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Halas Hawks Junior Football Club Founded 1980 |
Birmingham County FA Charter Standard Club of the Year 2006 Girls - Fair Play award 2008 |
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| Match Reports |
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Kewford Eagles East - Home - 05/09/10 - Draw 2 - 2
Halas first game
of the U9 season began with a home game against a known very
good Kewford Eagles East side and it seemed the task was going
to be even harder after Kewford took the lead early in the first
half from a corner.
Halas however
stuck to there game plan and equalised after Tom Baker
bundled home a Charlie Greening corner. The second half
continued with Kewford slightly edging the game and again they
took the lead after a scramble at the near post. Halas never
gave up and with a minute to go Josh Willetts collected a throw
down the left side and crossed for a Kewford defender to put in
his own net.
Man Of the Match - Tom Baker
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Kewford Eagles South - Home - 19/09/10 - Lost 2 - 4
Halas U9s East
struggled to get into the game in the first half and found
themselves 3 - 0 down at half time against a well organised
Kewford South, Halas did however make a game of it in the second
half scoring with 2 well worked goals from Oliver Miller but it
was too little too late with Halas ending up losing 4 - 2.
Man Of the Match - Oliver Miller
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Gornal Colts - Away - 26/09/10 - Draw 1 - 1
Halas U9s East
travelled to Gornal for an early kick off with a better
performance required after last weeks game - to be fair to the
boys from the off they played as a team with commitment and
passion - a good entertaining game followed against a well
organised Gornal side with the score ending 0 - 0 at half time -
Halas took the lead in the second half with a Charlie Greening
penalty kick from a Gornal hand ball, however a defensive error
lead to Gornal equalising and then they could have taken all
three points but for a last ditch last minute tackle from Loiue
Jones in an entertaining 1 - 1 draw.
Man Of the Match - Charlie Greening
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CS Colts (League Cup) - Away - 10/10/10 - Lost 1 - 5
Halas U9s East
travelled to CS Colts to play their first competitive League
Cup fixture having not had a game for 2 weeks due to last weeks
bad weather.
The game started
at it's usual 100mph pace with neither team settling down but CS
Colts took the lead with a fine strike from the edge of the box,
Halas came back however with a great long range strike from
Oliver Miller. Just before half time however a defensive lapse
cost Halas and put CS Colts 2 - 1 up at the break.
The second half
continued the same as the first half finished with Halas making
numerous mistake's and CS Colts running away with the game and
deservingly winning 5 - 1.
Man Of the Match - Declan Weaver
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Penn Colts - Away - 17/10/10 - Lost 1 - 2
Halas U9s East
travelled to Penn Colts with a better performance required after
last weeks heavy league cup defeat.
From the off a
performance of the season followed but yet again the result did
not reflect the 40 minutes of play. Halas started strongly and
attacked in numbers and took the lead, Oliver Miller took a
throw-in on the left hand side to Declan Weaver who played the
ball into the path of the on-rushing Charlie Greening who fired
in from long range into the bottom right hand corner. Halas
looked comfortable throughout the rest of the first half but
Josh Smith had to be alert and pulled off a stunning save late
in the half.
Penn came more
into the game in the second half and equalised early on after a
scramble in the box, Halas regrouped and again were the slightly
better team looking comfortable in defence however with 3
minutes to go a missed tackle in midfield let Penn play the ball
out wide and from there the Penn forward struck a low shot into
the opposite corner. Even though the results went against them
the boys should be more than happy with the team performance.
Man Of the Match - Josh Smith
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Kewford Eagles West - Away - 31/10/10 - Lost 0 - 1
Halas U9s East
travelled to Kewford West still seeking their first win of the
season, a fairly lacklustre performance by both teams followed. Man Of the Match - Declan Weaver
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Gornal Colts - Home - 07/11/10 - Won 5 - 3
With Halas Hawks
U9 East still looking for their first win of the season, Gornal
Colts visited the City Rd pitch on a bright sunny day. With only
7 boys available due to the absence of Declan Weaver, Halas
started brightly and took the lead with a fine Rickio Fairin-Hall
volley from a Charlie Greening Corner which gave him his first
goal in Halas colours. Charlie made it 2 - 0 from another corner
with the Gornal keeper fumbling the ball in at the near post.
Keeper Josh Smith had to be alert from a strike from the Gornal
forward before Oliver Miller struck late in the first half to
give Halas a deserved 3 - 0 half time lead.
The second half
started as the first half had finished with Halas having more of
the play, Oliver Miller struck with 2 more goals to get his
hat-trick and make it 5 - 0 before the 30 minute mark. With
Gornal pushing 2 men upfront Halas somewhat panicked and Gornal
came back with 3 goals - Halas however stood firm to get
their first much deserved win of the season. Joshua Yorke, Louie
Jones & Tom Baker deserve a mention for playing their part in a
great Halas performance.
Men Of the Match - Rickio Fairin-Hall & Oliver Miller
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Brierley Hill Bullets West - Away - 14/11/10 - Won 4 - 1
Halas travelled
away to Brierley Hill Bullets West on remembrance Sunday hoping
to carry on from last week when they secured there first win of
the season. Halas started well like the week before and had all
of the pressure in the first 10mins and took the lead from a
Brierley Hill own goal - the pressure continued and Halas scored
two more through Rickio Fairin-Hall and Oliver Miller.
Just before half
time a mix up in defence lead to Brierley Hill pulling one back.
The second half was a more even affair with Halas making hard
work of a small heavy pitch - but they did add one more through
Oliver Miller with
the score ending 4 - 1.
Men Of the Match - Joshua Yorke & Louie Jones
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CS Colts - Away - 21/11/10 - Won 1 - 0
Halas travelled
away to their familiar home pitch to play CS Colts hoping to
make it 3 wins on the bounce to a team who gave Halas their
highest defeat of the season in the league cup back in early
October. From the off Halas caused CS problem after problem in
the first 15 minutes and could have been 4 or 5 up at that
stage, Declan Weaver was on form on the right, Louie Jones was
having another fine game in centre midfield - Tom Baker &
Joshua Yorke were solid at the back and
Halas took the lead late in the half from Oliver Miller who kept
up his recent fine scoring record making it 6 goals in the last
3 games - Josh Smith however kept Halas in the game and pulled
off a fine save late in the half from a long range CS free kick.
The second half
continued as the first finished with Halas bossing the game -
Charlie Greening was having probably his best game of the season
on the left hand side and Rickio Fairin-Hall replaced Declan and
continued where Declan left off. The game finished with a much
deserved 1 - 0 win for Halas with Josh Smith keeping his first
clean sheet of the season.
Men Of the Match - Josh Smith & Charlie Greening
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Stourbridge FC Jnr's - Home - 02/01/11 - Won 3 - 1
Halas entertained
an unknown but much fancied (due to there league position)
Stourbridge FC Jnr's with Halas looking to make it 4 wins on the
trot. Halas began the game with only 7 player's due to
Oliver Miller's absence due to Holiday, Stourbridge were in the
same position also only having 7 players available. The
game started with both teams attacking from the off with
Stourbridge hitting the bar early on, Halas however took the
lead from an own goal from a Charlie Greening corner -
Stourbridge came back and scored from a corner of their own.
Half time ended with the score 1 all.
Halas carried on
as they finished the first half probably just about being the
stronger team and took the lead again from a great long range
Louie Jones strike - to be fair to Stourbridge they came back at
Halas and again hit the bar again before Joshua Yorke finished
the game off with a tap in at the far post from a flick on
from Tom Baker from another Charlie corner.
Halas put in a
great all round team performance so much so that the parents /
coaches could not decide who would get the man of the match
trophies in the end the it was left up to the referee - Josh
Smith had another solid game in goal, Joshua Yorke got his first
goal of the season and had a great positional game at the back -
Charlie Greening had a another strong game on the left and
set-up all three goals - Rickio Fairin Hall had one of his
strongest displays so far this season on the right - Declan
Weaver played despite being poorly for the last few weeks and
worked hard up front in a new position for him - Tom Baker had
another unselfish - fine -strong performance at the back and
Louie Jones bossed the centre of midfield and got his first goal
of the season with a great long range strike, but the Referee
decided that the awards should go to: -
Men Of the Match - Tom Baker & Louie Jones
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Kewford Eagles West - Home - 09/01/11 - Won 2 -1 Halas entertained Kewford Eagles West in a re-arranged game after the initial one was called off with a waterlogged pitch back in October - this game however was in doubt after the Portland rd pitch was deemed unplayable 30 minutes before ko - Halas were however lucky enough to be able to switch it back to their usual home pitch City rd which was just about playable. Halas began the game with only 7 player's due to Declan Weavers absence due to family commitments and the game started at an unusual slow pace with neither team creating much, Kewford however were having most of the possession in Halas's half - again without troubling Josh Smith to much. Against the run of play Halas took the lead from a Charlie Greening tap in after the Kewford keeper fumbled a Oliver Miller shot. Halas should have increased the lead after Louie Jones hit the bar with a left foot strike and Oliver Miller failed to put away the rebound. Kewford kept the pressure on and should have equalised when a defensive mix up let in a Kewford forward with a one on one which to Halas' relief he put wide. The second half started the complete opposite to the first with Halas now having all of the play in Kewford's half. Halas had chances with Tom Baker missing a couple of headers from corners and Joshua Yorke was unlucky with two long range efforts - Rickio Fairin-Hall and Louie Jones were pressing from midfield and it seemed that Halas would increase their lead. However with 5 minutes to go and from a Halas throw-in deep in the Kewford's half, they cleared the ball for their forward to outpace and outmuscle the Halas defender and slot the ball passed Josh Smith in goal to give them a deserved equaliser but with 1 minute to go and the game seemingly ending in a one all draw Louie Jones passed the ball out of midfield to Olive Miller who turned inside the Kewford defender and smashed the ball past their keeper into the roof of the net to give him his tenth of the season and Halas a some what fortunate win - but a win that made it 5 wins on the trot. Men Of the Match - Rickio Fairin-Hall & Charlie Greening
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Wordsley Wasps North - Home - 16/01/11 - Lost 1 - 2 Halas entertained Wordsley Wasps North on a mild January morning - Halas had the full squad of 8 to choose from after being down to the bare seven in the previous two games and even though Halas won their last game a better team performance was hoped for. From the off the Halas performance was pleasing on the eye with the team playing like they can with all of the boys playing their positions really well - so much so that it was hard to make the first substitution after the usual 10 minutes - Rickio Fairin-Hall was awesome in the first half playing as good as we have seen him play on the right and he put Halas 1 - 0 up after about 12 minutes with a fine right foot strike to give Halas a just about deserved lead - However Wordsley equalised from the kick off with a great solo goal after a surging run from the Wordsley centre back who seemed to evade everyone of about 4 tackles and then slotted the ball past keeper Josh Smith - the substitution problem solved itself when Joshua Yorke came off with a injured knee, Declan Weaver came on at left midfield with Charlie Greening filling in at the back to partner Tom Baker. After Half time both teams seemed to cancel each other out, Oliver Miller had a hard day upfront against two very good Wordsley defenders, he also came of injured late in the game - Louie Jones was growing by the minute and really started to again dominate the midfield - However Wordsley scored from a corner midway though the half to go 2 1 up. Halas continued to compete but never really troubled the Wordsley keeper in the last 5 minutes which ended a recent good run of 5 wins on the trot, the team performance though was much much better than the previous week and the team were unlucky not to get something out of the game. Men Of the Match - Louie Jones & Rickio Fairin-Hall
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Kingswinford AFC - Away - 23/01/11 - Won 3 - 2 Halas U9 East travelled to play Kingswinford AFC - a team that we had not played before, Halas though were hoping to make it 6 wins out of 7 after last weeks disappointing defeat against Wordsley - the game started with both teams competing well on a heavy pitch with Halas probably just about edging it in terms of possession in the first 15 minutes but in that period keeper Josh Smith made a great save and then had to be aware due to one free kick and and some great corners from Kingswinford, Halas though however duly took the lead - a great quick long ball from keeper Josh Smith went straight to Oliver Miller who cushioned the ball into the path of Rickio Fairin-Hall who advanced down the right and stuck a shot which rebounded of the defender back to Oliver who laid the ball into the path of Charlie Greening who put it in the net off the post. Half time came and went and the game continued at it's usual non stop pace, Halas went 2 up with a great poachers goal from Oliver Miller - dependable Tom Baker made a terrific challenge to stop a Kingswinford break - Joshua Yorke had a good game covering the whole pitch and those pair were looking solid at the back but Kingswinford replied with a goal of there own from the penalty spot - Louie Jones was again looking really strong in centre midfield and had one long range effort tipped over the bar, Halas then regained a 2 goal cushion, Louie played the ball out wide to Declan Weaver who played a first time pass into Oliver Miller who struck the ball on the half volley straight past the Kingswinford keeper - the game then died off in the last 5 due to substitutions and stoppages - however with 1 minute to go a defensive lapse let in Kingswinford to score but it was to little to late with Halas winning 3 - 2 to make it 6 wins from 7 games. Another great hard working - positional game from the boys - little bits to work on here and there but substitutions are now becoming harder by the week!! - up to forth position - very very well done boys Men Of the Match - Oliver Miller & Joshua Yorke
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Brierley Hill Bullets West - Home - 30/01/11 - Won 4 - 0
Halas U9 East entertained Brierley Hill Bullets West on a fresh January morning with the pitch in a just about playable but good firm condition - Halas were again down to the bare seven players with the recently influential Charlie Greening not being available due to being sick during the night before and also being sick on the pitch side prior to kick off!!! - that itself made the recent substitution problem easy with all 7 boys now playing the full 40 minutes - or so we thought!!. Halas performance was comfortable from the off pegging back the Bullets for most of the first half with Oliver Miller giving Halas a much deserved lead late in the half with a cool right foot strike into the bottom left hand corner, it could have been a lot more but for the Bullets keeper who was tremendous in goal throughout the game - Halas went down to six players with Declan Weaver coming off struggling to breath after working so hard in the first 15 minutes on the right hand side, the boys however stood firm and still competed well despite being a man down - the marking when down to 6 players was superb by all of the boys - especially Louie Jones & Rickio Fairin-Hall who between the 2 of them covered the three midfield positions so well. The second half continued as the first finished, Halas were back to the seven players and were again having all of the possession, Joshua Yorke had his best positional game so far this season at the back - Rickio was his usual all action self on the right and the second goal came with a right footed strike from the edge of the box from Declan Weaver - his first in Halas colours - much to the delight of his Dad!!!! - Halas continued to press and scored a third goal from Tom Baker who whilst getting his second goal of the season was absolutely stunning at the back, Oliver capped off a fine performance getting the forth and his fourteenth of the season - yet again Louie ran the midfield and put in another strong performance - Josh Smith had a easy week in goal and kept his second clean sheet of the season - but what he did have to do he did well. Tremendous effort again this week against a Brierley Hill team who looked a lot stronger than when we met them back in November - Again even though being down to the seven everyone played there positions so well - Some of the defensive clearances we worked on in training paid off with Tom / Louie & Joshua Yorke heading and clearing the ball on a number of occasions All round though boys a very good performance and that's 7 wins in 8 games - well done boys!! Men Of the Match - Tom Baker & Louie Jones
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Halesowen Town Colts - Away - 06/02/11 - Draw 1 - 1
Halas U9 East travelled to play Halesowen Town Colts at Hurst Green Park on a windy but mild February morning, the pitch was as expected small, bumpy & boggy but that didn't stop the hosts taking a second minute lead from a corner. However Halas came more into the game as the first half continued but without being as good as they have been in previous weeks - Rickio Fairin-Hall and Declan Weaver started well on the wings and Declan was replaced after 10 minutes still not being 100% with a chest complaint - Charlie Greening replaced him and changed the game with some well worked corners and free kicks and probably should have scored with a first time effort from a Oliver Miller centre. Halas did get an equaliser from Oliver who put the ball away after he pressurised the defender into making a mistake which took his total to an impressive 15 for the season - Joshua Yorke was his usual all action self partnering the very assured Tom Baker at the back.Both teams continued to compete well in the second half, Louie Jones was growing as the game went on and either team could have extended their lead but for both goalkeepers who were in impressive form - Halesowen keeper tipped a fierce long range Charlie Greening free kick over the bar whilst our keeper Josh Smith made a stunning save at the end when 2 Halesowen players were in on goal. All in all a fair draw - both teams probably think they deserved to win but but neither deserved to lose - not the all round performance Halas have had recently but a good away point against a strong Halesowen team.
Men Of the Match - Josh Smith & Tom Baker
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Kingswinford AFC - Home - 13/02/11 - Draw 1 - 1
Halas U9 East entertained Kingswinford U9 AFC on a damp wet morning playing for a change at Portland road, Like the week before Halas struggled to get into the game in the opening stages of the first half and deservedly again went 1 down following a lovely half volley which looped over keeper Josh Smith after Halas yet again failed to defend a throw-in. The rest of the half continued much the same with the Halas 3 midfielders struggling to get into the game, Louie Jones did however have a shot over the bar from the edge of the box and Declan Weaver threatened on the right wing. Halas should have equalised after a Charlie Greening free kick struck the bar which then fell to Tom Baker whose shot was blocked and rebounded to Rickio Fairin-Hall who struck it against the Kingswinford defender which went wide. Halas came into the game in the second half in terms of possession but without really playing any good football and all of our chances came from set pieces, Oliver had a hard day upfront against two strong boys, Halas then equalised after Tom bundled the ball home from another good Charlie free kick. Halas continued to dominate and Charlie's free kick and corners in the second half caused chaos, Joshua Yorke however had to be alert on a couple of occasions to thwart Kingswinford breaks and the last 5 minutes finished with neither team really threatening and a one all draw was again probably fair. These last two games have shown that there is not that much difference between the teams in this division and on any day any team can win or lose - not the best performance but it is another point for Halas and that is 1 defeat in the last 10 games.
Men Of the Match - Charlie Greening & Tom Baker
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CS Colts - Home - 20/02/11 - Draw 3 - 3
Halas U9 East entertained CS U9 Colts back at their familiar City rd pitch with the visitors arriving on the back of two very impressive results - Halas had 8 players this week with Oliver Miller away on holiday, Donovan Westwood started on the bench after signing in midweek. Halas went 1 down early on from a well worked CS goal down the left and things went from bad to worse after keeper Josh Smith came off injured after taking a stud to the knee whilst unintentionally clashing with the CS forward - Joshua Yorke replaced him in goal & Donovan came on for his debut - Halas came back at CS and equalised after Rickio Fairin-Hall hassled the CS defender and poked the ball passed their keeper - CS went 2 - 1 up straight from the kick off again with another good move down the left hand side but Halas again equalised after Rickio volleyed home from a great lobbed through ball from Charlie Greening - CS took the lead yet again straight from the kick off and deservedly went into half time 3 - 2 up. Josh Smith returned in goal for the second half and Halas continued to battle away - Declan Weaver was full of running on the left hand side - Louie Jones was dominating midfield and Tom Baker again was controlled at the back with Halas limiting CS to only a couple of second half chances - Halas continued to have more of the play in the half and tested their keeper with a few long range strikes and got a deserved equaliser when Charlie poked home after a goal mouth scramble to give Halas their 3rd draw on the trot. Halas performance this week was much much better than last weeks with the boys playing with more passion and aggression also well done boys for battling on after going behind 3 times.
Men Of the Match - Rickio Fairin-Hall & Louie Jones
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Warstone Wanderers Wolves - Away - 27/02/11 - Lost 1 - 3
Halas U9's East travelled to Warstone Wanderers Wolves with the bare 7 players, Halas never really got into the game and Warstone deservingly took the points winning 3 - 1. The game started and Halas went 1 down after a Warstone shot deflected off a Halas defender leaving keeper Josh Smith flat footed - things went from bad to worse when a Halas midfielder turned his back on a Warstone winger who crossed the ball which looped over our keeper's head into the far corner. Somehow Halas got back into the game after Louie Jones won the ball in midfield and advanced down the right and struck a super shot into the top corner. Half time came and Halas were still in the game but better was required - the second half continued much the same though and Warstone got a 3rd goal after a Halas defender scored an own goal from a corner. As before Warstone deserved their victory but that was as bad as Halas have played all season - to be fair to the boys though that's only their 2nd defeat in 12.
Man Of the Match - Louie Jones
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Kewford Eagles East - Away - 06/03/11 -
Lost 2 - 0
Halas U9 East travelled
to league leaders Kewford East on the back off
some disappointing displays and three draws and one defeat in
the last four games. Kewford started the more brightly of the
two teams but Halas had the best chance in the first ten minutes
when a one on one was put wide - Kewford made us pay scoring two
goals before the half time whistle.
The second half continued
much the same with Kewford having most of the possession but
Halas kept plugging away and the score stayed the same after
good keeping and defending by both teams. Halas had a couple of
half chances in the second half but so did Kewford who hit the
post with a bullet header from a cross, Louie Jones kept two
shots off the line with Keeper Josh Smith getting winded in the
process.
Out of the nine Halas
players on the day two players stood out with Tom Baker keeping
us in the game at the back and Oliver Miller working tirelessly
on his own upfront.
Men Of the Match -
Tom Baker & Oliver Miller
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Halesowen Town Colts - Home - 13/03/11 - Won 3 - 1
Halas U9 East entertained Halesowen after a few poor results in recent weeks but a really good football performance followed. Halas thought they were down to the bare 7 players with Declan Weaver away and Rickio Fairin-Hall missing training with asthma, because of that Halas decided to changed their formation to 2 - 1 - 2 - 1 and then surprisingly Rickio declared himself fit, feeling better and took his place on the bench. The new formation worked with Donovan Westwood sitting in front of the two defenders allowing Louie Jones & Charlie Greening to support Oliver Miller and in the first half Halas passed and moved the ball around as good as they have done all season and took the lead after Tom Baker bundled home a Joshua Yorke corner one of many delivered with great quality but as usual though Halas conceded straight from the kick off when Halesowen scored with a header from a cross from out wide, Half time came with the score 1 all. Halas started the second half as the first finished playing some lovely passing football and increased there lead with goals from Louie Jones (great looping toe poke into the top corner) & Oliver Miller who fired home from another good corner. Halesowen should have pulled one back when they missed from close range after a save from Josh Smith. A really good all round solid performance from all of the boys today after being under pressure from the coaches and parents in recent weeks, to be fair to them they have all put the effort in at training and got there rewards today. The players switched between the 2 formations with ease and passed the ball around very well. Well done boys!!! Man of the match could have gone to any of the boys but this week went to -
Man Of the Match -
Donovan Westwood
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Penn Colts - Home - 20/03/11 - Won 2 - 1
Halas completed back to back victories with this come from behind win over Penn Colts. Halas took their time to get going as Penn had the better of the possession and territory in the early minutes. Following a throw Declan Weaver and Louie Jones combined well to give Charlie Greening a shooting opportunity but unfortunately his well struck effort flew narrowly past the post. Tom Baker and Charlie were defending well with Tom showing enough composure to let several through balls run narrowly out of play for goal kicks. Good play between Rickio Fairin-Hall and Oliver Miller won Halas their first corner of the game which came to nothing. Joshua Yorke replaced Declan so Charlie moved into midfield and some lovely passing moves followed with one involving Rickio, Oliver and Charlie particularly catching the eye. Penn countered with an off target shot off their own but moments later they took the lead after winning a corner which was missed by the Halas keeper Josh Smith, Tom looked to have cleared the danger but his volley away hit Louie on the back of the head and dropped into the Halas net. Halas started the second half with more fire, spirit and aggression as asked for by the coaches and were immediately on the attack winning corners in quick succession. The first was well caught by the opposition keeper but the second nearly paid dividends when Charlie headed the flick on just wide at the back post. A Louie run & pass put Oliver in but his shot was again saved. Another great move followed – a cross from Oliver was headed back across goal by Charlie which was met by Joshua Yorke who dragged his shot wide. He made amends moments later though, the ball broke kindly to Joshua who smashed it hard and low from 20 yards which took the faintest of deflections to leave the opposition keeper flatfooted and unable to make a save. With the victory up for grabs Halas kept up the pressure; Donovan Westwood was sitting just in front of the 2 defenders, and won possession several times. From one resulting corner which was fired right into the danger zone by Joshua Yorke the faintest of flick on’s by Tom was firmly met by Oliver’s forehead from 6 yards out at the rear post which gave Oliver’s his first headed goal for the team and put the score at 2-1 to Halas with 7 minutes to go. Penn threatened briefly with a corner which was again well headed clear by Tom and also a one free kick fired across the face of goal from a tight angle, Halas though looked comfortable enough in defence as the final whistle blew for Halas to take 6 points out of 6 in another well deserved victory.
Man Of the Match - Joshua Yorke
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Wordsley Wasps - Away - 27/03/11 - Draw 0 - 0
Halas continued their unbeaten run with a hard fought goalless draw away to high flying Wordsley Wasps. After an ill-tempered training session the day before the signs were not looking good for Halas. Despite this and after some harsh words from the assistant coaches Halas got straight into their stride with a performance brimming with determination, effort, and some real quality in their performance. The game started with Declan Weaver and Joshua Yorke as substitutes with the remaining players in 1-2-1-2-1 formation. Donovan Westwood played the holding role really well as Tom and Charlie defended solidly behind him. Wordsley perhaps had more of the game in terms of possession, territory, and chances, but Halas defended stoutly when required and the broke with pace through Oliver Miller who worked tirelessly upfront on a day when any luck in front of goal evaded him. Louie Jones had an outstanding first half dribbling through midfield full of controlled aggression but just failing to get a shot away on more than one occasion. Donovan had one high dipping effort just caught under the bar by the Wordsley keeper. On 10 minutes Halas made a double substitution bringing on Joshua Yorke and Declan Weaver for Donovan and Rickio - Charlie, now in midfield had a run and passed to Declan who got a shot away. Halas’ heading was particularly impressive – from Tom and Joshua Yorke in defence, Dodge in midfield and Charlie who cleared off the line. The last few minutes of the half brought four corners for Wordsley but only 1 really threatened. The second half brought more of the same with Oliver challenging straight from the kick off and getting a shot away. The passing from all players was excellent, Joshua Yorke's goal kicks were spot on and keeper Josh Smith didn’t put a foot wrong in goal all game. Halas twice tried to take quick throw ins with the Wordsley defence caught out of position but were thwarted with desperate substitutions to bring play to a halt. Rickio had a chance in the second half after some strong running but shot wide. Dodge was playing well with some good headers and passing and tried one or two tricks to gain space effectively in midfield. As the game was winding down the chances came from free kicks – one from Louie which Oliver headed just wide and then one from Joshua Yorke which was blocked and allowed Wordsley to break quickly but Josh Smith again came to the rescue with a stunning save to earn him Man of the Match and help get all nine players as well deserved point.
Man Of the Match - Josh Smith
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Kewford Eagles South - Away - 03/04/11 - Lost 0 - 2
Halas slumped to a disappointing two-nil away defeat to Kewford Eagles South with the Cotwall End pitch somewhat smaller than when we recently visited Kewford Eagles East. The game started and Josh Smith was called upon early on to mop up after a defensive mix up and his quick kick up field found Donovan Westwood in a great position only for the ref to call play to halt because of a Kewford injury. Donovan and Oliver Miller exchanged passes down the left and then Louie Jones was involved as the move progressed. Oliver continued to pressurise the Kewford defence at every opportunity. Tom Baker and Charlie Greening both made great defensive headers and on 8 minutes a neat move ended with a volley from Donovan which went wide. From our next goal kick Joshua Yorke was close to scoring on the exceptionally short pitch and Josh Smith then communicated well with his defence to gather a through ball and fired another quick goal kick up field to Oliver who crossed to the edge of the box for Donovan to fire a shot just over the bar. Tom defended again with a well time sliding tackle, Donovan and Charlie were also helping out at the back as Kewford started to take some control. A Kewford free kick was cleared by Donovan to Oliver who had a half chance but the ball broke to Louie Jones who headed wide. Louie then won a free kick which was taken by Joshua Yorke which came to nothing. Kewford then took the lead following a defensive mix up - the ball broke kindly to the Kewford player at the edge of the box who smashed the ball home. Kewford should have extended their lead almost immediately but shot narrowly wide with the goal at their mercy. Halas were under constant pressure but could have equalised after a goal keeping mistake but Louie’s shot flew wide. In the second half Halas had the slight slope in their favour and nearly took advantage early on, a great run at pace from Declan Weaver ended with a shot just over the bar from Louie, after Declan put him through - Oliver’s persistence nearly paid off after winning the ball from Kewford’s defence with good pressuring. Charlie was providing good cover for the defence with some strong tackling although then Kewford could have scored again, with a toe poke just wide. Rickio Fairin-Hall then got involved with a surging forward run but Kewford broke and won a corner following a smart save from Josh Smith. Tom headed the corner powerfully away which Oliver collected and crossed for Rickio but his header didn’t trouble the ‘keeper. Louie then drew a foul and Charlie took the kick which was headed behind for a corner by a Kewford defender, the cross was scuffed goal wards and broke to Oliver who miss-hit his shot just wide. Kewford then had three corners in quick succession – the first was volleyed narrowly over and the next two came one after the other with the second ending in a goalmouth scramble with only the post saving us. Halas did have chances late on in the game through Louie twice and one saved from Declan - Charlie hit the side netting and then had a second shot fly narrowly wide of the left hand post, But Halas’ spirit was finally broken with only 5 minutes remaining – a quick break left Joshua Yorke one on one with the Kewford striker. Joshua probably committed a foul inside the box but the striker did well and stayed on his feet and put the ball into the corner of the net from 8 yards – leaving Josh Smith with no chance and Kewford deservingly taking all 3 points.
Man Of the Match - Charlie Greening
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Stourbridge Jnr's - Away - 01/05/11 - Lost 1 - 2
Halas started the game with only one substitute due to the knee injury picked up by Declan Weaver in training the previous day. Stourbridge had the first chance with a dangerous free kick into the Halas box following a handball by Donovan Westwood. Rickio Fairin-Hall countered with a long run down the Halas right before getting tackled and picking up a knock to the face. Stourbridge countered with a cross / shot through the Halas box which ended up well wide. Josh Smith found Oliver Miller with a long goal kick - Oliver layer the ball off to Rickio who just overran the ball. Oliver then exchanged passes with Louie Jones, in another neat move and on 6 minutes a cross from Rickio was put behind for a corner which Charlie Greening took and unluckily hit the bar, the ball came back into play and was scrambled away for another corner as Halas looked likely to score. From the next corner the ball was cleared and broke to Tom Baker who rattled the bar with a 20 yard curling effort, Oliver then had a couple of chances winning another corner - Louie had an effort blocked and then had a second left footed effort well saved by the opposition ‘keeper. A hand ball was then penalised giving Charlie the opportunity to shoot, his effort was parried and Oliver was desperately unlucky not to score as he poked the rebound inches wide. More chances fell to Halas as they began to dominate possession with some superb passing play – Oliver, Louie and Rickio combined in one great move. Stourbridge then took the lead, against the run of play after Josh Smith saved once but could do nothing about the rebound. Before the half came to a close one moment of controversy ensued – a run down the right by Tom was flagged as out of play by the opposition linesman. The away support universally agreed this was the wrong decision and one or two may have made their feelings known a little too strongly and were rightly ticked off by they ref through the coach!!!. The second half started with Rickio winning a free kick in a dangerous area. Joshua Yorke who was on for the second half saw his shot well saved by the excellent opposition ‘keeper. Rickio was then injured in a fair challenge by the giant opposition defender and a clearance then broke to Charlie who volleyed the ball goalwards in a first time effort. Tom blocked a shot for a Stourbridge corner, the centre was cleared and broke for Oliver who lost his defender with a neat turn but was then fouled as a chance looked likely. Joshua Yorke had another effort from a free kick which flew wide and Stourbridge then looked likely to score again as the broke 3 on 1 but shot wide at the crucial moment. As Halas pushed forward a ball was rolled across the opposition box but Charlie missed his kick before firing a second chance wide, Louie then should’ve scored but also fired wide and Oliver also fired wide after a fast break as it seemed Halas had left their shooting boots at home. Stourbridge then pressed again with Joshua Yorke and Tom tackling desperately but failing to clear meant Stourbridge scored again from a shot which left Josh Smith stranded. Joshua Yorke was desperately unlucky not to score as a top corner effort was brilliantly tipped over from the impressive opposition keeper and then with minutes to go Halas moved to a 2-2-2 formation which paid dividends as Oliver slotted home following a great pass from Louie. Unfortunately there was no time left for Halas to find an equalizer, the whistle blew seconds later to end a really entertaining game of football from two committed / attacking teams.
Men Of the Match - Rickio Fairin-Hall & Oliver Miller
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Warstone Wanderers Wolves - Home - 15/05/11 - Won 4 - 0
Halas were hoping for victory in their final game of the season to secure 5th place in the league table and to continue the good form shown in the previous week’s 5 – 1 training game victory over Kidderminster Lions - Rickio Fairin-Hall and Donovan Westwood started on the bench as Warstone kicked off – the opening minutes were scrappy as both sides tried to get their passing games going and the first chance fell to Warstone on four minutes but their shot flew harmlessly wide - Halas then countered with a chance of their own which saw Oliver Miller having a shot well saved. The resultant corner came to nothing but as the ball broke Declan Weaver gathered the ball and drew the foul as he was pushed over in a dangerous area. Charlie Greening took the set piece and saw his goal bound effort deflected wide. Halas’ second corner was met by Oliver but his on target header was well cleared. Halas then took the lead as their domination of possession was starting to tell a great move from Oliver down the right ended with a pass to Declan who controlled the ball and calmly slotted home from 10 yards out. This was to be Declan’s last action of the half as he was substituted shortly after with chest problems. Joshua Yorke got involved with a speculative volley which flew high and wide before Halas created another chance with Rickio and Louie Jones exchanging passes before Louie saw his shot well saved. Charlie took the resulting corner which Oliver just failed to meet but the ball was soon gathered by Charlie who passed to Oliver who struck the ball just wide with his left foot. Oliver then got his first goal of the game poking the ball under the keeper after determined battling by Rickio created the opportunity a cross from Oliver was then miss-hit by Rickio has he looked certain to score and Halas were totally dominating the game as the chances continued to come - Louie saw another shot deflected wide for a corner and then the ball broke to Rickio who struck the ball well taking the faintest of deflections for another corner. Warstone broke quickly but Josh Smith gathered the ball confidently after being a spectator for most of the game so far, his kick came to Louie who had a brilliant effort superbly tipped over by the Warstone keeper. Charlie took the resulting corner kick and his delivery found Oliver lurking at the back post and he duly scored with a neat volley low into the bottom corner to make it 3 nil to Halas. A short spell of pressure from Warstone followed but Joshua Yorke, Tom Baker, and Josh Smith kept the opposition at bay as the half closed - Oliver secured his hat-trick and Halas’ forth with a cool rolled finish into the corner following a great run and pass from Rickio. Halas still found time for another corner and a long range effort from Rickio before the half time whistle blew. The second half kicked off with Halas playing against the slope having rung the changes: Donovan Westwood came on for Joshua Yorke, Tom moved to midfield, and Louie went back to defence. Charlie and Oliver also swapped roles as Charlie had earned his chance up front following his hat trick in the previous weeks friendly. Warstone immediately won a corner and had a strong header go over the bar. Oliver then failed to convert a brace of chances – one flying high and one wide. Josh Smith was alert to gather quickly under pressure before further shots from Charlie and Oliver troubled the opposition. Rickio was showing plenty of skill and determination evading challenges with a great turn and a free kick for Halas which was taken by Tom which was well defended before a neat move involving Oliver, Louie, and Charlie almost set up a fifth. Donovan was defending well at every time of asking winning many tackles and even more headers - after one corner Declan showed his defensive capabilities winning the ball, and playing a superb clearance up the line to Oliver who collected and crossed for Charlie whose half volley was well saved. Charlie then hit the bar following a great ball from Tom as the match was coming to a close - Josh Smith was forced to earn his clean sheet with 2 great saves which were both top quality. Louie and Declan then played a neat give and go for Declan to cross but the ball flew harmlessly away. As the final whistle blew Halas showed their jubilation following a brilliant performance and their biggest victory of the season in a great game of football which was a fitting end to our season where the boys should be more than pleased with there efforts this season
Men Of the Match - Oliver Miller & Josh Smith
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