Accrington Vs HGLFC Hawks

Haslingden Hawks travelled to Accrington for their away game this week. Luckily the rain held off enough to not ruin the occasion. From the start Eve Hadley went in goal with Zoe Green, Meadow Young, and Izzy Dunne in defence. Poppy Millard and Isabelle Fearnhead took midfield with Alex Wilkinson, Fern Ashworth, and Emily Blackburn in attack. Phoebe Williams, Abby Bingham, and Eloise Freer started the game as subs.

As usual, Haslingden Hawks came out quick from the start and very much set the pace of the game from the opening minute. Millard scored first for the Hawks on 3 minutes as a result of great support from Ashworth and Fearnhead. The game didn't slow and the Hawks looked set to finally get their season off on a winning streak when Blackburn scored on 6 minutes. The game had barely started again when Millard fed a great pass in to Blackburn to score the third of the game on 7 minutes. Accrington worked hard to get back in to the game which made the Hawks' defence work harder with Dunne providing great cover and Hadley keeping the team on track. Williams, Bingham, and Freer joined the game and the Hawks continued to push. Freer had some great runs whilst Young and Green defended well allowing the girls up front to push for a fourth goal. The game settled to a period of even play but it was the Hawks who found the back of the net on 26 minutes from a Blackburn goal sealing her hatrick. Blackburn again quickly followed it up with another on 28 minutes. The first half ended strong with every girls playing her part. Ashworth had a number of chances with Wilkinson in support and Bingham and Freer adding to attacking play.

It wasn't long in to the second half when Blackburn scored again - you don't hear that often in the Championship ; ) - on 31 minutes after a perfect cross from Freer bringing the score to 6 - 0 to the Hawks. Fearnhead and Williams worked hard in the midfield to keep the game moving which didn't allow Accrington many chances. Bingham was unlucky to not score when a great effort hit the cross bar. The Hawks added to their tally on 46 minutes with Millard's second goal. Bingham finally got her reward on 50 minutes with her first goal of the game. The Hawks weren't finished there when Blackburn (having an absolute goal fest) scored on 53 minutes and again on 56 minutes. Bingham wasn't finished either and quickly followed up with her second goal of the game on 58 minutes.

A cracking game from the Hawks. Great goals from Millard, Bingham, and Blackburn but credit to each and every one of the girls. This was definitely a team effort with everyone working hard in their positions. Well done girls and well done to Bingham who was awarded Player of the Match. Thank you to Accrington for a great game!