Oxford Hawks Mens 1’s vs Ashmoor 1s – 20.10.24

The Men’s 1s travelled down to Devon to take on Ashmoor, the last fixture before the first break of the season. The fact we had travelled 3+ hours was unfortunately evident in the first quarter, as mistraps and misplaced passes put Hawks under pressure early on. After Raoul Patel decided to chest the ball in the circle, Ashmoor broke the deadlock through the resulting corner. Hawks probed and penetrated throughout the second and third quarters, creating a couple of chances that were well saved by their goalkeeper. Ashmoor’s defensive grit was proving a source of frustration for Hawks, perhaps explaining the later head loss from a Hawks player.

Entering the 4th quarter 1-0 down and looking for an equaliser, skipper Ed Ellis reminded the team of the importance of keeping 11 men on the pitch. Naturally, within 5 minutes Hawks had 9 men on the pitch and were 2-0 down. Connor Lasrado deliberately blocked a pass using his body, a decision rightfully upheld by court, and Raoul, having given the ball away as the last defender in our half, decided to take out the advancing striker with no attempt at the ball. A stroke was given and rather handily put away into the top corner. Despite late efforts to take something from the game, including a sumptuous Simon Hill pass and Andy Appleton sacrificing his hamstring for the cause, we came away empty handed.

Hawks enter the break disappointed, but determined to improve.

MoM: Andy Appleton: Ran the midfield and showed admirable commitment when down to 9 men.

DoD: Raoul Patel: “I’ve not got a card all year” - Corner, stroke, card.