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ESFA: Your exhaustive guide to Hampton’s Heroes

By Toby Booker and Josh Bartholomew

Ahead of Hampton’s first ever ESFA final in Shrewsbury on Tuesday, two of our writers have profiled the 1st XI’s wider squad to give you unparalleled insight into the team.

Goalkeepers:

Ollie Roach

Though the resemblance with Loris Karius is uncanny, thankfully the similarities stop there. A lofty presence in the Hampton box, Roach also possesses terrific distribution skills which often kickstart attacks.

Tim Wallace

An agile goalkeeper whose fine ability allows him to make some unbelievable stops. Wallace’s propensity to fly across the goal often keeps Hampton in vital games, as it did in the semi-final at Gordon’s. Goalkeeper is a position of paramount importance, and in Wallace Hampton have one who is both solid and spectacular at the same time.

Defence:

Right-back – Tom Waring

Both his pace and strength have allowed him to dominate many teams from right-back this season. His clever attacking play, paired with firm defensive skill has helped to ensure his position in the 1st XI, whom he first played for in Fifth Year.

Centre-back – George Maxwell ©

Hampton’s captain fantastic at the back. A former Brentford academy representative, he made the switch to defence this season having previously played in central-midfield. Maxwell could even be turning out in MLS soon – he’ll take up a soccer scholarship at College of Charleston next year.

Centre-back – Noah Hanley

Vice-captain. Hanley and Maxwell have formed a formidable centre-back partnership this season. His height gives him a useful aerial advantage, which he often uses to great avail in scoring from corners and free-kicks, as Gordon’s found out.

Centre-back – Matt Cecil

A strong and pacey centre-back, Cecil has been pushing for a starting spot throughout the season. He has impressive speed for a defender, which is a useful asset for the team and often halts opposition attacks.

Centre-back – Lucas Boyle

The second vice-captain, Boyle possesses a strong weak-foot, and has recovered from injury to take his place in the ESFA final squad. A talented ball-playing centre-back, he adds talent and impetus to an already strong defence.

Left-back – Sami Omaar

Though Omaar is still an U16 and the youngest member of the team, he has made the left-back position his own this season, bombing down the wing with aplomb. A capable centre-back too, he impressed with a man-of-the-match display in the semi-final victory over Gordon’s, where he had to deputise in central-defence after Hanley’s late injury.

Left-back – Omri Nolan

A classic full-back. Flies forward with pace and tenacity, using both feet with prowess, while he’s also particularly solid defensively on the flank.

Midfield:

Defensive-midfielder – Tom Hudson

After making his 1st XI debut earlier this season, Hudson has managed to conquer the vital position of central-defensive-midfielder. He is a workhorse and his versatility makes him an indispensable member of the team, as he’ll often drop back into defence as Hampton attack, allowing the full-backs to bomb forward.

Defensive-midfielder – Stathis Kalathias

A diminutive presence in central midfield, Kalathias combines playing for QPR’s academy with stopping opposition attacks and fizzing the ball about for Hampton. A professional contract perhaps awaits this young technician, who already has a profile on Football Manager.

Central-midfielder – Louis Instrall

A former Chelsea academy player, Instrall provides both quality and defensive solidity from central midfield. Chipped in with two semi-final goals, and holds the key to the balance between attack and defence for this team.

Attacking-midfielder – Harry Short

Hampton’s extra-time hero from the semi-final. Plays just behind the front three, but made the move to striker for his late winner. Technically gifted, his set-piece deliveries into the box are a force to be reckoned with, and provide Hampton’s tall centre-backs with a platform to make an aerial impact.

Attack:

Winger – Freddy Hodgson

Renowned for his emphatic, emotive and energetic displays on the right-wing, Hodgson has established himself as a vocal member of the squad. His high-class finishing and skill cause him to be a thorn in the side of opposition defenders. Will we see another passionate celebration if he gets on the scoresheet in Shrewsbury?

Winger – Denil Manuel

A winger with scintillating skill and pace, Manuel has been a vital player for the 1st XI this season. Unfortunately, the speedster will miss the final with a knee injury.

Winger – Louis Rhodes

Rhodes provides a dangerous attacking option down the left-wing. He can often be the key to unlocking the opposition defence with his wizard-like left-foot which is admired by teammates and opponents alike.

Winger – Tim Sweeney

An all-round talent who can play anywhere across the forward line. Though Sweeney has spent time out injured this season, his athleticism, strength and pace will play a key role in deciding the final should he take the field.

Striker – Shaun-Chris Joash

Hampton’s answer to Cristiano Ronaldo. Skilful and pacey, this former Southampton and Brentford forward has all the tricks in the book. Repton’s defence can expect a tough day at the office. Look out for Joash’s free-kicks from outside the box; they almost did for Ardingly in the ISFA quarter-final.

Striker – Rohan Hobbs

Hobbs and Joash often alternate throughout the game. A powerful striker who holds the ball up well, Hobbs is famed for a “filthy scoop-turn” (it’s a skill), and a brilliant weaker-foot shot.

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