Lucombe 9-8 H-ton Hawks

In a game of two vastly differing halves, the Hawks lost by one goal from the last kick of the game.
The Hawks boasting a squad of 5 players and 3 subs were confident after the previous week’s victory and first points. With SWA missing on love patrol with his lovely girlfriend and Aldridge still on the injury list, emergency players were drafted in to replace the absentees and to aide Houghton, returning to play after a string of injuries (toe & ribs), who would only feature as a late substitute.

The opening team consisted of Bortwick (goalkeeper), Cummings, S. Wilson, Lawrence and Foster. This team was slow to gel and Lucombe had the best of the play for the entire first half. Attacking moves were ineffective and exposed the defence too many times. Goals from Lawrence and Wilson didn't prevent the score from being 6-2 to Lucombe at half time.

The second half saw two substitutions being made by the Hawks - Cummings and Foster made way for Rodgerson and N. Wilson (no relation to S. Wilson). This would change the game. Some excellent midfield passing play saw a plethora of goals being scored by the two substitutes and Lawrence, although the Hawks continued to concede. With minutes remaining Lawrence left the pitch allowing Houghton to play his first game since 19th January. This would not be a victorious return. The Hawks conceded a free kick near the edge of the box and were caught napping from the resulting play allowing Lucombe to score from the last kick of the match. The Hawks did not realise they had been so close to picking up at least a point. The game finished 9-8.

Comment has to be passed on the extremely poor refereeing again by the same referee mentioned in previous match report. The Hawk's actions on this are yet to be decided but a complaint in some form will be lodged.

The next game is against Aparell Master 7.30pm, 23rd January on Court 2.