Second XI make statement with 4-1 win against First XI Glynn Side

The sun was shining as the Second XI side arrived at the Glynn grounds. Still being in the selection process of the season, a large squad was brought to give everyone playing time, and the hot weather meant that the game was split into three 30-minute thirds instead of the usual two halves.

The game started with intensity, with both sides giving it their absolute all to try and break down the opposition defence. Hampton were flying down both sides, with wingers Sam Moylan-Jones and Gabs Fouche looking dangerous each time they got into the Glynn half.

It was Hampton who struck first, with a clever run inside from Alex Ashton, latching onto a neat through ball from Moylan-Jones, and then nestling the ball nicely into the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

Glynn then countered, with attack after attack, slowly wearing away at the Hampton back four, until a loose ball fell to the opposition striker who tucked it away into the Hampton net.

But as famously asserted by Mr Leafe at full time, it was a game of four-thirds, and Hampton came back strong in the second third, with some fresh legs on the pitch.

Again, both sides went back and forth, but it was Hampton who broke the ice, a corner flick-on from Oli Lacey landing at the feet of captain Joe Murray, who calmy scythed the ball across the keeper and into the Glynn net, celebrating in Bellingham style with his hands raised to the air.

It was then attack after attack from Hampton, relentlessly wearing down the Glynn defence, until winger Joshi Rasi de Mel finished off a brilliant Hampton tiki-taka move, starting from the back and working it up the pitch for the Second XI’s third of the day.

It was then a matter of game management. Even when it looked like Glynn were going to break through again, Hampton finished the game off, with an overlapping run and cross into the box from Archie Hurst being bumbled into the net by a confused mix of players – Savan Soni claiming the final touch.

Overall, it was a statement win from the Second XI, setting the tone as requested by coaches Mr Leafe and Mr Ritchie for what will surely be another strong season under their wisdom and guidance.

Goals: Alex Ashton (1), Joe Murray (1), Joshi Rasi de Mel (1), Savan Soni (1)

Assists: Oli Lacey (2), Sam Moylan Jones (1), Archie Hurst (1)