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Falcons Match Report

Falcons 2 Wokingham 0 (Steve Griffiths 2) MOMs Steve Griffiths and Richard Wilsdon

The Falcons made heavy weather of beating a resilient Wokingham side 2 – 0 in near torrential conditions at BRN. Wokingham who have lost all games this season posed all sorts of problems to a Falcons side welcoming Ian Caws back to their ranks after injury. Their excellent centre half posed problems for Chris Billington, who had to be at his best (and was) to keep his vice like control of the Falcons’ midfield, the Falcons soon took the lead after their hard worked goalkeeper was beaten from close range by Steve Griffiths. The Falcons continued to dictate the game although Richard Wilsdon had to be at his sharpest to thwart any breakaways. Dave Hughes, playing his last game before a knee operation, should have scored but hit wide after a good save by the Wokingham keeper. The score remained 1 goal to nil at halftime.

The second half was more of the same with the Falcons controlling the game but Wokingham looking very dangerous on the break. The second goal came midway through the second half through a solo effort by Steve Griffiths who finished by neatly lobbing the keeper. Dave Hughes then limped off to be replaced by John Elliot with the game looking good for the Falcons. The game began to be stretched with Wokingham pushing forward men looking for a way back into the game but could not get the ball past Richard Wilsdon, who was having a fine game. John Baron blocked a goal bound effort with his feet but a penalty corner was given rather than a stoke. Then one of the dangerous Wokingham forwards tried to chip on the reverse stick and the ball agonisingly went wide. The Falcons continued to have chances and Steve Griffiths had two brilliant runs but could not find a finish of equal skill and no jug was forthcoming. Ian Sobey then had two excellent chances which both went wide after good passes from Rogan Meadows. John Elliot was unlucky not to score with his shot finely saved by the Wokingham keeper, who also had a fine game.

A just about deserved win with the Falcons who remain second and the only Hawks’ unbeaten side this season and are now 17 games since last being defeated. Epson remain top and play the Falcons in two weeks; and who was the last defeat against (you have guessed it!)?

Men's 1s Match Reports

Hawks 1st Team V Henley 4-1 (Freddie Coppin x2, Sam Chilvers, Nick Ferraby)

The boys are back in the game! Hawks got their first away league win in convincing style, cruising to victory over a well drilled Henley team. With all 16 players in Hawks squad playing a vital role, Hawks started really brightly keeping possession and moving the ball quickly. However, it was Henley who scored first, 1 attack and 1 goal. This did not shake Hawks and the boys continued to play and dominate the game. The equaliser came through a Sam Chilvers deflection, after excellent build up play. 1-1 at half time, probably did not reflect the amount of chances that were created.

The second half started in the same fashion, with Hawks dominating. With the defence distributing the ball well and the midfield constantly working hard, it led to the forwards creating chance after chance. A short corner was converted by a left slip to Freddie Coppin who fired into the bottom corner. Three minutes later, Coppin doubled his tally with a tight finish after a slight goal mouth scramble. By this time the boys were buzzing and Henley had no response for the dominance of Hawks. The game was well and truly finished off with the goal of the game, a well worked move was finished off with a well executed reverse stick finish by Nick Ferraby. Game over. Full of confidence, the boys will be hoping that this kick starts their season.

Man of the Match - Dan Money

Cup Game V Plymouth University 3-1 (Nick Ferraby x2, Steve Collier)

After a confidence boost the day before, Hawks rested some key players and brought in fringe players into the squad, all of whom produced solid displays. Hawks took the lead after numerous chances went begging, with Steve Collier finishing off a well worked move at the far post. With excellent work from youngsters Sam Chilvers and Charlie Bennett, Hawks were always dominating this Sunday battle.

1-0 up at half time, Hawks needed to score a few to kill off the students before their long trip home. That is exactly what happened with 2 trademark Ferraby drag flicks to secure the game. The students grabbed a late goal, which probably finished with a fair result. The game was played in a good atmosphere that made the Sunday game all the more enjoyable. Hawks will be hoping for a home tie in the next round of the cup, which they have a reasonable shout of winning.

Man of the Match - Charlie Bennett

Ladies' 1s Match Report

Oxford Hawks Ladies 1s put on a much better performance this week against Havant away. They defended well to not concede against a strong and physical opposition, and made some great progressions through the midfield to the forwards who were unlucky not to score. All the players had good games in different ways, with Fiona Walton standing out as player of the match. The second half Hawks raised their game even more, showing fantastic work rate and with lots of great attacking chances; Havant defended very well to prevent Hawks from scoring. The final result 0-0; a much needed point for Hawks, who are determined to keep to this good play and put out their best against top of the table, Surbiton, next Saturday at home.

Ladies' 2s Match Report

With a one month unbeaten run for Oxford Hawks 2nd XI they were feeling pretty confident heading into their match against bottom of the table Teddington. They shouldn't have been. We lost.

Though there were some high points e.g. a cracking save from the legend that is Rachel Spiro and some pretty high class defence (even if they say so themselves) there was also some pretty rubbish points e.g. the team's inability to string four passes together in the first half. However after a tough talk from birthday boy Nelly at half time Hawks came out with renewed aggresion (resulting in a green card for Heather Miller) but failed to win back the goal they had lost in the first, abysmal, half. A well deserved Man of Match went to Sarah Blakely showing again her class and finesse on and off the ball with the Dick of the Day going to Sjouke because she makes good cake. Overall a dreary day for Hawks 2s but undoubtably they'll be coming back stronger for next week's match away at Staines. It was 1-0 to them by the way.

Harriers Match Report

On Saturday the 21st, Harriers played Banbury at Bloxham school. Molly scored an early goal from a short corner. Molly passed it out to Jess on the top of the D and then she passed it back to Molly on the post. Unfortunatly Banbury got back a goal. It stayed 1-1 for most of the second half until in the last five minutes, hawks were awarded a penalty, because one of the shots hit a defenders foot on the line. Molly scored again with a fantastic goal. With about two minutes to go Banbury got a goal from a fast break. Making the final score 2 all. Hawks played well, particularly Molly Warne who got Man of the Match.