Oxford Hawks Mens 4’s vs Aylesbury 2s – 28.09.24

A late goal from Matt Oakes snatched a 2-2 draw for the men’s 4’s against Aylesbury 2’s – a point gained, rather than two lost.

The 4’s were in control of the encounter in the opening fifteen minutes, probing and driving at the Aylesbury defence. Debutant Jamie Orme and Danny Johnson carried the ball with purpose and ensured Aylesbury remained camped in their own half.

After a handful of squandered chances, Hawks would eventually break the deadlock through skipper Guy Biggs. With Aylesbury’s final defender dwelling on the ball near the halfway line, Biggs was quick to pounce and dispossessed his opposite number. With just the keeper to beat, Biggs dribbled the ball to the top of the D and smashed the ball home to make it 1-0.

What followed can only be described as a sucker punch – despite looking comfortable, Hawks became complacent and needlessly conceded possession in the defensive quarter of the pitch. Aylesbury would ultimately punish them and scored not one, but two goals in quick succession in the final ten minutes of the half to take a 2-1 lead.

Hawks hit the reset button going into the second half and demonstrated a level of patience and resilience in search of an equaliser. A deep, compact press made it difficult for Aylesbury to break down, whilst the 4’s were, at times, measured in their build-up. Efforts from Biggs and Oakes were kept out by the Aylesbury goalkeeper, yet it only felt like a matter of time before the 4’s would find another goal.

With the clock ticking away, the 4’s eventually found a second goal; thanks to the weapon from Wheatley, Bertie Cook. Cook, deep in Aylesbury’s half, slapped the ball to the back post with Oakes – the midfield enforcer turned back-post poacher – sliding in to deflect the ball high into Aylesbury’s goal. Relief!

Although Hawks’ tails were up in the final minutes, there was a sense amongst the eleven on the pitch that a draw, on balance, was a good result – incredibly the first outcome in over three years for the squad! Crucially, the 4’s remain unbeaten this season and travel to play Leighton Buzzard 1’s next week with an impressive record against their opponents in recent meetings.