U15As set up ISFA semi-final after triumph over Eton
By Alex Watson
The Hampton U15As had every right to feel confident coming into this ISFA quarter-final fixture against Eton. An impressive seven game winning streak stretching from October to January, including a 3-1 victory in the previous fixture against today’s opponents, put them in the perfect position for the fierce contest ahead.
The early stages offered little entertainment or encouragement for either side, but Hampton’s conviction was evident from the word go. Though their opponents were arguably equally energetic, it was the hosts who used their sheer determination to break through on goal and after striker Rio Felonov-Tzanev’s prod towards the bottom corner was parried well by the keeper, Marcus Solomon swept home a simple finish on the rebound.
It was 1-1 within minutes. A free header for the Eton centre-back was directed into the roof of the net despite the best efforts of Max Cooper in the Hampton goal.
With half time looming, full-back Freddie Thwaite took it upon himself to restore the U15A lead. Skipping past one, then two, then three, then four players on a mazy solo run, he was brought down clumsily in the box, winning a penalty. A firm, low strike into the bottom left corner from Charlie Moffatt evaded the fingertips of the visitors’ goalkeeper to provide Hampton with a crucial 2-1 lead.
For the next forty or so minutes, chances were few and far between for both sides, with the Hampton side utilising the familiar surface of the 3G to pass their way around a fiery Eton pressing effort. Dangerous crosses were met by firm clearances; bursts down the line halted through crunching tackles; long, floated balls over the top prevented with strong headers.
The final whistle came quickly, and although the 2-1 scoreline reflected an even contest between two well-matched sides, victory had always seemed inevitable for the U15As.
The team now look ahead to an exciting ISFA semi-final tie with Whitgift and an Elgin League group stage decider against Royal Russell.
