By Coach Jason
Match Report League game: Consett Warriors v Swalwell Junior Hawks
Pre-match Talk: The message today was all about picking up where we left off (2nd half) two weeks ago. We needed to be purposeful in our play.
Game Time: Again, we started really well and were taking the game to the opposition. We created a few chances and were unlucky not to go ahead. However, we allowed the opposition to play and gave them far too much space and time.
On 15 minutes, the opposition played a ball through splitting our defence and their striker ran on to score. 0-1. For the next ten minutes we again were giving them too much time and space and Gabriel was far too busy for my liking. Good to know though that when needed he was there. I thought if we get to one all before half time we would get stronger.
On 25th minute, a clearance from Lewis was pounced upon by Zach and he went through on goal. He played it past the keeper. We were off the mark. 1-1.
For the next few minutes, the play was back and forth as both teams were going for it. Some route one football give us a break. On the 30th minute, after an opposition attack, Gabriel played a long ball forward from his box. It was the perfect ball for Zach to pick up and head for the opposition goal. His speed took him past everyone and he blasted the net. We did deserve to be ahead. 2-1. Half time: 2-1.
Half Time talk: We were not playing bad and could have been 5-1 up but our talking between us was non existent and we were constantly getting caught out because of this. At half time I reintroduced the lads to each other so hopefully they would start talking. I think I was hoping for a smile or two from them but nothing. They seemed focused and in the zone.
Second Half: We made a great start and were showing what we could do. Our defence of Cassius, George, Lewis, Olly HL and Jack showed great determination to prevent the opposition from getting back in the game. On the 40th minute, a ball forward by Elliott was missed by the opposition allowing Zach to open up and complete a well-deserved hat-trick. Finally some daylight between us. 3-1.
We seemed to be getting stronger and players were winning their individual battles and this was certainly the case in Midfield. Elliott (who was very vocal in encouraging and directing play), Ryan, Bradley, Dylan, Teddy, Oliver, Jake, Karam and Kailym were starting to boss the play in midfield and this made all the difference to our play going forward and when needing to defend.
On the 50th minute, we were starting to see the opposition tire. Another fantastic distribution and long ball from Gabriel was met by Zach who went through on goal and made no mistake going past the defence with ease and slotting home for our fourth. 4-1.
On the 55th minute we added a fifth, the ball was won in defence and played forward by Cassius who passed forward, Zach pressed to win and headed to goal to score. 5-1
There was a key moment that would have been our goal of the season when we were willing Cassius on for his bicycle kick to go in. That would have been some goal! On the 65th minute Zach pressed the opposition just inside their half. He then headed straight to goal and shot home for his double hat-trick. Well deserved and an incredible performance from our striker.
When the boys create the chances, he puts them away. 6-1. Full time: 6-1
Full Time Message: Coming from behind is not a habit I want us to have to get into. However, it does show our mental strength. We play our final game of 2025 next Saturday at the ground. LETS FINISH STRONG Welcome: Today we welcomed Jake to our Warrior family. He was super excited to join and has had a great start to his Warrior career. Welcome Jake (and his family).Final Score: Warriors 6 – 1 Swalwell Hawks Team: Gabriel, Cassius, George, Lewis, Olly HL, Bradley, Dylan, Oliver, Zach, Elliott, Teddy, Jack, Ryan, Kailym, Jake, Goals: Zach x6 Assists: Lewis Gabriel x2 Elliott x2 MOTM (Chosen by opposition) Zach.
