Peakman nets worldie as U12Bs continue winning streak
By Jack Morris
On an impressive winning streak, the Hampton U12Bs were all up for the challenge of playing against a very well-matched side in Berkhamsted. But after losing a midfielder to the A team and missing one of their main strikers, Hampton had just one sub. Luckily it was a smaller pitch than usual, and with Hampton’s only striker turning up just before the start, they began the match with an unorthodox team.
From the off Hampton clearly had more energy than their opponents, as Henry Riley, playing as striker, pounced on many loose balls and applied pressure on their back line. Hampton finally made a breakthrough after 10 minutes when they won a penalty. Alex Dale stepped up and calmly put the ball into the back of the net with a composed finish. A few minutes later Jay Peakman produced the most ridiculous goal so far this season; after a corner was swung into the near post, he ran out to meet it, jumped and flicked the ball with the back of his heel, with the ball dropping over the keeper’s head!
After that Berkhamsted dominated with possession but lacked quality and ideas. And it was another Hampton breakthrough that came next when Jack Morris tackled his man at the edge of the box and booted the ball up field, where Miguel Badimon ran between their centre backs and calmly slotted home his one-on-one chance.
Half time score: 3-0.
Hampton started the second half well, with the defence having little to do. And soon their fourth goal came, when Henry Rilely leapt onto an under-hit pass from the keeper and slotted with his first touch into an empty net. Hampton let their guards down after this and intensity dropped, as the Berkhamsted striker was allowed to run freely across the pitch before sliding the ball into the back of the net. 4-1.
The game was quiet in the next 10 minutes but soon Hampton got another goal to seal the match. Henry Riley received the ball on the right and put in the perfect cross to set up Miguel Badimon. Using his strength and height, Badimon shouldered his way past the defenders and rose up in greeting of the ball and on the penalty spot, flicked it into the opposite corner with his head.
Hampton now rushed forward with everything they had to score goals. Full-backs Morris and May left their supposed positions and sprinted into the Berkhamsted box. Finally, they got their reward when Badimon showed brilliant control yet again and, on the by-line, squared it up for Morris to neatly net the lions’ sixth of the day. But still Hampton hadn’t showed every trick up their sleeve, as a cross came to the back post where Arhin Kotecha jumped feet first and his toes connected with the ball, guiding it into the back of the net.
Although Berkhamsted were the strongest opponent yet, Hampton found an extra touch of magic, even with key players not available, to win a comfortable match.
