Hawks give Pompey a run for their money
Tue Aug 4, 2009 : 11:18
The Academy put on a terrific display against Portsmouth last Thursday, narrowly losing 1-0. Stu Page reports.
On a superbly conditioned pitch at West Leigh Park, the Hawks team, 50% of which were 1st year Under 17s, competed well throughout the game against a formidable Pompey side that included some familiar pro-contracted players. As they got to grips with the quality of the opposition and the tempo of the game, they shut Pompey down in key areas, moved the ball quickly and played some excellent one and two touch passing. Movement off the ball got better and better and their overall shape was good – certainly good enough to limit Pompey to no more than a handful of ‘clear’ cut chances. The Hawks played as a team; they doubled up when pressing, they didn’t stand off players, they tried to play the ball forward and, as they grew in confidence, they pegged Pompey back with decent balls into dangerous areas. Defensively, they were tight in free play and it was their one and only ‘switch-off’ that allowed Pompey to score a well executed set-piece free kick on 40mins. The boys will learn from this.
The fact that so many of the Hawks were 1st year scholars who blended superbly with the 2nd & 3rd years makes me excited that we will go on to have a very good season. Our new crop of players is already showing their willingness to work hard, to learn and to try and implement game plans and strategies. The spirit in the camp is terrific – no big-timers, lots of respect, plenty of camaraderie, great banter and most importantly massive amounts of hunger. This was reflected on the pitch last night.
Pompey, naturally had the greater possession and some of their passing, movement and ability to switch play was excellent, but this was, in most, dealt with by the Hawks comfortably. The centre half combination of Conor Geoghegan and Craig Read was terrific whilst the midfield trio of Craig Robson, Danny Mackney and Harry Gilbert were industrious, tight and inventive. It was great to see Alex Baldacchino get through a solid 70 minutes and showed the touches that has made him such a good prospect for future 1st team call up. The introduction of Craig Ralph with Sam Knight up front gave us more going forward however Pompey to their credit gave the strikers very few opportunities to score.
Harvey Whyte looked a live wire when he came on second half down the right and Liam Flanighan showed maturity way above his young years when he appeared early second half at left back. Cam Scott who replaced Jack Goodman in goal also produced a very good performance particularly with his kicking. Well done to all the lads, it was great that the whole squad had the chance to experience the occasion against such a good quality opposition and deliver such an entertaining game.
Hawks men-of-the-match: Conor Geoghegan and Craig Read
Hawks Side
Jack Goodman (Cameron Scott 45),
Joe Waller (Tom Redwood 35), (Tom Shepherd 70),
Ryan Gadd (Liam Flanighan 55),
Craig Robson,
Conor Geoghegan (Charlie Bailey 70),
Craig Read (Tom Froggatt 70),
Harry Gilbert (Harvey Whyte 55),
Danny Mackney (Jack Morris 70),
Sam Knight (Matt Bremford 70),
Alex Baldacchino (Bradey Norton 70),
Alex Lowley (Craig Ralph 35)
Stu Page
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