Strong first-half performance sees U14A to victory

By Josh Hood

The Hampton U14A football team were victorious once again on Saturday, when they beat John Lyon School 1-0 with a well-taken goal from Zain Suterwalla.

Having beaten Ardingly College on the previous Thursday to progress in the Cup, Hampton turned to another challenge that was to wrap up a week of success for them.

From the very first whistle, good football was played by both sides as well-organised moves were constructed all over the pitch. 

However, it soon became apparent which of the two teams was emerging on top, as more and more chances fell to the home side, resulting in a number of near misses. 

Despite this, Hampton were soon ahead as, after a series of passes, Hayden Christian teed up Suterwalla, who calmly slotted the ball under the keeper and into the net.

In spite of various substitutions and changes at the break, more of the same followed for the opening spells of the second half as a few more chances fell to Hampton. 

However, before long, a slight change in momentum spread a feeling of doubt through the Hampton ranks as to why they were not further ahead.

Inspired by the one-goal difference and decreasing time left for play, John Lyon pushed on for an equaliser. 

Although the game became ever more nerve-racking and tense by the minute, a solid defensive display meant that no real threat was posed to the Hampton goal, leading to another win.

Having progressed in the Elgin League already that week, the boys are looking to do the same on Monday, when they are playing away in Essex in the ESFA Cup. 

A strong performance as well as confidence from Saturday is exactly what is needed for a victory there.