U16As Overcome Energetic Ibstock Side to Win 4-2
By Alex Watson
The Hampton U16s went into their away match against the Ibstock 2nd XI expecting a comfortable win, so being 2-0 down after 20 minutes was not the start that they had in mind.
After spurning several early chances, an error at the back from Hampton gave Ibstock the perfect chance to go 1-0 up against the run of play, which they duly took. Not long after, a looping cross towards the back post was headed powerfully into the net by the home side’s right winger.
After several substitutions, Hampton finally managed to cut the deficit to a single goal, with Finley Milner latching onto a Balti Birts through ball just before half time to cooly slot it home under the legs of the keeper.
The U16As, encouraged at half time to be more ruthless in front of goal, started the second half with newfound energy.
It was not long before a dangerous cross from Milner was headed home bravely by Charlie Moffatt, and soon after Alessandro Cardinale headed home from close range to give Hampton the lead for the first time.
Thanks to some great work from captain and goalkeeper Seb Rautenberg, matched by some resolute second half defending, Hampton managed to hold on to their lead, although they were unlucky not to score a few more goals themselves.
Eventually, with the game drawing to a close, some great pressure from forward Adam Malik caused the Ibstock keeper to spill the ball at the feet of Alex Watson for a simple finish.
A good start to the season for the U16As, with two wins from two games, but they will be expecting tougher tests to come.
Goals: Finley Milner (1), Charlie Moffat (1), Alessandro Cardinale (1), Alex Watson (1)
Assists: Balti Birts (1), Finley Milner (1), Charlie Moffat (1), Adam Malik (1)
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