One of today's key objectives was to win the battles on the pitch and be strong in the tackle. During my playing days, I used to listen to Blur's Song 2 to get myself fired up for a challenge, and that has inspired today's match report.

Our fifth of six Development Games saw the Hawks take on Flackwell Heath on a beautiful tree-lined pitch on the edge of High Wycombe. What followed was a performance full of energy, determination and goals.

Flackwell started brightly and took advantage of some dangerous play in our own half to take an early lead. For a brief moment there looked to be Trouble in the Message Centre, but the boys responded brilliantly. They competed for every ball, got stuck into tackles and quickly turned the momentum in their favour.

A clever through ball from William D released Harry L through on goal. Harry used his strength to outmuscle the defender before calmly finding the net. His second followed soon after, another powerful run ending with a composed finish. The Hawks were now in full flow.

Teddy then produced a real Parklife moment. His relentless pressing robbed a defender of possession before he cut inside and curled a beauty into the top corner from 20 yards. The confidence was spreading throughout the team and, with the Boys & Girls all supporting from the side lines, the Hawks continued to push forward.

Harry completed his hat-trick before half-time thanks to another wonderful through ball from William D. By this stage the Flackwell defence had No Distance Left to Run as Harry's pace and power continued to cause problems.

Half-time: Hawks 4-1 Flackwell.

The second half was much more evenly contested. Flackwell were awarded a penalty following what looked from the touchline like a well-timed tackle and reduced the deficit. At 4-2 the game still had life in it, but the Hawks defence wasn't interested in moving out of its Country House. Big William S, Little William D and Max at CDM were outstanding, winning challenges and protecting the goal superbly.

In midfield, the boys continued to show excellent decision-making. Their passing was sharp, their movement intelligent and their through balls regularly unlocked the opposition defence. Like Coffee & TV , it was easy to sit back and enjoy, and on another day it could have produced several more goals. Isaac and Tobi were tigerish in the middle stopping Flackwell in their tracks before they could perform The Great Escape. Daniel and Harry B were dangerous out wide and on another day they would have added to their goal assists tally for the season.

The goal of the day belonged to Gabe. Receiving the ball around 25 yards from goal, he unleashed a stunning strike that flew into the net. It was the sort of finish that would have left any goalkeeper feeling a little Beetlebum , and it was thoroughly deserved after an excellent all-round performance.

Alex T then rounded off the scoring with a powerful run and confident finish. As the game drew to a close, the Hawks showed plenty of Tender care of the ball while continuing to work hard for each other.

There was still time for some late drama when Flackwell were awarded a second penalty, but fortunately for the Hawks it was fired over the crossbar. At this point we should mention Jacob in goal, who was a calming presence at the back for his team.

The boys' teamwork, resilience and determination were clear for all to see. After several encouraging performances, it was fantastic to see them get the result their efforts deserved. For terrorising the Flackwell defence throughout and scoring an excellent hat-trick, Harry L was our deserved Player of the Match.

Finally, it is great to say that there wasn't a Charmless Man in attendance, with the game being played in a respectful and enjoyable atmosphere. The young 15 year old referee did a great job.

Final Score: Flackwell Heath 2-6 Hawks