U13As begin season in fine fashion with convincing victory

By Alex Watson

Hampton U13As threw themselves into the new (and hopefully longer) football season of 2021/22 in fine fashion with an efficient 6-3 victory over Berkhamsted School.

Early intent from Hampton was rewarded as their determined pressing was the main source of creation for their opening goal, with Marcus Solomon slotting home from close range to give Hampton the advantage. A few minutes later their lead was doubled, Rio Felonov-Tzanev turning cleverly inside the box and firing into the bottom corner.

However, Berkhamsted came back fighting, and their resolve was rewarded as they headed home clinically from a corner. Hampton had the final word just before half time, a fine move finishing with Solomon lashing home a fierce drive outside of the box, arguably the pick of the goals.

Hosts Berkhamsted came back with new-found vigour in the second half, catching the visitors off guard and scoring twice in quick succession to level the game at 3-3.

Felonov-Tzanev then took the game into his own hands- Hampton had weathered the early storm of Berkhamsted attack and the striker showed his class netting on three separate occasions to add to his first from earlier in the encounter. Three times he outmuscled the Berkhamsted defenders, broke through the back line and finished cooly to secure what was in the end a comfortable victory for Hampton.

Special mention goes to goalkeeper Seb Rautenberg for two assists, as the U13As got their season off to a winning start.