Date: Saturday, 22nd March 2025

Competition: Friendly (because nobody's keeping score... seriously)

George's Hat-trick Secures Hawks' Triumph, with Tireless Effort Across the Pitch!

Here we go again. The last great rivalry in Surrey U10 football. The Hawks and Farncombe Youth teams met on the hallowed pitch at Tillingbourne School.

Even down to the bare minimum squad members, the Hawks put out a strong team and started the game on the front foot.

First Half:

The Hawks were quick out of the blocks, pressing high and creating early chances. It wasn't long before they began to assert their dominance, with some impressive wing play from Max which resulted in the first goal; a clinical low shot from George to give the Hawks an early lead.
Then the clouds parted and up stood George, our resident "fox in the box" who decided to raise the stakes. Picking up the ball from distance, he danced past a defender like they were standing still and unleashed a rasping shot back across the keeper, a true "worldie" making it 2-0.
In the second quarter, after some great work by Keiron who crossed into the box, and with a touch of divine intervention (George said it was the back of his knee, but im convinced it was his bum!), it deflected nicely off George, looping over the keeper, completing George's Hat-trick and making the half time score 3-0. A fantastic first half hat-trick from George and no less than the Hawks deserved for their dominance.
Farncombe Youth tried to respond, but the Hawks' defense, led by the resolute Lucian and William, remained solid, providing the springboard for quick counter-attacks. They were a brick wall back there. Max was also making great barnstorming runs in the channels, providing excellent service to George and Aaron and with Freddie putting in his normal high energy shift, the Hawks were cruising.
Second Half:

In the third quarter, Farncombe Youth started the second half with renewed vigor, pushing forward, and managed to sneak one past our keeper. It seemed this sparked the Hawks again, and in the fourth quarter, it was all Hawks, who tried hard to increase their lead. Max and Freddie tested the Farncombe keeper with some great inter-play and shots, but he was equal to them, making some great saves. And so it ended there, a great game of footie, played in great spirit
Final Score: Albury Hawks 3 - Farncombe Youth 1 (Though, honestly, who's counting?)
Key Highlights:

Great sportsmanship from both teams.
Excellent attacking play from Albury Hawks, especially in the first half.
Solid defensive performance from the Hawks, led by the resolute Lucian and William, who launched numerous quick attacks and spread play nicely to our attacking midfielders.
Exciting goal-scoring moments, including a pinpoint cross from Max leading to the first goal, a "worldie" from George for the second, and a deflected goal from George completing his hatrick, and amazing keeper saves in the 4th quarter from Farncombe.
Keiron's tenacious tackling and immense energy in midfield were vital for the Hawks' dominance.
Max's barnstorming runs and excellent service to the forwards was a major attacking threat and lets not forget Aaron's tireless work rate, combining great runs with determined tackling.
Man of the Match:

Without a doubt, it had to be George (For his wonderful hat-trick and generally being a footballing wizard!)
Special Mentions:

Keiron (For his tireless midfield performance, providing energy and winning crucial tackles)
The lady in the horsecart for a great coffee.
Overall:

A well-deserved victory for the Albury Hawks, powered by George's hat-trick, and the tireless efforts of Keiron, Lucian, William, Max, Freddie and Aaron, in a thoroughly enjoyable friendly match at Tillingbourne School. Both teams contributed to a great game of youth football.