Hampton U13As display spirited performance despite 4-1 loss

By Harry Morris

Unfortunately, Hampton’s U13As lost to a strong Greycourt School side, but showed a decent performance as they continued their encouraging run in their competitive opening fixtures.

Hampton had started well, however Greycourt took the lead with a good (but slightly lucky!) in-swinging corner from Greycourt, which seemed to hang in the air over the goal line before it was neatly headed in by a Greycourt centre-back.

Hampton valiantly tried to fight back, but for most of the half Greycourt were on top, dominating the possession and chances, with Hampton defending bravely, with few promising attacks of their own. Hampton were not playing poorly, merely unable to convert midfield possession into clear cut chances in the final third.

Half-time: 0-1

Hampton came out after the break determined to win the game and started well, but Greycourt scored an early goal from an uncleared ball, with a Greycourt winger scored from close range. Greycourt’s momentum was now flowing, they were completely dominating, and they soon added a third goal from a pass that cut through Hampton’s defence, again finished well by Greycourt’s winger.

However, the third goal changed the momentum of the game as Hampton began to make more chances as they were determined to not lose the game; this effort soon bore fruit when the opposition keeper went out to claim a loose ball, fumbling under the pressure of Oscar Connel who stroked it into the back of the net for Hampton’s first goal!

Hampton felt like the game was on, but even with the revival of their attack, they still couldn’t get the needed second goal and Greycourt goal in the last 7 minutes all but sealed the match.  Hampton shouldn’t be dispirited by this performance, as while the scoreline looks poor they still played well, ultimately losing to the better side.

Fulltime: 1-4

Goal: Oscar Connell