Hook Youth 2 vs 1 Junior Shots Blades

Sunny but, wow, cold! Winter seemed to have arrived at Hartletts Park for the return fixture against Junior Shots.

The warm-up was definitely needed - and the players were reminded by the manager to switch on even in training as the efforts were a little less than impressive to start with. The tone needed to be set for the match as there was likely to be another hard fought game.

And that there was. Although Hook started very brightly, scoring in the 2nd minute from great work originating from deep on the left before the ball was cut across for a simple, but well-taken, tap-in. The Hook play was good until the latter stages of the first half where the focus was lacking and there were a few examples of watching the ball rather than getting hold of it. This allowed Shots to take advantage with a well hit equaliser..

The focus and concentration was re-briefed at half time - everything else was working well - and Hook switched it back on for the second half. Not dominating but well-controlling throughout (notwithstanding a couple of heart-in-mouth moments!) with some impressive link-ups, dogged work ethics across the group, and one of the best examples of a disciplined formation the manager has seen from the team. The, frankly, ripper of an equaliser was as well-deserved as it was hit! The mature finish to the match was emphasised with all players remaining focused and hard-working to the final whistle.