Knott screamer and Ellis heroics send 2nd XI to ESFA semi-final
By Harry McLusky
Hampton’s 2nd XI have inched through to the ESFA semi-final following a tense penalty shootout win over Southend High School.
Extra-time was not enough to separate the two sides, with Sam Ellis’ shootout heroics following up Ed Knott’s thunderstrike to guide the travelling Hampton side to victory.
The team’s triumph exemplifies their ability to bounce back from disappointment in a fixture which happened to be a repeat of last year’s ESFA quarter-final, in which the 2nd XI found themselves on the wrong side of a 0-2 scoreline to Southend High.
Another quarter-final exit at the hands of Southend was certainly possible, if not probable at half time, with Hampton finding themselves 1-0 down at the break, following a goalmouth scramble which was eventually turned in to give Southend the advantage.
Nonetheless, the 2s were not to be perturbed. Certainly, midfielder Ed Knott was not put off by the inevitable pressure of an ESFA quarter-final. Receiving the ball 30 yards out, Knott took one touch before unleashing an unstoppable left-footed strike into the top corner to level up the scores.
Extra time came and went without goals, leaving the teams’ fates in the hands of a penalty shootout.
It was Hampton who found themselves on the verge of defeat, being 4-3 down with both teams having taken four spot kicks each. Responsibility fell on goalkeeper Sam Ellis, to not only save a penalty but also score his own penalty beforehand in order to keep the side in the competition. Ellis coolly picked the corner from 12 yards, before leaving out a trailing leg and hooking the Southend spot kick to safety to give Hampton a glimmer of hope.
After Zachary Omaar’s penalty found the back of the net, Ellis once again stepped up to the occasion, springing to his right and making a strong save to send Hampton through to the semi-final.
In what was a scrappy game on the whole, big chances were few and far between. James Queen’s pressure forced a weak clearance from the Southend ‘keeper, which was met by Josh Hood’s powerful half-volley from the centre circle that sailed just over the crossbar in the opening minutes.
Jago Doherty also came near, firing just over with a header from close range following a long throw-in.
Hampton’s defensive resilience was enough to keep out a physical Southend side, with Joe Murray’s aerial presence helping to defend against the hosts’ persistent long balls over the top.
Captain, Josh Hood, who played in last year’s quarter-final loss was delighted with the side’s performance, saying that “it was a display that epitomised Hampton resilience.”
The side will travel to either Millfield or Bede’s School in their semi-final tie, depending on the outcome of Wednesday’s quarter-final between the two teams. Regardless of the opponent, it’s needless to say that the 2nd XI will certainly be determined to emulate last season’s achievements of the 1st XI in their own search for ESFA glory.
