Jimboomba 0 - 1 Mt Gravatt

The Hawks Metro 4 team finally received International Clearance before the game against Jimboomba enabling international superstars Hussein, Iyed, Mark and Russ to make their long awaiting debuts.
Unfortunately, Hussein's GPS recommended that the quickest route to Jimboomba was via Sydney...so his and passenger Iyed's debut were delayed until almost half time.
In Hussein's absence Jeff again took the field as keeper in front of a rejigged defence of Brett, Mark, Adam and Greg. In the middle of the park Corey was partnered by Russ with Jack and John taking up the wide berths. Unfront, Daniel and Greg started.
On the tight pitch at Jimboomba, the Hawks settled early and were playing some neat and tidy football. However, despite some probing runs Hawks failed to test the Boom Boom keeper in the early exchanges. Likewise, Jeff remained untroubled - an early cross being the extent of his work.
Corey and Russ dominated in the centre of the park with Corey settling on the ball to keep possession well. An enforced change in defence was required when Adam succumbed to a rib injury. Toby took his place and slotted in comfortably. Indeed, Toby, Greg and deputant Mark looked reasonably comfortable throughout. The main threat from Jimboomba came from set pieces - and they won 3 or 4 corners in succession. The Hawks had to be alert and defend in numbers. The defensive unit remained focused however and dispelled the threat.
Approaching half time, Hussein finally arrived and his first act was to receive a yellow card for changing places with Jeff in goal (presumably for time wasting!?!?!).
Hussein's had to be alert to get down to his right to save a long range shot but was otherwise untroubled.
Other changes saw Mohammet replace the hardworking Greg upfront. Mohammet's impact was instant, providing a much more physical threat. John was also threatening on the right and ran his opponent ragged.
At half time, the instruction from coach Richard Boyle was to show a little more urgency in front of goal - the build up play was excellent but the final touch was lacking despite the forwards working very hard to get on the end of things.
Richard introduced Iyed in place of Russ at half time. His relaxed approach to the game saw him settling early, linking defence to the midfield, and spraying passing left and right to utilise the pace of John and Jack.
The Hawks were again looking incredibly comfortable at 0-0 and with the lion share of possession it seemed only a matter of time before the breakthrough would come. And that was indeed the case, as Mohammet latched onto a slide rule pass to break clear of the Jimboomba defence. He took his shot early, and the ball swerved and dipped over the keepers head and into the back of the net.
The Hawks could and probably should have added to their goal tally but remained in control for the full 90 minutes.