Hitchin Town Hawks 3 - 2 Sawbridgeworth Town FC

Hawks began the match well and had Sawbridgeworth on the back foot for the opening 15 minutes. There was an early chance for Eliot but his shot was saved. Ben then had a free kick which was deflected for a corner but Sawbridgeworth defended that one. However they didn't defend the next Tyler corner after 9 minutes. Ben rose unchallenged in the area to score (1-0). This spurred Sawbridgeworth into life and they dominated the next 10 minutes. 5 corners in quick succession put Hawks under pressure but each one was defended well and eventually Hawks began to get hold of the ball and keep possession. In the 27th minute Eliot chased a loose ball in the penalty area and the Sawbridgeworth goalkeeper missed the ball and fouled Eliot. Ben took the penalty and scored his second of the match (2-0). Hawks continued to press, Billy C went on a mazy run down the wing but his cross was met well by the goalkeeper and Eliot had a shot which went wide. Sawbridgeworth were still looking for a way back into the game and Matthew in the Hawks goal was called on to make a couple of fine saves. HT

Into the second half and there was an early chance for Ben but his shot went over and one for Billy C but his shot was saved. Hawks made a couple of substitutions bringing on Robert and Finley for George and Billy C. Sawbridgeworth were continuing to press Hawks and put them under pressure and 2 quick goals in as many minutes brought them right back into the game and at that stage they were looking more likely to be the victor. Firstly a long through ball slipped through the Hawks defence and a striker pounced to score (2-1). A minute later and a throw by Matthew was intercepted and Sawbridgeworth levelled (2-2). With just under 20 minutes to go it was now anybody's match. Both teams were pushing for the winner but Sawbridgeworth were leaving gaps at the back. Eliot collected a pass from Ben out wide on the left wing by the half way line and beat the right back. As the centre half came across to cover he left Robert alone in the middle and Eliot's cross was perfect for Robert to get in front of the goalkeeper and head into the goal (3-2). This seemed to deflate Sawbridgeworth and Hawks finished the match in control. Adam had a shot which went wide, Ben had a free kick blocked, Tyler hit the post and to finish Adam hit the crossbar.

A hard earned victory but well deserved in the end.

Final Score Hitchin Hawks 3 Sawbridgeworth 2