U15Cs suffer 3-0 defeat against imperious St Paul’s outfit

By Alastair White

After the long Christmas break, St Paul’s School would be the first opponents of 2022 for the Hampton U15C team. A chilly morning greeted both sides, and Hampton aimed to break their two game losing streak.

After losing the toss, St Paul’s kicked off and kept the ball well, with accurate passes flying across the muddy pitch. It was clear from the start that St Paul’s midfield was strong and Hampton were struggling for possession from the start. The U15C’s defence was holding strong however, and the midfield battle raged on with both sides battling tenaciously for the ball. 

On the ball Hampton looked good, but St Paul’s defence were fast and capable and chances for the boys in black and gold were few and far between. St Paul’s attack was looking the stronger of the two, with some mistakes from the Hampton defenders creeping in. If it wasn’t for some consistent great defensive play from Freddie Hunt, the U15Cs may have been one goal down. 

Just as the game seemed to be at a stalemate, some great play from the St Paul’s left winger put Hampton’s defence on the back foot and an inviting cross was played behind the back line and an  unfortunate slip from centre back Freddie Hunt, left Arya Etiman (Hampton’s left back) in an unfortunate position. In an attempt to clear the ball, Arya turned the ball into the Hampton net. 1-0 to St Paul’s, just before half-time. 

Throughout the second half, Hampton were under pressure. A few chances were created by the Hampton attack, but the St Paul’s defence stayed strong and only a few shots needed to be dealt with by their ‘keeper. Hampton just couldn’t break through the opposition’s midfield and halfway through the second half, St Paul’s striker scored two goals in quick succession. 3-0 to St Paul’s. 

A tough game for Hampton against a strong St Paul’s side, and the U15C team continue in their search for a win.