Depleted U17A fall to City of London in Area Cup semi-final

By Maxi Grindley

A weakened Hampton U-17 A team succumbed to a 4-2 loss against City of London School’s 1st XI.

An even first half left both sides fighting for the lead with the score tied at 1-1. Hampton got off to a slow start, allowing City of London to score, before the U17s equalised.

But ultimately, it was City of London who then clinched the game with two further goals.

City of London got off to the perfect start with a headed goal from a corner, but Hampton quickly took back control of the game.

A series of chances were missed, but ultimately the pressure resulted in a goal, with Oliver Burke putting away a close-range finish.

Hampton’s momentum only increased, but they could not make it count as the two teams remained deadlocked at half time.

It was City of London who left the blocks fastest, scoring a brilliant direct free-kick from the edge of the box.

Hampton replied quickly with Theo Radocopolous finishing a mazy run with an emphatic finish in the corner.

The wind helped City of London retake the lead, bending the ball directly from a corner into the net, before they secured the win with a goal mouth scramble.

Time ran out for Hampton to try and fight back from their 4-2 deficit, and ultimately it was City of London who prevailed.