NW Phantoms 1 vs 2 Rushmoor Hawks

We were long forward with baited breath for this game against high
flying Hawks. They are a team that had already won both games this
season, including a 7-2 win over highly respected Hark Sharks.

It was a lovely morning for playing football. Sun was out, lots of
football going on and teas/coffees readily available.


The first 15-20 mins was full of excellent football from both sides.
The play in and out of possession was mature and thoughtful. Hawks
possession intent was clear, constantly switch play, but our ability
to slide across and prevent forward passes was good. Phantoms in
possession were passing well, varying play with short passing and then
looking to play longer when areas got busy.

With the wind against Hawks and up the hill, we needed to press high
particularly from goal kicks. I'm not sure we did this very well as a
team, but as a result of a couple of individual player presses, the
ball was won and passed to the striker to tap in 1-0 to Phantoms.
Possession stats for first half slightly in favour of Phantoms, but
little in it, except that Phantoms had two or three one on one
opportunities to score.

Half time team talk was about coping with the wind and the hill,
trying to play a bit longer and play as much as possible in oppo half.
The first 15 mins of second half we were really backs against the
wall, unable to release pressure. Equaliser came from a very long
distant shot that rebounded to the centre spot for their striker to
score. Unfortunately a second goal was scored soon after, a very
passive bit of play leaving their fortunate striker to tap the ball
into the open goal. At this point we could have fallen apart, but this
is where the boys have changed. Whilst being on the backfoot we
started to cause Hawks problems too and could well have equalised
before the final whistle.