Hawkhurst Utd 3 Pebsham Sibex 1
A fair size crowd had gathered at the Moor for this long delayed game in the Robertsbridge Charity Cup, a competition that the Hawks have enjoyed some success in over recent years (see Club History part of the website). It was a warm spring day – flowers were blooming, birds were singing and Bob was muttering darkly about pesky kids who play in the goalmouths when they’re waterlogged.
With some injury problems, Ben Marshall’s knee, Barry’s groin (stretching for too many of Zip’s ‘pinpoint’ through balls) and Marco feeling unwell during the warm-up, Jimmy Santer returned up front, Toddy rolled back the years to move into the centre of midfield and Lee Colvin came in at left back.
Pebsham clearly fancied their chances of beating a team from a higher division and started brightly but the Hawks defence looked solid and well organised, Lee and Harry made a number of good early tackles and the old boys in the middle did what they always do. JB was under extra pressure as his every move was covered by Jen’s camera and any mistake would be caught for ever – and published on the website!
The Hawks scored the only goal of the first half; a looping cross from Kingy was met by Jason who skilfully guided his volley into the bottom corner despite close attention from two defenders. Pebsham struck back early in the second period when an excellent low free kick was flicked towards goal, Paul Buss pulled off a superb save but the follow up was converted from close range.
Pebsham continued to create chances with Buss making more good saves and then the Hawks took the lead through Will Oakley on his home debut. I think it’s fair to say that Will found the pace of this game and the size of the pitch a different proposition to last week but, as their keeper lost a cross, Will was there in a crowd of players to force the ball home.
With Pebsham pushing forward it was time for the much anticipated arrival of Wiggins. Within minutes the play was spread wide by Jason, Toddy slipped the ball inside the full back and Bobby raced through to wrong foot the keeper by skilfully shooting into the opposite corner to the one that he was aiming for.
From the touchline this looked like a sound performance by the Hawks, three chances – three goals is the perfect strike rate. The midfield battled well against strong opposition with Zip leading the team and Toddy putting in an excellent (and exhausting!) effort. Defensively we were sound and with a man of the match performance from Paul it can be said that the Hawks really parked the Buss in front of the goal!
:lol:).
