Hawkhurst Utd 1 Cranbrook Town 0
The Hawks’ ‘Road to Robertsbridge’ continued with a semi-final tie at home to Cranbrook who have had a strong season and already clinched promotion from Division 4.
The only change to the starting line-up saw Grant drop out with a hamstring injury and Zippy return to the midfield with Fergie dropping into his natural position in the back four.
Cranbrook started well and Paul Buss was called on to make a fine save at his near post before Fergie helped him out by clearing off the line. One or two Cranbrook players started to get over confident and were heard to be asking what the Hawks had to offer! Remember the old adage about it being a marathon not a sprint?
The Hawks were playing the kind of game that has become their trademark this year, two solid banks of four players winning tackles and headers all day long. This does tend to leave the forwards a little isolated but the thirty goals that Barry and Jase have shared this year shows that they have adapted well to this style.
The second half saw Barry get the ball in the net but the referee disallowed the effort for a foul on the keeper. Cranbrook were busy but didn’t create many clear chances whilst the Hawks looked at their most dangerous from set pieces.
With Kingy going off with a shoulder injury Paul Channer came on and almost immediately raced past the centre half and in on goal. Unfortunately, he then seemed to find a boggy part of the pitch because his legs were still moving but he didn’t seem to be going anywhere – the keeper was able to come out and clear the danger. Cranbrook’s best chance came when a forward was clean through but his lob sailed over the bar
For the last fifteen minutes Cranbrook seemed to run out of steam (remember it’s a marathon!?) and the Hawks dominated proceedings. The decisive moment came from a good corner by Jase which saw Barry leap like the proverbial salmon, the setting sun glinting behind him as he caressed his header into the top corner of the net (poetic enough for you Baz?).
This was a great team effort, all eleven starters plus the three subs (and the three old crocks left on the bench) all played their part. Special mention must go to man of the match Fergie who played superbly at centre half alongside John ‘clean sheet’ Baxter
:lol:).
