Trafford Hawks 6 - 4 Broadway Brook F.C

Broadway Brook welcomed the challenge from probably the best team in the league Trafford Hawks.

On a nice pitch in Old Trafford Ken was forced into changes to the line up due to suspensions and injuries.

Team line up.

Antony Platt in goal, Jon Leaney right back, Andy McIntosh left back with Steven Dimitch partnering Captain Jonathan Eckersley.

Kyle Denton right mid, James Ginder left mid, with Dan Mitchell, John Gilmartin and Sam Jarvis in the centre.

Leaving Gary Rowbotham as the lone striker.

The game started with both teams cancelling each other out with very few chances.

Half way through the 1st half Trafford Hawks went up a gear and scored 2 quick fire goals.

For the remainder of the half Broadway had to show character and they did just that, dominating the remainder of the half.

With 5 minutes to go before half time, Andy Macintosh ventures down the left, riding challenges before putting in an excellent cross which was met by the head of John Gilmartin who gave the Hawks keeper no chance. 2-1 to Hawks.

Half time 2-1.

The 2nd half was nothing like the 1st, as Trafford Hawks start to play some really nice 1 touch football.

Unfortunately for Broadway, Hawks get a lucky break as Jonathan Eckersley tries to clear only for the ball to loop over Platt in the Broadway goal. 3-1

What was to follow would of put any other team down as a mad 15 minutes saw Hawks turn into the Brazil national team, tongue in cheek obviously but the quality of the Hawks football was outstanding as they rattling in another 3 goals of the highest quality.

Broadway had to find something from somewhere or face humiliation in this match, with the score at 6-1 the game looked all but over, with their backs against the ropes Broadway came back fighting.

Rowbotham fires in a cross, which is instantly controlled by Denton who is then cynically hacked down. Penalty. Denton steps up to take and makes no mistake. Sending the keeper the wrong way. 6-2 to Hawks

Moments later, Rowbotham again down the left whips in a vicious cross which is met by Mitchell whose controlled shot was excellent leaving the keeper with no chance. 6-3 to Hawks

Broadway subs.

Richard Whitfield, Ken Ramsbottom and Dave Hewitt replace Dan Mitchell, Sam Jarvis and Jon Leaney.

Surely Broadway can’t find another goal....Yes they can as John Gilmartin launches the ball over the top of the Hawks defence as the ball sits up perfectly for Rowbotham who unleashes a volley from 30 yards which nestles in the bottom corner. Great strike. 6-4 to Hawks.

Unfortunately Trafford Hawks managed to see out the game as Broadways efforts to get back into the game took its toll. Final score Trafford Hawks 6 – 4 Broadway Brook

Man of the match was awarded to John Gilmartin who must have touched every strand of grass on the pitch as he seemed to be everywhere. Excellent performance.

Credit to everyone today, we could of lay down n got a proper stuffing, losing by a 2 goal margin against a team of that quality, chin up lads we played our part and made them take note we are a force.