Under 8 Hawks

The final competitive game of the season saw the Hawks once again up against their local rivals Whitley Bay Blues. Once again as they have done all season the Hawks commitment was fantastic. Every player gave 100% during the whole game. Only a fortunate deflection separated the teams at the final whistle. Another deserved Man of the Match award went to Michael.

Cameron in the Hawks goal gave another mature performance and has provided a safe pair of hands all season. The dynamic duo rear guard of Alex and Louis continue to have an understanding which has helped the Hawks come away with many a clean sheet this season. In midfield Josh, Michael and Jessica have worked tirelessly to provide a midfield which has supported the defence and between them have contributed over 60 goals. Up front both Matthew and Reece have battled hard to close down defences and score vital goals.

Both managers would like to say how proud they are of all the players this season and to qualify for the premiership in their first season together is a massive achievement. They would also like to thanks all parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters for their continued support even on cold winter mornings. Here's looking forward to next season but let's have a rest first.

The penultimate game of the season saw the Hawks produce a winning performance against their local rivals. The first quarter saw the Hawks take control and from a corner Matthew hit the cross bar and was followed up by a volley from Josh to take the lead.

During the second quarter the Hawks showed how well their passing has improved this season and did not let the opposition back into the game. The lead was doubled when another special strike on the right from Michael flew into the top corner of the net. Michael once again showed that he can score from any position on the field.

The last two quarters saw the Hawks score two further goals when Michael got his second and a fantastic run from defence by Louis saw him calmly side foot the ball past the advancing keeper into the back of the net. Special mention must go to Man of the Match Alex who again showed his magnificent defensive qualities to help North Shields keep a clean sheet.

Having probably played the best two under 8 teams over the last two weeks the Hawks went down with a brave fight but the passing game of Newcastle eventually saw them come out as deserved winners.

Goals from Michael, Josh and Jessica as well as an own goal showed that the Hawks can create and finish chances against the best teams around. Man of the Match went to Matthew who once again showed how well he has developed during the season and that he is prepared to battle for the team for the whole game.

As the season draws to an end North Shields put up a brave fight but lost out to probably the best team in the league this year. All members of the team battled well and gave 100% which is exactly what is required in the Premiership so well done to all players. Man of the Match deservedly went to Cameron Baker in the Hawks goal who shows each and every week what an excellent goalkeeper he is.

Having not had much luck the previous week the Hawks were determined to create their own luck against last weeks opposition. North Shields started the brightest and were quickly ahead as Michael found Josh who shot from long distance and the ball managed to go between the goalkeepers legs into the back of the net. This was followed by a throw in from Louis and with a quick thinking shot from Man of the Match Michael the ball found the corner of the goal to double the lead.

During the second quarter a strong Cramlington team found their stride and from the kick off pulled a goal back and before the end of the quarter levelled the game with a well taken goal. The third quarter was very tight with both team having chances but neither able to take advantage.

The fourth quarter was again very even but Cramlington's extra strength saw them score two quick goals to secure the win. Although disappointed the Hawks can once again be proud of an excellent fighting spirit which they have shown all year in their first season together.

If ever the true reflection of a match was not shown in the scoreline it was this game. The Hawks battled hard and hit the woodwork on three occasions but they had to eventually reside themselves to the fact it was not going to be their day.

The whole team showed excellent commitment to the cause with each team member adding to the performance and Man of the Match was awarded to Josh. Well done everyone and bring on next week.

Having already been beaten by the Blues earlier in the season the Hawks were determined to set the record straight and show the large crowd that they could compete against the very best Northumberland Mini Soccer could throw at them. From the first whistle the Hawks showed how far they have progressed this season with some excellent passing and moving and their best defensive display of the season. This was typified by Man of the Match Alex who never put a foot wrong all game.

It was a tight game and the Blues took the lead at the end of the first quarter. The second and third quarters were again very even with few chances. A great save from Cameron in the Hawks goal denied the Blues a second.

The fourth quarter was end to end and a quick throw in from Josh found Michael with space in the middle of the field and with great awareness he saw the goalkeeper off his line and scored with a long range effort. A fantastic goal from the Hawk's in form goal scorer. The North Shields team nearly won the game with another long range effort from Louis only to see the opposition goalkeeper make a fantastic save. Well done to all players.

Against their Premiership local rivals the Hawks produced a great performance to secure their first win in the top flight. Coast were always dangerous but some excellent defending from Man of the Match Louis Spraggon kept the score down. The deadlock was broken by Josh who broke free and with only the goalkeeper to beat confidently stroked the ball home. This was followed by a further great strike by Matthew who improves with each performance.

The opposition were always in the game and managed to score three goals themselves but four great well taken goals from Michael secured the victory. Another great performance from all players and nice to get one over on the local rivals.

North Shields went into their second Premiership game of the season against a Newcastle team who had won the vast majority of their games this season by some margin. The first two quarters were extremely even with some excellent passing from both teams which provided great entertainment for the early Sunday morning crowd. However, Newcastle finished the second quarter two up with two well taken goals. Cameron in the Hawks goal continues to show great maturity with some excellent saves.

The Hawks came out fighting in the third quarter and quickly replied with an fantastic finish from the edge of the box by Matthew. This was followed by a flowing move from defence by the Hawks which resulted in a pin point pass from Michael to Josh who struck the ball first time high into the corner of the opposition goal. The North Shields team then took the lead as Michael's trusted left foot floated a third high into the net above the advancing goalkeeper. At the other end both Louis and Lady of the Match Jessica Brown continue to show defending qualities above their age. With only a few seconds left of the quarter the Newcastle team showed why they have been so dominant this season as they produced a move down the right which ended with a terrific strike to level the game with one quarter remaining.

During the fourth quarter the Hawks came under some pressure but defended well as a team but as like last week were unable to hang on to the draw and a good solo effort from Newcastle's centre forward produced the winning goal. The whistle went and although the Hawks were disappointed they knew they had produced a magnificent performance from a team who may well go on to win the Premiership this year. Well done to everyone.

Having qualified for the Under 8's Premiership league in their first season together the Hawks started there campaign against local rivals Wallsend Boys Club. It was a tough start and quickly Wallsend took a 2 goal lead with some well taken goals. The second quarter was a different story and the Hawks took control with goals from Josh who finished from close range, a penalty from Michael after Man of the Match Reece Richardson was pushed in the box and a third from Reece himself who finished bravely as the opposition keeper rushed out to block his shot from the edge of the box. A magnificent turnaround which showed the North Shields team's desire to win.

Again the Hawks began the third quarter well and an excellent cross field ball from Matthew saw Jack hit a first time shot high into the net. Wallsend were shaken but they gradually stepped up the pressure and managed to level the score at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was tight with very few opportunities but the winning goal came from Wallsend who scrambled the ball over the line from a corner. The Hawks were disappointed but showed that they can compete at the highest level and deserve their place in the Premiership.

After last week's disappointing result the Hawks were determined to put things right in this final game of the first half of the season. From the very start the North Shields team controlled the game and the first corner of the match resulted in Michael scoring direct from the kick. The Hawks were then awarded a penalty when Reece was brought down in the box after a fantastic run. Cameron in the Hawks goal stepped up to strike a confident left foot shot into the bottom of the net.

The second quarter saw the Hawks double their lead through Man of the Match Josh Harrison who first fired home from the left after a weaving run. His second was a fantastic right foot strike when he latched on to an inch perfect pass from Matthew.

Going into this match the Hawks knew it would be a tough battle against the unbeaten top of the league team. The first quarter was an even affair between two very good under 8 sides who competed for every ball. During the second quarter the Blues started to get on top and went into the lead with two well taken goals. The Hawks were not to be outdone and quickly responded when Jack managed to divert the ball into the Blues net.

Unfortunately, the game was to turn on a refereeing decision when the Blues were awarded a penalty when Alex was penalised for allegedly handling the ball. The Whitley Bay team converted their penalty which knocked the Hawks and the Blues quickly scored a fourth and fifth to produce a result which flattered the opposition. With this said the Hawks will not play a better passing and moving team this season and many things can be learnt from this defeat.

After a disappointing draw last week the Hawks were back to winning ways with a confident performance. The first quarter produced four goals with Northburn taking the lead when they scored direct from a free kick. Not to be outdone the Hawks were awarded a free kick just outside the box and Michael stepped up to float the ball high into the roof of the opposition goal. Two further goals followed with Jessica producing a confident strike and Michael getting his second with a well taken effort from the edge of the box.

The second quarter produced the first goal from Man of the Match Louis Spraggon who made a strong run down the left and produced a strong strike from the wing which the goalkeeper could not hold. The Wanderers were then awarded a further free kick as the quarter drew to an end and once again a strong free kick produced their second goal.

The third quarter produced one of the goals of the season as Michael struck a fantastic corner which was met by Louis on the run who powered home a header that even Mr Shearer himself would have been proud of. Two further goals saw the Hawks tally reach seven as Louis completed his hat trick with another quality goal from the right and Jack rounded off proceedings with his first goal of the day.

The phrase 'Its not going to be our day' springs to mind to describe a game when for long periods the Hawks never looked like losing but somehow the opposition scored 3 times. The first time this has happened all season. The first quarter saw the Hawks look lively with chances falling to both Jack and Josh but against the run of play Valencia broke the deadlock with a good finish.

The second quarter again produced a number of chances for the Hawks and they eventually scored when Man of the Match Josh Harrison turned in the box to fire high into the opposition goal. Hawks were then awarded a penalty for hand ball and Michael stepped only to see his shot fly high above the crossbar.

During the third quarter and with the wind at their backs Valencia stepped up the pace and scored two quick goals to rock the Hawks. A good old fashioned team talk and a request to show some fight the Hawks came out for the fourth quarter a different team. Spurred on by the large support on the touchline the Hawks played the whole quarter in the opposition half and a shot from the edge of the box saw Michael pull a goal back. With time ticking away it looked as though the Hawks were going to be denied an equaliser but a final weaving run from Michael on the right saw him fire a low shot into the opposition net. This was the final kick of the game.

This was not one of the Hawks better performances but in the end they showed their determination and fight when asked too and produced a result. Well done everyone.

With no game for the past 3 weeks the Hawks were eager to show they had not lost their winning touch. From the moment the whistle blew North Shields showed their superiority and two first quarter strikes from Michael set the tone for the rest of the game. Two further second quarter goals from Josh and Jack produced a comfortable lead and allowed the Hawks to play some attractive football.

The third quarter saw some positional changes which allowed Lady of the Match Jessica Brown to push forward and score a well taken goal. A Santa hat celebration followed to keep us all in the festive mood. Two further goals from Jack and one from Michael saw them both complete a well deserved hat trick.

The fourth quarter saw a further three goals as Michael took his tally to five and Josh weaved through the defence to get his second. Once again another great performance from all of the team and well done to all players for showing respect to the opposition both during and at the end of the match.

Another convincing performance saw the Hawks comfortably win this game with some great passing. The first quarter was uneventful but Walker nearly took the lead when Cameron saved a long range effort with his feet.

During the second quarter the Hawks came to life and a flowing passing move between Matthew and Jack saw the ball eventually fall to Man of the Match Michael Spellman who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner. His trademark Robbie Keane celebration was once again witnessed by the crowd. North Shields lead was doubled when they were awarded a free kick on the left. Louis stepped up to place the ball into the penalty box where Jack was on hand to calmly divert the ball into the back of the net.

Two further goals followed in the third quarter when another free kick was awarded and this time Michael took control and fired the ball into the roof of the net direct from the free kick. At this point the Hawks started to play some great passing football with all team members contributing. The fourth goal came from a corner on the left which was floated in from Michael and on the volley Louis struck the ball first time and powered the ball into the Walker goal.

The fourth quarter saw one further goal when the ball broke to Josh on the right and with a first time strike fired the ball across the goalkeeper into the bottom corner. Other chances followed with both Reece and Jessica coming close but unable to extend the lead. Special mention to Alex in defence who continues to provide a solid rear guard.

The Hawks went into this game knowing that their opposition where yet to drop a point this season. This however did not enter the players minds as their effort and determination from the second the whistle blew was evident for everyone to see. With instructions to close down the opposition quickly they forced their opponents into mistakes which eventually led to their victory.

The first quarter was tight with very few chances and some excellent defending from Jessica and Man of the Match Louis Spraggon restricted the opposition to long range shots. Cameron in the Hawks goal continues to show great maturity and improves every week. The deadlock was eventually broken in the second quarter when the ball broke free on the edge of the opposition box and Michael slotted it into the bottom corner. The Sproggs were rattled and made various changes to their team but the Hawks kept their concentration and were not going to let the opposition get their passing game going. North Shields created further chances with both Matthew and Reece coming close and were unlucky not to increase the lead.

The third quarter continued to be a tight affair and some excellent last gasp defending from Alex stopped the Sproggs from levelling the game. The Hawks dogged determination was eventually rewarded with a second goal when a shot from Michael was cleverly diverted into the back of the net by Jack.

During the fourth quarter the Sproggs pushed forward and were rewarded with a goal to set up a tense last few minutes. The Sproggs had one further chance but the tackle of the match by Josh denied them a goal opportunity.

The Hawks started this game with their minds firmly on the evenings trick or treat adventures as they went through the motions during the first quarter. It took until halfway through the second quarter for the Hawks to come to life. A poor kick from the opposition goalkeeper was intercepted by Josh who calmly beat the oncoming defender and slotted the ball into the bottom corner. North Shields increased their lead when good work from Louis on the left saw a long range shot dropped by the goalkeeper and Josh fired home from close range.

The third quarter saw further pressure from North Shields and good work from both Reece and Matthew resulted in a number of chances. The third goal eventually came when good work from Man of the Match Michael Spellman saw him place an excellent cross right at the feet of Jack who reacted quickly to beat the goalkeeper.

The fourth quarter saw three further goals as Josh completed a well deserved hat trick and both Jack and Jessica added a further goal to their season tally. Another solid performance from all players.

Once again the Hawks dominated this game from start to finish. Constant pressure down the right from Man of the Match Josh Harrison resulted in numerous first quarter corners from which Jessica broke the deadlock with a well timed header. The lead was increased when again from a corner Michael managed to curl the ball into the Bedlington goal direct from his corner kick.

Two further goals followed in the second quarter when Michael once again swung the ball into the roof of the net direct from a corner and then rounded off his hat trick with a well taken solo effort. Bedlington were awarded a penalty when their only real attack of the match was brought to an abrupt end by a well timed rugby tackle from Louis. Lets make it less obvious next time Louis. Bedlington stepped up only to see their effort hit the woodwork and go wide.

The third quarter saw a further penalty miss when Josh stepped up only to see his 3 point spot kick fly high and wide. More pressure from the Hawks saw the lead increase further when a well taken shot from the edge of the box saw Reece break his duck for the season.

Another early kick off at Gosforth saw the Hawks play the first quarter as if they wished they were still tucked up in their beds. A good old fashioned team talk and the Hawks came out for the second quarter a different team. Some excellent passing and movement saw the Hawks create a number of chances and eventually some fantastic wing play from Josh saw the ball land to Michael who finished with confidence. This was followed by Michael's trademark Robbie Keane forward roll. Before the end of the second quarter the Hawk's doubled their lead when great play from Man of the Match Jack Sayers saw him beat a number of Cramlington players before firing past the goalkeeper. Jack said it was 5 players he beat but it was more like 2.

The third quarter was again dominated by North Shields and they were eventually rewarded with a third goal when Jack broke free just inside the opposition half and carried the ball into the box to fire past the Cramlington goalkeeper. Further chances were created and the lead would have been extended had it not been for some fine goalkeeping from the Cramlington goalkeeper.

During the fourth quarter the Hawks came under some pressure as Cramlington pushed forward for a consolation goal but the defensive strength of both Jessica and Louis was too much for the opposition forwards. The fourth goal came when another break from Jack saw him once again beat the advancing goalkeeper to complete his well deserved hat trick.

Special mention to Cameron in the Hawks goal who once again kept a clean sheet and improves each and every week and Reece and Matthew who both worked tirelessly up front. Well done to all players.

This was certainly a game of two halves as the Hawks found it difficult to find their free flowing football during the first 2 quarters. A well organised Cramlington team did not allow North Shields to settle on the ball and during the second quarter the Hawks conceded two goals. It may have been more had it not been for the ever improving Cameron in the Hawks goal. The second goal seemed to spark North Shields into life and good work from Josh, Michael and Jack up front saw a number of efforts go wide of the Cramlington goal. The more the game went on you just felt it was not going to be North Shields day.

The next two quarters were a different story. The Hawks came out with the determination they were lacking earlier in the game and they began to get hold of the ball and play the kind of football they have shown throughout the early part of the season. Some great midfield play from both Jessica and Louis eventually saw the ball find Josh who weaved his way down the right wing and crossed the ball into the box to find Man of the Match Michael Spellman who slotted the ball into the bottom corner. This was the goal the Hawks needed and from that point the belief returned to the whole team. Further pressure during the third quarter followed but some great goalkeeping prevented North Shields levelling the match.

The Hawks started the fourth quarter in the same way they finished the last and constant pressure saw the frame of the Cramlington goal rattled on a number of occasions. North Shields were then awarded a free kick and the ever reliable Michael stepped up to squeeze the ball past the Cramlington goalkeeper to level the game. The loudest cheer of the season went up on the side line as the largest crowd of the season witnessed a magnificent fight back from the North Shields team.

North Shields nearly threw it away when Cramlington broke free and only a fantastic Joe Hart like save by Cameron stopped the ball crossing the line. The Hawks still found time to mount a final attack with Jack coming close in the closing seconds.

After last weeks blip North Shields were determined to set the record straight and came out in determined mood. Even the rain couldn't stop the Hawks from showing their superiority against a Whitley Bay team who were yet to suffer a defeat this season. The first quarter set the tone for the game as North Shields dominated the play and went one up when Man of the Match Michael Spellman slotted the ball home from the edge of the box. Another excellent run down the left wing from Michael produced a pin point cross to Jack Sayers who confidently finished a tremendous move.

The second quarter saw some great passing from the Hawks who increased the lead with another excellent finish from Michael. Once again Cameron Baker in the North Shields net showed confidence and fantastic handling skills to keep Whitley Bay out.

The third quarter saw two further goals as Michael completed his hat trick as he showed strength and balance to once again finish a well worked solo effort. The fifth and final goal was probably the pick of the bunch as North Shields broke free from the half way line where Josh found himself with open space and carried the ball the length of the Whitley Bay half and with a cool finish fired the ball into the back of the net.

North Shields once again dominated the play during the fourth quarter and only some resolute defending from Whitley Bay stopped the Hawks from added to the scoreline. Special mention must go to Michael who showed a mature and classy performance and in the midfield Louis Spraggon goes from strength to strength each week.

Hawks went into this game knowing that their opponents had also won their previous two games one of which by an eighteen goal margin. However, this as expected did not effect the Hawks as a strong performance from all of the players saw them lose to the only goal of the match to an extremely well organised Wallsend outfit.

The Hawks managed to keep a clean sheet until the last three minutes of the fourth quarter when Wallsend broke quickly to score. Man of the Match Cameron Baker in the Hawks goal performed magnificently and was left with no chance with a well taken goal. Hawks nearly pulled it back in the dying seconds as a cross field pass from Josh saw a shot from Michael only just held by the Wallsend keeper.

North Shields will not play many better teams this year and all of the players should be extremely proud of their efforts and I am sure they will bounce back next week.

After last week's opening win the Hawks were confident going into their second game of the season. Hawks started well with plenty of pressure but it took until the end of the first quarter for the deadlock to be broken. A weaving Ryan Giggs run from captain for the day Josh Harrison saw the ball eventually break to in form Michael Spellman who slotted it under the opposition goalkeeper. The temptation was to great and Michael ended his goal celebration with a Robbie Keane somersault. Don't take up gymnastics Michael.

The second quarter was a close affair with North Shields having chance after chance but they could not extend their lead. Ponteland worked hard to come back and had it not been for some great goalkeeping by Cameron Baker in the North Shields goal they would have surely ended the quarter on level terms.

The third quarter was frantic as North Shields looked to extend their lead and Ponteland looked to provide an equaliser. Reece Richardson made some excellent runs and only some resolute defending stopped him from adding to the scoreline. As the quarter drew to an end a long kick from Cameron was met by the outstretched foot of Man of the Match Jack Sayers would managed to squeeze the ball around the advancing goalkeeper. Jack celebrated in his own style with one arm pointing to the sky in determination. Been watching to many Alan Shearer videos Jack. No sooner had North Shields scored Ponteland hit back with a well struck right foot shot from their centre forward.

The season started with a local derby against the Ospreys watched by a large crowd at Gosforth. The first quarter was a close affair as the Ospreys competed well and the deadlock was finally broken by Jessica Brown. During the second quarter the Hawks started to show their strength with three goals. Matthew Howell began the trio with a with a well finished team move followed by a 25 yard effort by Michael Spellman. Michael added a fourth to end the second quarter.

The third quarter was more even until the Hawks were awarded a free kick just inside the opposition's half. Michael quickly noticed the goalkeeper off his line and floated the ball over his head into the back of the net to complete his hat-trick. It was a goal even David Beckham would have been proud of.

The fourth quarter produced one further goal when the Hawks were awarded a penalty for hand ball and as quick as the whistle had been blown Man(Lady) of the Match Jessica Brown had the ball placed on the spot before any of her team members had an opportunity to volunteer. Jessica calmly fired the ball into the back of the net to round off an excellent start to the season.