H-ton Hawks 3-4 Albany

In their closest league game to date, the Hawks were unlucky to lose by a one goal margin.
Playing against the league's top team, Albany, H-ton Hawks put in a brave performance which saw them be denied of their first points of the season by a late goal.

Despite the obvious gap in ability between the two teams, which can clearly be seen by the league table, the Hawks soaked up the early pressure from Albany with a tight defensive display. Despite this one way play, it was the Hawks who took the lead with a well struck long range effort. This seemed to be a bit of a catalyst to even out the play. The one goal advantage lasted for a fair period of time, but inevitably this was cancelled out. It wasn't long before Albany followed up with a second. The game remained 2-1 until half-time.

The second half saw a repeat of the first half. Albany applying the majority of the pressure with the Hawks remaining firm at the back but still ready to push forward in search of goals. With Albany proving difficult to break down by individual play, the Hawks opted for playing more through balls from midfield through to the front. It was this play that brought the equaliser. Houghton's ball from wide right to Lawrence allowed him to slot home. Albany came out and took back the lead but the Hawks still had fight left. In an almost carbon copy of the previous goal, Houghton threaded the ball to a forward running Lawrence who duly converted the chance with a excellent strike.

With the score all square with minutes left, the Hawks looked like they were ready to lose their point scoring virginity. Alas this was not to be. With three minutes left, the solid Hawks defence slipped up allowing Albany to score what ultimately turned out to be the winner.

The Albany coach heaped praise on the Hawk's performance, pointing out the vast improvement from the last time the two teams played each other. The Hawks can once again take positives from the performance in preparation for the bottom of the table clash with Inta Ya Mam formerly Remmer & the Arg (previous games (1), (2)). The Hawks will be without Aldridge and Wilson who are resting to avoid injury prior to their snowboarding trip, and Houghton who picked an foot injury during the Albany game and doesn't wish to aggravate it prior to the same trip.

Inta Ya Mam vs. H-ton Hawks, 6.00pm, Friday 19th January, Court 2