Hampton 2nd XI Continue Strong Start to Season with Dramatic Win
By Alex Watson
Looking for the first three points of their Elgin League campaign, Hampton’s 2nd XI travelled to Croydon last Wednesday for what promised to be a tough fixture against Royal Russell.
Coming off the back of an impressive 3-2 win over Bradfield College, the boys were quietly confident for the match ahead, but also knew that a strong footballing school like Royal Russell were not to be underestimated.
Encouraged by coaches Mr Leafe and Mr Ritchie, Hampton began the game in their usual fast-paced, energetic fashion, pressing high up the pitch and forcing their hosts into a number of mistakes.
Despite spurning a handful of early chances, it seemed only a matter of time before the 2nd XI took the lead, and, with ten minutes gone, captain Ben Wallace’s dangerous corner was unfortunately turned in by a helpless Russell defender.
Not long after, and Hampton struck again from a set piece – this time, it was Josh Gaughan’s delivery, headed in by a stooping Marcus Solomon to put them 2-0 up.
20 minutes into the match, and it seemed as though the 2nd XI were firmly in control, but the hosts resisted. Slowly stemming the flow of opposition attacks, Royal Russell began a barrage of their own in the second half, playing some attractive passing football, and they found their route back into the game as a low cross was deflected into Hampton’s net for the second own goal of the match.
Though the visitors still looked threatening on the break, it was Royal Russell now who had that energy, that confidence, to go and grab a goal, and it wasn’t long before they found it. Midway through the second half, their striker found a yard of space inside the box, turning quickly and lobbing the ball beautifully over Max Cooper in the Hampton goal. 2-2.
Yet the hosts had barely finished celebrating before Hendricks, spearheading a re-invigorated Hampton attack, emphatically slammed home a half-volley from the edge of the box to restore the 2nd XI lead.
Now they had to dig in. For the final 15 minutes, all eyes were on the black and yellow back four, and, thanks to a great show of discipline, as well as a couple of great saves from Cooper, they were able to keep out Royal Russell’s last attempts to get back into the game.
Overall, it was an extremely impressive showing from the Hampton 2nd XI, one of hard work and determination, which they were ultimately rewarded for with an important first win in the Elgin league, continuing their unbeaten start to the season. Now, all eyes look ahead to next half term, where more important fixtures await, such as a 2nd round ESFA clash against Glyn School.
Full time: Royal Russell 2 vs Hampton 3
Goals: OG (1), Marcus Solomon (1), Connor Hendricks (1)
Assists: Ben Wallace (1), Josh Gaughan (1), Dom Stenning (1)
Categories
