Houghton Feast 5-A-Side Tournament

The Hawk's debut in the Annual Houghton Feast 5-A-Side Tournament ended in disappointment as they failed to make it to the semi-finals.
With only 5 members of the squad available to play, the Hawks had a tough task to play 8 games without substitutes.

Game 1: Purely Belta 1 - 0 H-ton Hawks
In a poor opening game the Hawks suffered a defeat against a team they should have beaten. Conceding a poor goal, the Hawks didn't convert their possession and chances into goals.

Game 2: H-ton Hawks 1 - 2 FC Nostradamus
In a well fought game, the Hawks suffered their second defeat. With further improvement showing they were unlucky. The Hawks goal was a corker from Aldridge. On the receiving end of Houghton's short pass from a free kick on the edge of the opposition's area, he skilfully curled the ball into the far top corner of the goal.

Game 3: Alan's All-Stars 3 - 1 H-ton Hawks
Game 3 was another defeat for the Hawks, this time conceding 3 goals. With the performances improving, the Hawks still couldn't catch a break. The Hawk's goal in this match came from an open play shot from Houghton which hit the post and was deflected into his own net by the keeper.

Game 4: H-ton Hawks 1 - 3 Bare-arsed Monkeys
In another game that the Hawks should have won, they conceded 3 unnecessary goals. One from a penalty kick due to the ball crossing the halfway line from the keeper's throw without bouncing. Borthwick finally managed to break his goal drought with the Hawk's only goal of the game.

Game 5: H-ton Hawks 1 - 0 Purely Belta
This game saw the Hawks first win of the tournament. In a controlled performance, Lawrence was able to put away the goal that won them the game. This win was overshadowed by an ankle injury suffered by Borthwick in the second half. This resulted in the Hawks playing the last two minutes with only 4 men. Cummings pulled off a brilliant last minute save to secure full points for the Hawks.

Game 6: FC Nostradamus 2 - 0 H-ton Hawks
Despite receiving treatment for his ankle injury, the Hawks were forced to rearrange their line-up at half time. Borthwick took position in goal and Cummings slotted into defence. This change also meant Lawrence assumed a more forward role in the hunt for goals. Unfortunately, even though the changes did not change the dynamics of the team, the Hawks conceded two goals and another defeat.

Game 7: Bare-arsed Monkeys 0 - 0 H-ton Hawks
With Bothwick continuing in goal, the other players couldn't make their chances count in this physical bottom of the table clash. With both sides ruing missed chances, the match ended in a stalemate.

Game 8: H-ton Hawks 1 - 2 Alan's All-Stars
Requiring only a draw from the game to secure a semi-final place, the Hawks still had everything to play for. The All-Stars went in at half time with a 2 goal advantage. The second half saw better play from the Hawks, with them making use of space they were finding. Cummings managed to pull one back with a well taken goal from the right-hand side. Unfortunately time was against them and the Hawks couldn't find the goal they desperately needed and were to be knocked out of the tournament.

The Hawks can take a lot from this tournament; all players scored and the performances showed the team is much improved.