Hawks 3-2 Nee Gud (Wednesday Hetton Soccer-6)

An injury ravaged Hawks showed immense character and guts to come back from two goals behind to pick up maximum points against Nee-Gud.
The Hawks were forced to recall Simpson, who hadn't played since the Hawks first ever match in which were beaten 24-2 by the Coach and Horses, to the makeshift team for this week. Houghton, who had missed Friday's draw in the Washington League, returned despite being advised to rest his persistent groin strain. He was joined by fellow injured list member Aldridge. Aldridge selflessly agree to take up the challenge of goalkeeper despite sporting a broken toe.

The unorthodox Hawks team were left chasing the game during the first 14 minutes of play. As they adjusted to play with their new players and formation, Nee-Gud took advantage by scoring twice. Despite having a few chances, Nee-Gud were able to convert in front of goal. The Hawks on the other hand had the lion's share of the play but were unable to make it count in the final third.

The second half whistle seemed to change the whole game. Nee-Gud's tactics switched to ball greedy ethic. From the centre ball to commence the half, solo runs and shots were the only play they attempted. The Hawks too were a changed team. Digging deep they chased down every ball for the whole of the second period. Hassling at the front, racing both directions through midfield, tracking back and defending in numbers. All it took was one break bay SWA as he battled his way through the opposition and put the ball in the back of the net. This was the catalyst for the Hawks comeback. Every ball contended for, not allowing Nee-Gud to settle.

An in swinging ball which SWA nodded past the keeper was the straw that broke the camel's back as far as Nee-Gud were concerned. Having contested every decision of the game, Nee-Gud appealed for the goal to be disallowed for encroachment into the box. This was never going to be given. SWA was clearly outside of the area. This upset Nee-Gud further, allowing the Hawks to turn up the pressure. Every member of the Hawks did their bit and the team were justly rewarded when SWA completed his hat-trick to put them ahead. Great defending and teamplay ensured that the score stayed this way until the final whistle.

An excellent performance boosted by the extra point for scoring 3 goals or more ensure that Hawks are still contenders for the League two title. The team of Aldridge, Cummings, Simpson, Lawrence, Houghton and Watchman-Atkinson should be proud of the way they played tonight. The game was summed up by the Hawks motto, "Hawks Fly Together".

Next week's opponent and time TBC.

Hawks Injury Crisis Deepens

The Hawks injury problems were at a critical level today as Aldridge was added to the already lengthy list of crocked players.
Aldridge is reported to have broken his big toe is Friday's clash against Usworth. This means he joins Wilson (twisted knee), Houghton (groin) and Borthwick (San Fransico-itis) in the queue to see the Hawks physio. Return dates are yet to be determined. Wednesday's game against Nee-Gud appears to be in doubt unless the reserves can be called upon.

If you know anyone who can kick a ball then contact the Hawks. Your team needs you!

H-ton Hawks 6-6 Usworth

In a match with a yo-yo scoreline, the Hawks were denied the full 3 points in the dying minutes.
This week saw the Innserve Ringers re-introduced to a sparse Hawks team. Only Lawrence, Cummings (goalkeeper) and Aldridge would line up from the original cast.

The match saw the lead changing hands numerous times over the course of the 28 minutes. Hawks took an early lead with an Aldrige opener, but despite a Lawrence hat-trick, they would only muster a draw form this clash. With only weeks until they quit the league, the Hawks's race to overtake Inta Ya Mam and leave the base of the division gained a vital boost.

Next Friday's game is against Albany at 7.30pm 25th May on Court 3.

Seaham FC 4-2 H-ton Hawks (Wednesday Hetton Soccer-6)

The Hawk's unbeaten run in the Wednesday Hetton Soccer 6 league came to an end as they failed to adapt to playing conditions.
As the heavens opened to give the Hawks their first match in the rain, their inexperience of playing on a wet surface proved their downfall.

In a game of little chances for either team, Seaham Fc could count themselves lucky to be 2-nil up at half time. Their first found the net from a wildly swung boot on the half way point. This lofted ball somehow ended up in the top corner of the goal. Their second came from a Lawrence backpass that slipped through the wet hands of debutant goalkeeper Watchman-Atkinson.

The second half was the same story. Unable to control the long high balls, the Hawks attacks quickly broke down and were caught on the counter. Both of Seaham's goals were deflected past the keep by blocking defenders. A late surge which saw Borthwick find the net was too little too late.

Next week's game is at 7.30 against Nee-Gud.

Pro Evo 13-1 H-ton Hawks

Thirteen proved unlucky for the Hawks as they were soundly thumped by Pro Evo.
With other commitments and injuries added to the announcement that the Hawks are to quit the Friday Washington League, Mitchinson was drafted in again to fill a gap left by absentee players. This also meant that an unfit Houghton, who has been struggling with a groin injury, would have to play to make up the numbers.

No-one could be in any doubt who which team is challenging for the title and which one is propping up two divisions. In a game of total domination, the Hawks only consolation was their spirit, to turn out week after week as they struggle for players, and a late consolation goal by Mitchinson, to ruin Pro Evo's clean sheet.

Next week's game is against league newcomers Usworth.

Alan's Allstars 2-2 H-ton Hawks (Wednesday Hetton Soccer-6)

The Hawks failed to capitalise in the this top of the table clash as they threw away points by not concentrating.
Despite going ahead twice, the Hawks gifted the opposition points in the dying minutes when they switched off from the game. Two goals from Neil Houghton had put them into the lead, but as the game wore on, the Hawks sat back, allowing Alan's Allstars to equalise.

Despite the scoreline, the Hawks did play flourishes of good football even with injury and absence affecting the line-up.

Next week's game is against Seaham FC

Hawks to Quit Washington 5-a-Side League

After much deliberation, H-ton Hawks have made the decision to withdraw from the Friday Night Washington 5-a-Side League. Team administrator Lee Borthwick informed the league of the Hawks intentions prior to Friday's defeat to Aparell Master.

Spiralling costs, player's other commitments and ruined Friday social lives were high on the long list of reasons to resign, and had lead to the constant struggle to find a team for Friday's matches.

Hawks web-monkey and official blogger Graeme Houghton commented, "It’s a sad to be leaving the league that brought about the H-ton Hawks, but unfortunately we all have busy lives that get in the way. It’s been fun despite the defeats and has reintroduced us all to exercise. It has just reached the time to call it a day in the Washington League. It's not the end for the Hawks as we'll continue to play in the Hetton Soccer-6 on a Wednesday and seek out other challenges."

The Hawks have informed league that will continue in the Washington League until a replacement is found, however this arrangement will only have a finite time span. As stated above, all other Hawks games and practice sessions are unaffected.

Aparell Master 12-1 H-ton Hawks

A severely under strength Hawks were soundly beaten by Aparell Master, the team sitting second in the league.
The Hawks could not field their first choice line-up and managed to scrape together a injured, unfit and tired team.

Borthwick and Aldridge lined up along with Cummings, who was suffering from pulled muscles in the chest and tiredness from being at casualty until 3am, Houghton, still struggling with a groin strain, and Mitchinson, drafted in at the last moment. The makeshift team were there to avoid the Hawks having to forfeit.

If they had forfeit, the score line of 10-nil would have been slightly better than the final result, but the fact that the Hawks turned up to compete in this uneven contest reaffirms the Hawks positive attitude. The Hawks only goal came late into the game from Houghton, but this was the only break for them and never troubled Aparell Master's goal. The game was marred by the yellow card given to a member of Aparell Master, who took exception to Aldridge's kicks to his ankles in the corner of the pitch. The two were separated after a bit of pushing, shoving and posturing with inflated chests.

Next week's game is against Pro Evo on 11th May.

Wednesday Hetton Soccer-6 Fixtures

Fixtures for the H-ton Hawks in the Wednesday Hetton Soccer-6 can be found at http://sproutnet.googlepages.com/h-tonhawks or by clicking here.

H-ton hawks 2-1 Nee-Gud (Friendly - Wednesday Hetton Soccer-6)

In a second friendly of the night, the Hawks notched up another victory in the dying minutes.
Five of the Hawks stepped into replace a no-show team. The sixth member of their side was donated by the game's opponents and fellow tem from League 2, Nee-Gud.

Despite having just played 28 minutes of football, the Hawks seemed up for the game. Although legs were not as fresh as earlier, the Hawks were able to come back from a one goal deficit to win 2-1. The winning goal was scored by Aldridge with a wonderful chip over the diving keeper after he ran onto a through ball at the halfway line as part of a counter attack. Earlier the Hawks had been brought level by Borthwick.

Additional note: The Hawks must learn how to take a legal throw-in as too many balls were being given away due to foul throws. Masterclass details to follow in due course but pre-class reading can be found here.

H-ton Hawks 4-0 Npower 6s (Friendly - Wednesday Hetton Soccer-6)

H-ton Hawks notched up their second win is as many weeks against N-power 6s, although this time it was only a friendly.
Dominating the first half, the Hawks took control and put the game out of reach of the Npower 6s in this replacement fixture.

A convincing first half display yielded goals from Borthwick (2), Lawrence (1) and Houghton (1). Passing was confident and saw good off the ball movement. The second half was slower in tempo as the Hawks sat back on their lead and allowed Npower to chase the game with debut keeper Aldridge putting in a solid performance.

H-ton Hawks 3-0 Legends (Wednesday Hetton Soccer-6)

The Hawks pick up another 4 points in the Hetton Soccer-6s, albeit by default due to a no show by the Legends.
The Hawks, sitting 3rd in the table before this game, were awarded a 3-nil win against their absent opponents.

The next game is against Alan's Allstars at 6.00pm 9/5/07.
This is the match the Hawks were supposed to be playing when Botty cocked up the fixture list.