HGLFC Hawks Vs St Anne's (07/09/19)

It was all excitement, hugs and smiles as Coach Tim and the girls were raring to be back for the start of the new season. With new kit, lots of new boots, and the sun shining it was time to start the 2019/20 season!

It started evenly with two strong teams aiming to make their mark on the first game. It was obvious that the Hawks had worked hard on their 'off side' training with this being their first season where the rule would be enforced. They organised themselves at the back allowing St Anne's to drift offside a couple of times.

It was the 12th minute before the game saw its first goal, but unfortunately it came from St Anne's. This gave St Anne's the confidence to push harder and added to their tally on 14 minutes and again on 16 minutes with a fantastic long-range strike. The half settled back to how it started with some good end to end play as the Hawks tried to raise their heads and find their way back in to the game. Green provided strong physical cover in the box with Young and Williams supporting from the back also. Hadley fought hard in goal saving some great shots and gained confidence to keep the Hawks in the game.

The second half started well and the Hawks appeared to have shrugged off the first half and came out strong. Millard had a great shot saved at the start of the half as the girls began to attack more. However, it was St Anne's who found the back of the net next on 34 minutes and again on 39 minutes. Dawson worked well in midfield and provided some good chances for the strikers. Halewood worked really hard at the back and even pushed up to provide a couple of chances up front alongside Wilkinson.

Considering the Hawks were 5-0 down it was great to see the girls lift their heads and not give up. They attacked more and found strength from the back through to attack and were rewarded with a goal on 43 minutes from Blackburn. That was quickly followed by a fantastic save from Hadley. The Hawks continued and Blackburn found the back of the net again on 46 minutes. It was great to see Bingham and Thompson work well in the team as they join for their first full season with Ashworth bringing more of her strong midfield play from last season.

It was always going to be tough game against St Anne's who chased every ball and pressed the Hawks well with some really good passing. The Hawks have taken a lot from this game to pick up in training and go bigger and better for the next game. Onwards and upwards girls.