the scruff of the neck.

Within 5 minutes, the hard work of Lucas Wilson running down the left wing resulted in a pass through to relative newcomer to the team and man of the match, Oliver Duncan. He toed it home for his first goal of the season and the Hawks’ first goal of the day.

The ensuing play was going Henley’s way and the Ascot keeper was kept busy with more shots from Conor Quinn and Jamie Halliwell. Daniel Flowers had a chance as he took the ball from his left back position and stormed up the field, but his shot was saved. With close to 10 minutes left on the clock, Henley still believed, and George Acock’s resilience and persistence paid off as he steamed in from the right wing, getting past the Ascot defence to put home the Hawks’ second of the day - making it 2-3.

Play was inspiring from the hosts and shots numerous. A corner kick from Jenson Lea was close to being converted by Jamie Halliwell who got into space by the far post. Daniel Flowers had another strong punt from distance - just over the half way line, but the keeper saved it. Nothing was getting past defenders Michael Dowling, Louis Catlin and Leo Schlaefli as they tackled, cleared and drove forward as if their lives depended on it. Harry Graham was a work horse on the left and centre of the pitch - with some great runs and link up play. Second man of the match Jamie Halliwell was the one to bring the scores level as he powered a great shot to the top bins which drew admiring gasps from the opposition spectators.

With less than 5 minutes on the clock, it was all to play for and Ascot galvanised themselves into action as they saw their comfortable lead disappear as quickly as it had evolved. Shortly after the hosts had drawn level, play went down the other end and Ascot managed to take another goal from the Hawks - making it 3-4. A lifeline was thrown to Henley following a hand ball by an Ascot defender in the 58th minute. Jenson Lea stepped up to take the penalty and fired a great shot to the bottom right corner; the Ascot keeper pulled off an amazing save to keep it out and Ascot’s lead intact. A corner afforded the Hawks a final chance to bring the scores back level, but it was not to be, and the final whistle blew on what was ultimately a very competitive and physical game. The Hawks were unlucky not to take any points away following the attitude and play in the second half and showed great spirit in how turned the game around.

Match details

Match date

Sat 12 Jan 2019

Kickoff

TBC

Meet time

09:00

Attendance

16

Competition

Under 12 Division 7

League position

2
U12 AFC HENLEY HAWKS
3
U12 ASCOT UNITED COLTS
Team overview
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