New division – new challenge.

Could the Hawks replicate Hull City's storming opening day?

A new home ground for the Hawks this season, Newnham Middle School providing the venue. Unfortunately the pitch could have won the prize lawn category at Kew Gardens, the grass being lush and long. Valiant attempts were made by Adrian and Sarah to rake off the cuttings and paint the lines before kick off, but there was still plenty of loose wet grass on the pitch as the boys lined up against Crawley Green for their first foray into Division 2. With Angus away, no one was under any illusions about the task ahead!

Crawley Green went on the attack straight away. David had to make a series of clearances from the defence but within the first three minutes, the visitors were awarded two corners. The attack continued and their third bid went in. Five minutes later, another corner, some confusion in defence and Crawley Green scored again. 2 – 0 down within 10 minutes – the Hawks needed to turn the game around.

With great fortitude, the boys kicked off. Hawks managed to win and retain possession well, when Niall picked up a clearance from midfield and had a shot at goal. Crawley Green were playing a physical game and did not intend to let Brickhill through too often, but undaunted, Niall broke through their defence again and scored a great goal on 13 minutes. That's more like it Hawks!

Crawley Green made their own break away attack and powered in an opportune shot from the edge of the (non existent) penalty area. Some end to end play followed with both teams breaking through the midfields. Niall and Fred had shots at goal and both teams had to work hard to defend their own nets. Shouts of “Get the tackles in!” resounded from the home supporters who by this time had woken up a bit with all the excitement!

The pitch was proving difficult to run on and players from both sides were slipping everywhere. The next few minutes was eventful – some nice line work from Ewan, brave saving from Dom and shot on target by Josh which fell to the CG keeper. Against the run of play, Sam H flicked through to Niall who ran nearly half the length of the pitch and powered the ball past the keeper. Back to even Stevens!

The end to end play continued with all players contributing well to a good team effort. Towards the half time whistle however, the Hawks' concentration slipped and CG were able to pull a goal out of nowhere. Some more forceful attacks from Brickhill with Niall, Fred and Elijah linking up well, only for a shot to go wide.

Half time....and it's raining!

The Hawks were shooting downhill for the second half and started strongly. Fred came through from midfield but the shot went over. Sam C made a stirling block at our end. Greg's ankle looked to be causing concern, but he bravely got up to carry on. Suddenly, CG broke through and scored again to increase their tally to 4.

So the boys were two down again and CG seemed buoyed up by their good fortune; another of their shots rebounded off the cross bar. However, the Hawks didn't let their heads go down. Some excellent passing saw Elijah, Niall and Fred link up to score our 3^rd goal. Another eventful period after the restart, Niall ran round loads of their defenders but shot just wide, a free kick to us after Fred was brought down, another bone crushing block by Sam C and a series of brave saves by both keepers. Excitement (stress!) on the touchline was mounting to the point where Alan stood up.

Continued pressure from the Hawks resulted in a corner. Shortly after, the ball came out to the edge of the penalty area where it fell to Josh who wellied it in to the back of the net. Four all and everything to play for! More opportunities for Niall and some good link up play between Josh and Ewan meant the players and supporters thought that we could take all the points. Despite strong defending and some sharp tackles from Cameron, CG managed to score again

No football game is complete without controversy which came when Elijah went down apparently unseen by the ref during which time CG scored again. Despite protestations, the decision stood and Hawks were 4-6 down with very little time left.

True to the Hawks style, they weren't going down without a fight and Niall made a fantastic effort to score his hat-trick. Sadly, time ran away from us and the final whistle blew.

So, no points for the Hawks, but a very determined and promising start to the new season. All players put in 100% effort, looked fit and worked hard. Well done boys!