Sometimes, watching the Hawks can be like drinking 8 day old milk, and sometimes it can be like sipping the very best champagne. This was one of those times :)

Albury Hawks soared to victory over Cranleigh FC U10s in a match that had everything—goals, drama, and at least one player pretending to tie his laces to catch his breath. Taking place at the world-renowned footballing theatre that is Tillingbourne School on Saturday 29th March, the game was a classic case of one team just being more determined to win than the other.

The match began at a frantic pace, with Cranleigh knocking the ball around like a team that had been watching too much tiki-taka on YouTube. However, as every Sunday League veteran knows, possession means nothing if you don’t stick the ball in the back of the net, and that’s exactly what the Hawks did first.

The opening goal was a work of art. George, known affectionately as ‘The Fox in the box’ for footballing reasons rather than just because he looks shifty, delivered a peach of a cross. Arthur, showing fantastic composure, slotted it past the Cranleigh keeper to give the Hawks the lead. Cranleigh responded with some half-chances and a speculative shot that almost hit a nearby pigeon, but Albury kept their beaks in front.

Just before halftime, Arthur nearly doubled the lead with a free-kick so well-hit that even the opposition keeper had to take a moment to appreciate it. Unfortunately for Arthur, the Cranleigh goalie had clearly been watching superhero movies because he produced a flying save straight out of a Marvel film.

Then came an important disallowed goal from Cranleigh and despite Cranleigh enjoying spells of pressure, the Hawks’ defence of Lucian and Will stood tall (well, tallish in Lucian's case), and they went into halftime 1-0 up.

The second half began with Albury deciding they’d quite like to put the game to bed, and who better to do so than Kieron? Picking up the ball in midfield, he channeled his inner Lionel Messi (or at least a budget version) and rode multiple challenges before rolling the ball into the bottom corner. It was a goal of pure determination, grit, and just enough luck to make it an instant classic. It was the kind of goal that makes defenders question their life choices and keepers wonder if they should have just stuck to five-a-side.

With Cranleigh now throwing more men forward than a Black Friday sale queue, gaps started to open, and Albury delivered the final knockout punch. Arthur, not content with just one goal, completed his brace with a finish that was cooler than the other side of the pillow. 3-0. Game over. Cranleigh’s defence looked like they’d rather be anywhere else—perhaps at home, having a nice cup of tea and pretending football doesn’t exist.

At the back, Lucian and Will were rock solid and contributed with a clean sheet. Meanwhile, William R, who was drafted in at the last minute to play in goal, put in a performance that defied logic. Called into action time and time again, he leapt about like a salmon being chased by a bear, helping to secure the well-earned clean sheet.

In midfield, Aaron battled like a man who had mistakenly been told the losing team had to buy dinner. Meanwhile, Isaac came off the bench for a superb cameo, bringing calm to the middle of the park when it was needed most. George, as always, was a relentless bundle of energy and nearly grabbed a goal himself, heading just over the bar late on—an effort that would have been the cherry on top of an already delicious footballing cake. Sadly, football can be a cruel mistress, and the fairytale ending wasn’t to be.

Cranleigh threw everything forward in the dying moments, including the kitchen sink, the bath, and probably the plumbing too. But the Hawks stood firm. When the final whistle blew, the celebrations began—three points, three goals, and a performance that had the watching Albury Chairman glowing with the pride. As we all were. A fantastic, determined, gritty performance. On this day, on the Tillingbourne field, a group of U10 boys played like lions

Man of the Match: Keiron (Albury Hawks) – He was everywhere, leading by example and ensuring his team never lost focus. He was the glue holding it all together—like duct tape, but for football.....sort of.

Coaches' comments
This was a really tough game and every player was faced a challenge they stood up to. William R in goal offered assurances to the team as well as good distribution. With William and Lucian in defence, we were so strong - very little got through them - they were in the right place, making good decision and starting our attacks. Midfield - I feel this was our key area - they battled, battled and battled - they did this without rest and suspect they found various bruises after all the tackling and work they had done. George, Arthur and Issac - they did not stop running - leading the attacks and 2 lovely goals for Arthur. A mention for George who's instinct is to score, but made the right call in crossing and providing assists! Three proud coaches on a saturday morning