Hampton break through resolute King’s side to pick up 4-1 win

By Alex Watson

After a three week winter break, the Hampton U14As returned to the pitch to begin their second half of the season with a home fixture against King’s College Wimbledon. On a cold, frosty, winter morning, the boys could have potentially been slightly more up for it pre-match, and this became clear in the early stages as Hampton could not match the aggression of their opponents, who were flying into tackles and generally winning most contests.

After a few minutes, the U14As began to settle into the match, shaking off the rustiness they had picked up during their long break. However, just as they looked to be gaining control of the match, a sloppy pass at the back resulted in a pressing opposition striker pouncing on the loose ball and capitalising upon the opportunity, finishing with ease.

This gave Hampton an even greater awakening, but even though they created several chances before half time, including a brilliant long-range effort from Freddie Thwaite, they went into the break a goal down and somewhat shell-shocked.

Into the second half, and Hampton still lacked that composure and clinical ability in front of goal; 15 minutes into it and still that crucial goal evaded them. Finally, however, the chance came; a misjudgement from the King’s keeper following a corner resulted in a simple finish from Rio Felonov-Tzanev.

This gave Hampton the momentum they needed and soon after, they converted another scrappy corner goal, with Dom Stenning bundling the ball home . Now filled with confidence and King’s in disarray, the U14s attacked again and again and again, and despite a missed penalty from Alessandro Cardinale, they ran out 4-1 winners with Felonov-Tzanev adding two more well-finished goals to his tally to score a hatrick.