Hampton First XI fall to narrow defeat to a strong Alleyn’s School side

By James Eggleton

Hampton First XI faced Alleyn’s School on Saturday off the back of a midweek win in ESFA Round 1. Unfortunately, a hard-fought performance from Hampton was not enough to overcome Alleyn’s, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat.

Alleyn’s started positively, controlling possession and testing Hampton’s defence with incisive through balls. Despite some outstanding defending, Hampton conceded a corner which was bundled into the net in an unconvincing fashion. Alleyn’s had a deserved lead. Hampton’s woes were compounded by an injury to their starting left-back, Joe Turton, who could not return to the game.

Hampton continued to absorb pressure well until smart defending turned over the ball and the counterattack was on. Within seconds, Hampton flew up the pitch with Ed Knott and Rio Felonov Tzanev combining to set up Rudy Mills, who calmly slotted the ball past the keeper into the net.

The scores did not remain level for long as a through ball left Alleyn’s No.9 one on one and he clinically dribbled round the keeper to re-establish their lead at the end of the first half.

Hampton started the second half with a renewed energy, pushing forward and forcing Alleyn’s to sit deep in their own half, but still struggled to connect in the final third.

With 15 minutes left, substitutes Ben Moffat and Nick Avetoom – rested after their midweek fixture – made their presence known. Avetoom threatened with pace from the wings, beating his opposing full-back on many occasions.

A cross-field ball from Angus Hacking found Avetoom in space at the back post, who sweetly struck a volley which skimmed the top of the crossbar: a huge chance for Hampton.

With Alleyn’s appearing to tire, Hampton’s midfield of Moffat and Ollie Swetman dictated the tempo. Hampton was firmly on top. In the final seconds, a rebound left forward Ed Knott in space in the box, his powerful first time shot drew a superb reaction save from the Alleyn’s keeper.

Alleyn’s School clung on and the final whistle could not have come sooner for the visitors as they won the game 2-1 and secured a deserved victory.

Despite the loss, plenty of positives could be taken from Hampton’s performance, especially in the last 15 minutes. Hopefully, this promising First XI can continue this momentum into their next round of Hudl League fixtures.