Betley FC Hawks lose out to Grappenhall United in "the game of missed chances"

Betley FC Hawks lost to a similar scoreline to Grappenhall Rovers here a few weeks ago. Today we were playing Grappenhall's more advanced team... Grappenhall United. We learnt a lot a few weeks back and that showed today as we dealt much better with the high press and were not caught offside once - the progress we've made since that last game was clear.

With Joe B and Louis B out today, and Jack D nursing a painful ankle/foot, it was always going to be a tough physical challenge with limited subs. That said, the Hawks rose to the challenge really well.

When we analyse the game we'll all probably agree it was quite simply *the game of missed chances*... and a lot of chances at that! We need to focus on one very positive word here... 'CHANCES'... We had them, we created them... in abundance. Our chances came through good quality football... good build ups, good passages of play, good passing and good movement. For that there is great applause... brilliant effort Hawks!

Jude CR had a really good solid performance in goal - confident decision making, much calmer distribution and some good finger tip saves. The back line played well too. Good communication between Isaac G, Harry B, Rowan CR - all composed, covering well and sweeping up for each other across the back.

Fin W, our captain today, led briliantly by example - setting the standard for our midfield - and was rewarded with a goal for his hard work and tenacity. Louie A, Jack D, Will G and Charley HJ all worked hard - notably more dominant in the first half. There was a 15 to 20 minute spell mid second -half where the shock of Grappenhall scoring another (combined with a few tiring legs) just got the better of us... but we finished stronger with a higher tempo.

We played 4 across our midfield today in anticipation of United's physicality and high pressing game which worked well - particularly in the first half. We were desparately unlucky to find ourselves 2-1 down at half time despite playing really good quality football. Our misfortune continued as Jack D's foot injury resulted in us needing to rest him in the second half. I would like to applaud Jack's committment and attitude of trying to battle-on for his team through injury - keep resting Jack and you'll come back stronger and sooner!

Jacob S worked as a lone striker today and demonstrated great improvement in understanding - timing his runs and turning defenders really well... and did not get caught offside once!

The difference today was quite simply that Grappenhall had 5 chances and took them. We had approx. 15 chances and scored 2 of ours. A game with lots of positives... but with lots to work on. I will leave you to guess what we will be focusing on in our next training session!

All in all, a great effort with a scoreline that perhaps does not reflect our performance.

Well done Hawks... Onwards and upwards !!!