Vendsham 2 - 4 Hawley

Key Events:

• 4' Hawley Philippe Robert scores, assisted by Pedro Chagas
• 8' Yellow card to Hawley Michel Lemoine
• 26' Hawley Pedro Chagas scores, assisted by Michel Lemoine
• 32' Hawley Philippe Robert scores, assisted by Phillip Lewis
• 43' Vendsham Paul Dupont scores, assisted by Julio Cortes
• 46' Yellow card to Vendsham Richard Stone
• 53' Vendsham Eric Moreau scores
• 53' Yellow card to Hawley Michael Brown
• 75' Hawley Willi Schneider scores
• 85' Yellow card to Hawley Phillip Lewis

Hawley’s dominance in possession and shot volume translated into a commanding lead, with their expected goals (xG) of 2.74 exceeding Vendsham’s 1.73. The visitors created numerous opportunities, especially in the first half, with Philippe Robert and Pedro Chagas leading the charge. Hawley’s goal in the fourth minute set the tone, with Robert finishing a well-placed assist from Chagas. Despite a spirited response from Vendsham, who pulled one back through Paul Dupont just before halftime, Hawley’s offensive potency proved decisive. The second half saw Hawley extend their lead with a third goal from Robert, before Schneider’s late strike sealed the victory. Vendsham’s resilience was evident, but their defensive lapses and Hawley’s clinical finishing ultimately decided the game.

The tactical battle was characterized by Hawley’s sharper finishing and better ball retention, with their pass accuracy of 86% giving them a slight edge over Vendsham’s 80%. Hawley’s ability to generate more shots on target—10 to Vendsham’s 6—highlighted their attacking intent. Meanwhile, Vendsham’s 6 corners and 14 dribbles showed a willingness to press forward, but their defensive discipline was tested, especially with three yellow cards. Hawley’s disciplined approach and effective use of their chances made the difference, even as Vendsham refused to give up. The match was a reminder that in football, the margin between victory and defeat often hinges on the quality of finishing and tactical discipline.

Match Statistics:

Possession: Vendsham 46% - Hawley 54% Shots (On Target): Vendsham 8 (6) - Hawley 12 (10) Corners: Vendsham 6 - Hawley 1 Fouls: Vendsham 7 - Hawley 10 Yellow Cards: Vendsham 1 - Hawley 3 Red Cards: Vendsham 0 - Hawley 0 Dribbles: Vendsham 14 - Hawley 10 Pass Accuracy: Vendsham 80% - Hawley 86% Tackles: Vendsham 12 - Hawley 11

In the end, Hawley’s ability to convert their chances and maintain a disciplined shape proved decisive. Vendsham’s spirited effort was commendable, but their defensive lapses and Hawley’s clinical finishing sealed the outcome in a game that balanced grit with finesse.