Beautiful morning for a game of football, shame about the pitch! Not sure whether to put this down to the confidence induced by last weeks win, a kick up the backside delivered by so many new boys at training or simply a weakened cockerels team, regardless the performance was solid and professional.

I remembered from last time out that Cockerels had some big lads in their side and expected the weather to play into our hands given the amount of fitness work the boys have been doing in training. With that in mind I opted to pack the midfield and forward lines with our most consistent grafters and bring the ball players on in the second half to open the game up when the oppositions legs were tiring. Fortunately the grafters had practically sealed the result before half time so the tactic was not completely followed through, although all four subs benefited from a full second half and other players got the opportunity to get forward and add their name to the scoresheet.

The Hibs goal was not tested in the first half, the defence proving equal to anything Coundon threw at them but it took 20 minutes before we were able to convert our dominance in possession into goals. The terrible playing surface contributed most to foiling several one on one chances for Connor and luke was incredibly unlucky, his corner coming off the crossbar only to prove just out of reach for the two or three Hibs heads stretching their necks to make contact. It looked like it was going to take something scrappy to break the deadlock and eventually it came, Benj forcing his way through both opposing players, teammates and the goalie to crash the ball home in the six yard box. A burst of pace and a parried shot from Liam presented Connor with our second. This time forsaking skill and subtlety for a low blast from close range. Ben Powell’s good work in the first half was also rewarded with a goal taking us into half time comfortable at 3-0.

With the creative players on for the second half, the boys seemingly began to open up the tiring defence at will, Connor and Munni grabbing well worked goals before we took our foot off the pedal for the last 25 minutes. The move of the game delivered Jack Lamberts first competitive goal for the club. It started by our own corner flag, Benj, Luca ,Zak, Adam, Jack B, and Munni all combined to switch the play to the left then back to the right with clean passes all the way up the pich. Zak picked up the ball and on reaching the byline delayed and then delivered his cross perfectly as Lambo arrived in the box to head home. Further goals from Jack, B and Munni completed a very satisfying afternoons work.

Scorers: Connor 2, Benj, Ben, Munni, Jack B, Jack L, Harry
MOM: Zak never looked in danger of losing possession, unselfishly created a string of goal scoring chances for those around him.