HGLFC Hawks Vs Cadley (10/11/19)

It was a busy morning at The Valley Leadership Academy for the Hawks game against Cadley. Before the start both teams lined up to observe a respectful minutes silence to remember those who have fallen in conflict across the world.

The game started with Eve Hadley in goal. Abby Bingham, Izzy Dunne, Meadow Young, and Tia Thompson started in defence. Isabelle Fearnhead, Eloise Freer, and Poppy Millard went in midfield with Fern Ashworth upfront. Alex Wilkinson and Daisy Halewood started the game as subs.

The game started quickly with a great change from Ashworth with the outside of her foot which just clipped the post. That set the girls off and it wasn't long before Millard scored the first goal on 4 minutes. Attacking play continued and was quickly followed up by another goal from Millard on 9 minutes. Freer joined in the action settling in quickly and scored her first goal for the Hawks on 11 minutes bringing the score the 3-0.

The Hawks played their positions well and were strong in all areas of the game. Ashworth, Millard and Freer provided some great periods of play together which nearly earned them a fourth goal but was saved by the Cadley keeper.

Ashworth earned her reward on 13 minutes with her first goal of the game. It was an attacking game but that wasn't to say there was little action at the back. Dunne was extremely strong in defence and worked well with Hadley to cover. Wilkinson and Young supported from the back which allowed the midfield to push up.

At the start of the second half, due to a knock, Hadley was subbed with Young taking up the gloves in goal (get well soon Eve!). Halewood didn't hang about and had a great change which was then followed by a period of really good football to watch. All girls were involved from Thompson at the back through to attack and nearly ended with a great goal. Halewood got her name on the score sheet on 36 minutes with a great goal which was well deserved for her work in the first half. Not long after, Halewood had another great chance which was only kept out by a fantastic save from the Cadley keeper.

Wilkinson had a great game in defence and worked well with Young covering in goal and Bingham at the back. Fearnhead provided the strong control in midfield with near perfect passes into the attacking players. All the girls supported each other and often provided backup to clear and counter-attack. On 42 minutes, Halewood completed a lovely turn to pass to Ashworth and leave Bingham to finish which hit the bar to deny a great team goal. Thompson was always on hand to cover with Freer pushing on down the wing.

The next goal came from Millard on 48 minutes making it 6-0 and giving Millard her hat-trick. The Hawks continued with no signs of slowing and Dunne defended well with great intelligent football. Bingham had another chance on 50 minutes which was kept out by the Cadley keeper following another great save.

It wasn't over yet when Bingham provided a lovely cross in to the box for Millard to finish making it 7-0. The Hawks were definitely thrilled with their performance but they do need to work on goal celebrations unless Millard and Bingham meant to fall over!

A great game from the Hawks with every girl playing their part.