L6s lose out in close fought friendly game 3-4 against Oxford 5s

With all games the previous weekend cancelled, this Saturday saw some familiar and some new faces line up for the first friendly game of the L6s season. Hawks started well applying some early pressure on the Oxford 5s defence but opportunities went begging. Then some great connections between Yas and Holly W, playing midfield, were made with the forwards Lizzie and Libby and the deadlock was broken with Libby scoring the first Hawks goal. The Oxford youngsters were playing with pace that put the Hawks defence under pressure but GK Linda was up to the challenge and any shots on goal were kept at bay. With Jacs and Nynke controlling the CM position it was long before Anna was on the score sheet with Hawks second goal.

Oxford then increased their determination to reach the ball ahead of Hawks and secured their first short corner. A save and clearance on the line by Phil was deemed dangerous so the short re-awarded but Hawks defence held strong. Oxford were on the charge and then scored 2 goals before halftime while Lizzie was denied a goal by the post which could have seen Hawks in the lead at half-time.

Extra sub Caroline, having flown back from Ireland earlier, arrived in time for the second half and was immediately put into action pushing Holly H up to try her luck on the inner line. Ella, Libby, Anna and Lizzie showed what maintaining forward height could do and before long Libby secured her second and Hawks 3rd goal. Could Hawks hold on? The answer was no as despite some great clearances from Jan, Sallyann, Carys and Harri, Oxford scored 2 more goals without reply. The last goal coming just minutes from the final whistle!

Despite the result it was a positive performance from a new line up with things to work on at training ahead of the first league game next Saturday.

Player of the match votes went to a number of players mostly whose names began with ‘L’ but it was Libby who, with her brace of goals, was awarded the honour and cake baking duties for the next game!

Our thanks to our umpires, Marc and Sophie and to Ella’s mum, Susanne Hooper for taking the team photo before the game.  The remaining photos were taken by Evelyn Hargraves.  See https://www.back-at-oxford-hawks.evelynhargravesphotography.co.uk/sets for many more.