Oxford Hawks Mens 4’s vs Milton Keynes 2s – 12.10.24

A single point in two games in what felt like wars in faraway shores, The Phwoars returned to fortress BRN to the sound of supporting roars.

Build-up approach had been too narrow-minded of late, so more lateral thinking was required against Milton Keynes.

The Phwoars were much more patient in possession, with probing passes all match from Lamby, Rocket and The Weapon. Lamby in particular produced some delicious passes; one in particular that yours truly wasn't able to feast on, earning the privilege of writing this report. Though I did run a lot; Strava tells me 10km.

MK pressed hard and high, leaving gaps in behind. It didn't take long for in-form Minner to pounce on a through-ball and thread a deft finish neatly through the legs of the on-rushing keeper. Gorgeous.

Although MK pressed Hawks into a few misplaced passes, the lead was relatively safe. Until it wasn't. A bit of a scramble around the Hawks D, a goal line clearance from Josh, and a mix up between Josh and Phil gifted MK an empty net, 1-1.

Hawks immediately responded. Debutant Chris glided past a couple of defenders, who looked up in glee as a parting of the sea gave him a path to the D that was free. Bang, into the bottom corner. 2-1. Half-time.

Hawks continued on top, soaking up the MK pressure. As aforementioned, Hawks should have put the game to bed. "Will they go on to rue those chances", asked Chris "Alan Shearer" Bromley. Yes they would. MKs puppet master in central midfield floated around and pulled the strings for an equaliser as sloppy as a Napoli pizza. Josh, who was MoM, was brilliant going forward and defending and almost created a worldy after beating about 6 players, but it wasn't to be.

On reflection [it's good to do that, agile teaches us to strive for continual improvement, and part of this is undertaking retrospectives], a draw against a good side was probably about right. MK should have had a flick and created a few good chances, Hawks should have been a tad more clinical.

Highlights available here: https://vimeo.com/1019138929