U14A bounce back to win 3-1 at Eton

By Josh Hood

Having lost out narrowly the week before to a very strong St Bede’s side, Hampton’s U14A footballers did well to earn a 3-1 victory against an equally successful and experienced Eton team.

As the match got underway, the first five minutes proved particularly difficult for both sides as the blazing heat of the early afternoon played a big part in the pitch conditions as well as the regular need for hydration during the game. 

However, once the game had settled and the players had started to get their foot on the ball with more conviction, Hampton’s well known creative virtuosity began to take shape as various moves were created down both the left and right flanks leading to some promising chances. 

After some more exciting play and a few unlucky rebounds Hampton finally went a goal ahead with a good shot by Hayden Christian and a clinical follow up from Jamie Wilson. 

The goal was greeted by more sustained pressure from the Hampton team which ensured that it was only a matter of time before the second goal was scored. 

In the end, it came from a great cross from Obrad Kuzmanovic on the left side, met nicely by a composed Christian who a few seconds later was running back to his own half in celebration having neatly controlled the ball and emphatically volleyed it into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

The first of several drinks breaks was followed by a good spell of play from Eton in which they scored a volley from outside the box to claw themselves back in to the game. 

However, despite this temporary setback, Hampton were soon pressing once again, which led to a mistake from the opposition goalkeeper and a well taken poachers finish from Zaki Sadiq Baig.

The second half saw a number of chances but relatively fewer, due to the players’ increased fatigue as the game went on. 

But the team still put in a great effort to guarantee that 35 minutes later, the final whistle was blown and Hampton had accomplished what few teams do – conquered Eton in their own backyard. 

As well as being a milestone in itself, the win was particularly important as it gave Hampton their first win of the season; it was very well earned.