The Hawks Academy under 19's were back in action at WLP on Friday and disolved the post U18 disappointment of losing at Aldershot in the Hampshire County Cup the previous night with a comfortable 3-1 win over Farnborough.
The game, which saw Steve Hutchings getting 90mins, was not all plain sailing despite the Hawks leading 1-0 at half time. Sloppy decision making and passing summed up much of the Hawks first half. Perhaps the Hawks were victims of taking the game too casually especially after taking the lead after 3mins with hat-trick hero Craig Ralph thundering home after some economic but cutting play. From then on the Hawks were often making opportunities but failing to really capitalise. There were some neat passages of play and man of the match Alex Baldacchino was a cut above everyone as he individually dominated the game.
HT Hawks 1 - 0 Farnborough
The second half saw a much brighter Farnborough come out and after just 4 mins of the restart, a back pass to Hawks keeper Cam Scott saw him inexplicably fumble his pass straight to Boro's number 7 who rolled the ball into an empty net. Inevitably the Hawks struggled to regain their composure and dominance and for the next 15mins it was a drab affair with neither side really making any in-roads. However, on 70mins a flowing movement foward from the Hawks saw a terrific finish from Ralph who fired an unstoppable goal home to calm the nerves. The game was wrapped up 6 mins later when Ralph took responsibility for firing home a penalty for his hat-trick and a good solid 3-1 win for the Hawks
FT Hawks 3 - 1 Farnborough
Squad: Scott, Redwood, Crosswell, Whyte, Al-Shantir, Bailey, Levy (Edwards), Baldacchino, Hutchings, Ralph (Morley), Bremford (Ledger). Subs not used: Jamieson, Williams, Allen, Walker
Scorer: Ralph (3)
MotM: Alex Baldacchino