Mens D 2 - 0 Aquila

 HKFC Ds took to the field short of a full team fielding 10 men against a younger fitter Aquila, accompanied by a  solitary umpire.

From the whistle  Ds played at the controlled slower pace that had evaded them all season. With good passing along the back line working the ball through the half and mid field with excellent distribution to both wings and passing into the D.

First half saw an early short corner won. Well timed 3 way from Craig injecting stopping by eugene and hard struck bouncing ball by Stuart Webb 1-0 after 10 mins.

A second short corned won a few minutes later, same combination saw an identical play and mirror image goal, only to be denied by a controversial ruling by umpire judging the ball not to have left the D.

Remainder of the half saw some good penetrative hockey by club, with a couple of goal opportunities missed. A solid half performance by all concerned with great defending by Justin and Wilki. Graham Dove had an awesome Captains game showing speed and fitness and looks to be returning to full fitness after early season protracted calf injury.

Second half saw Aquila play a more attacking style of hockey. Realizing that Ds were a man short at the back, Aquila used the extra man in midfield to crowd and dominate and create a few opportunities on the break. Some great battling from Wilki kept Aquila out when they looked to create real goal scoring opportunities.

Some great link up play between Eugene in the half's, Craig in midfield and Jason on the wing created some fantastic penetrative play  only denied by a scambling Aquila keeper. A couple of break away with Jason and stuart saw chances narrowly denied. The last 15 minutes saw club hang on to some chances created by Aquila with 3 great saves from Luccho, who pulled out the stops when required with 2 lightening saves from close range shots. 

Last minute breakaway again from Eugene, craig, Jason wing worked ball passed into the D for stu webb, who having been knocked to the floor by keeper found himself in both knees with the ball presented to him on a plate, reverse stick struck home, 2 -0 on the final whistle.

Solid performances from all, individually hard to pick out any individual, but great team contributions from Jason, Craig, Graham. Eugene is showing a much improved awareness of holding the ball and passing the ball around, Justin was a keystone in defense and some important converted goals by stu webb.

Good discipline by all, never getting drawn into dispute with the umpire with some good supportive comments from all on the pitch. Thanks to chappie for support and match coaching.

In summary, Ds had a good solid performance, they should take useful lessons from the game by controlling the pace of the game passing the ball around and moving forward in as a unit and not looking to attack too quickly, never the less utilized some good pace on the break where warranted. During the second half the discipline did break down with some rushed passing. Important to remember to be positive in passing the ball and its vital to move into space 'leading' away from your playing WANTING to both receive and get to the ball. The ball cant be passed through players and its important to move for the ball. Equally important to keep the discipline and stay in position creating width and options on both wings both in defense and attack. Maintaining that discipline will create opportunities for goals and wins.