Hawkinge Youth 2 - Monkton Youth
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Report by Rob Lawford
Hawkinge Youth Under 8's celebrated their first ever win in this
highly competitive encounter against Monkton Youth.
On a windy and overcast day, Hawkinge
performed with great team spirit to overcome Monkton who battled to
the very end.
The first half was evenly contested with both teams creating half
chances, the best of which fell to Hawkinge's hard working Conor
Guilfoyle, his effort bravely saved by the Monkton keeper. Hawkinge's
Charlotte Avery then came close to scoring her second of the season,
with an effort that went just wide of the Monkton upright.
Monkton pressed to open their account toward the end of the first
half, but were denied by great tackling from Tim Biggs and Jacob
Moorcroft.
The second half started in explosive fashion, with Hawkinge being
awarded a penalty after a great driving run by Liam Jelly. Conor
Furness stepped up to take the kick but was denied by the excellent
Monkton keeper. Joshua Roberts then hit a rasping shot from outside
the area which was destined for the top corner, but the Monkton keeper
somehow tipped the ball around the post.
Hawkinge were growing in confidence by now and creating chances at
will, through skilful play by Alex Cooling. Finally, the deadlock was
broken when Conor Furness cut in from the right and hit an unstoppable
shot into the corner of the Monkton goal.
Monkton threatened momentarily with a long range effort which was
expertly saved by Elliott Fletcher in the Hawkinge goal. However, the
Hawkinge win was sealed with five minutes remaining, when Conor
Guilfoyle scored from close range after good combination work between
Liam Jelly, Alex Cooling and Conor Furness.
The final whistle was greeted ecstatically by Hawkinge players and
supporters alike, all of which contributed to a fantastic team effort.