Doherty shines as 2nd XI reach ESFA quarter-final
By Harry McLusky
Hampton’s 2nd XI continued their ESFA march with yet another convincing victory over Glyn School. A comprehensive 16-1 win (including five goals from Micheal Azoo) over Kew House School in the 2nd Round saw them through to their tie against Ravens Wood School. Jacques Huet’s brace helped them to a 5-0 victory, setting up their recent 4th Round fixture against Glyn.
In front of the backdrop of Hampton supporters on the 3G, the 2nd XI put on a show, netting four goals in a dominant display to reach the ESFA quarter-finals.
James Queen’s tight control took Michael Azoo’s pass under his spell, allowing him to burst through the Glyn backline. Using his pace to his advantage, Queen left the full-back in his wake, before coolly slotting the ball under the keeper to give Hampton the advantage 20 minutes into the first half.
Glyn’s equaliser came soon after, with a scrappy free-kick ricocheting off the Hampton wall, before being smuggled into the net to draw the scores level.
The start of the second half was accompanied by a renewed sense of energy among the hosts, determined to give the home crowd a victory to cheer about. The introduction of midfielder Jago Doherty at half time was certainly the key to unlocking the resilient Glyn backline.
When it came, their breakthrough was certainly deserved. Patient build up play starting from goalkeeper Sam Ellis found its way into Doherty, whose rapid acceleration gave him the space and time to perfect an incisive through ball to Ed Knott, who delivered a composed left-footed finish to restore Hampton’s lead.
Hampton kept knocking on the door, with Gabriel Fouche managing to round the ‘keeper only to be denied by a last-ditch defensive effort from the Glyn centre-back.
Nonetheless, Hampton were not to be denied a second time. Olly Spray cut inside from the right, managing to toe the ball into Jago Doherty’s path, whose brilliant first-time finish curled round the goalkeeper to grab the side’s second goal in quick succession.
Hampton’s fourth goal came from perhaps a more unlikely source in vice-captain Ed Joyce. Doherty, spurred on by the home crowd, was involved yet again with his forward ball forcing an error from the Glyn defender. Advancing from his left-back position, Joyce pounced on the loose ball, taking two touches before unleashing a striker’s finish into the far bottom corner.
With a 4-1 advantage in their favour, Hampton were able to take the sting out of the final 20 minutes of the game, taking control of possession and securing a fantastic victory.
The 2nd XI will face head into Monday’s quarter-final at Southend High School on the back of a four-game winning streak. Confidence in the team is high and there are high hopes that Josh Hood’s side will be able to convert this confidence into ESFA glory at the end of the season.
