1st XI progress to ESFA quarter-final with tight victory

By Noah Hanley

Round six of the ever competitive ESFA Cup saw Hampton 1st XI defeat Southend High School for Boys with a 0-2 victory.

The game began with Hampton dominating the play and carving out a number of chances but struggling to make them count, with a number of comfortable saves for the Southend goalkeeper. 

After their positive start, Hampton were rewarded with a penalty mid-way through the first half following a fierce tackle on the edge of the six-yard box. 

But the deadlock was not to be broken just yet, as the goalkeeper’s strong left-hand save denied Shaun-Chris Joash the opening goal. 

Thank you to @SouthendHigh for hosting the 1Xl @SchoolsFootball 6th round tie today. Congratulations to our boys for progressing through after another long journey on the road with goals from Sean J and Sami O @isfafootball @SurreySchoolsfa

— Hampton Football (@FootballHampton) February 6, 2019

After going behind, Southend began to find their feet in the game, with spells of possession evenly balanced towards the end of the first half. 

But within minutes of the second half starting, Hampton were back on top and finally rewarded with the first goal of the game. 

Louis Rhodes set up Joash on his favoured left foot to score with a strong finish in the top left corner from a tight angle. 

With Hampton a goal to the good, Southend began to claw their way back into the game, yet could not seem to find a much-needed goal as Hampton keeper Tim Wallace produced some vital saves. 

The vast Southend crowd were to be disappointed once more, as Hampton, benefiting from a quick passing move, saw Rohan Hobbs find the head of Sami Omaar who put in Hampton’s second. 

With the game drawing to a close, frustration began to show for the home team, and a Southend player was shown a red card after a mistimed tackle. 

Hampton now progress through to the ESFA quarterfinals, where they will face The Bishop’s Stortford High School. 

Meanwhile Hampton’s next fixture is against rivals Ardingly in the London ISFA cup.