Emphatic victory over Gordon’s extends U14C unbeaten run

By Kristian Brookes

Following an entertaining 3-3 draw against Abington School, Hampton’s U14C’s extended their unbeaten run to five games as they dominated Gordon’s School’s with a convincing 8-0 home win.

The opening few minutes witnessed some fast, fluid football from Hampton as they took the lead inside five minutes following a brilliant cross from the right by Ed Joyce, nodded in by Rohan Crowe at the back post.

Shortly after going 1-0 up, Hampton doubled their advantage as Crowe put his name to the score-sheet once again by cutting inside from the left hand side before curling the ball into the corner of the net. 

Hampton continued to put the pressure on Gordon’s School, although they squandered numerous chances and failed to extend their lead within the next twenty minutes due to some poor finishing.

Despite missing some good chances Hampton eventually increased their lead to three goals after Monty Robb’s powerful header rocketed into the top corner right on the stroke of half time.

This made Hampton’s advantage even more comfortable and it was fully deserved considering the large number of attempts on goal they had in the first half in comparison to the opposition.

Hampton made some adjustments to their system following the break.  The main change was to employ a three man midfield by moving the second striker into a deeper role, in order to maintain their advantage by reducing the chance of Gordon’s School scoring.

Despite the defensive minded change Hampton scored immediately in the second half as Hal Leman ran clean through on goal before sliding the ball underneath the keeper from around ten yards out.

Leman then scored two similar, skilful goals in quick succession as his two thunderous strikes from close range gave him his first hat trick of the year.  Hampton now had a huge advantage.

Despite a scruffy shot, Ben Rollason was also on target to extend Hampton’s lead after Maneesh Patel’s shot rebounded to him off the post.

To round off the game Hampton’s captain Ed Joyce caressed the ball into the bottom corner from the penalty spot after he was tripped in the box on the right side of the pitch.

Hampton will go into their next game with their heads held high and with their confidence at a peak, as they bid to get a good result at the end of February against a tough St Paul’s team.