2nd XI progress into ESFA quarter-finals with two huge victories

By Alex Watson

Two great performances from the Hampton U18Bs see them march into the National Schools’ Cup quarter final, an away fixture against Torquay Boys’ Grammar School.

Round 3 – Hampton School vs Latymer Upper School

Having begun their ESFA title defence with a convincing 4-0 victory over Glyn School, the 2nd XI had every reason to feel confident going into their third-round match against Latymer Upper.

This time with the home advantage, Mr Leafe and Mr Ritchie’s side were focused and positive from the very first whistle. With barely a minute played, a Hampton corner fell to the feet of winger Sami Ghusayni in the box, who bundled home from a tight angle to give them an early lead. The second goal was scored in similarly scrappy fashion, as Hampton striker Freddie Tranter prodded home a rebound following some explosive wing play from Ghusayni.

Keeping up their momentum, Hampton piled the pressure on Latymer, and found a third first-half goal through the feet of Marcus Solomon – a delicious weak-foot effort from the edge of the box – before Finley Milner scored number four just before the interval.

Whilst the game was not entirely one-sided, with Latymer defending bravely and crafting good opportunities on multiple occasions, Hampton were looking in control, and the second half followed a similar pattern to the first. 2nd XI forward Connor Hendricks added two more to the scoreline shortly after the break, through a clinical strike and a looping header, before a mazy run from Solomon was rounded off with another brilliant weak-foot finish.

And the goals kept coming, as a rapid-fire hatrick from Alex Watson meant that Hampton had scored ten goals in a game for the first time this season. A standout performance was wrapped up, fittingly, by the standout player, as Solomon, who had worked doggedly all game in both defence and midfield, swept home from the edge of the box to secure a weak-foot treble.

Hampton 11, Latymer 0. A big statement had been made.

Round 4 – Harris Academy Beckenham vs Hampton School

A much sterner test faced the 2nd XI in the Round of 16, however. Harris Academy were on a good run in the competition, having knocked out some strong footballing schools, and Mr Leafe’s men knew they would have to be at their absolute best to progress.

The game, which took place at Whyteleafe Stadium, began at an extremely high intensity, and Hampton nearly got a taste of their own medicine when the Harris Academy striker broke through on goal just a minute in, only to see his shot saved by Max Cooper.

The fast-paced football continued, and, in what was an even beginning to the tie, it was Hampton who drew first blood. A quick-counter attack, kickstarted by some great hold-up play from striker Tranter, saw Ghusayni in acres of space inside the box after a clever-cut back from Hendricks. Full of confidence, the left-winger slotted the ball into the far corner, right-footed, to round off a devastating move comprising all three of the frontline.

An opening goal did little to change the speed of the game, however, with both sides having multiple chances to either extend or eliminate the Hampton lead. An attempt from Hendricks was the best of the lot, as he saw a powerful effort glance off the post.

Eventually, the ball did find its way into the net once more. Hampton failed to clear an opposition corner, and paid the price, as Harris Academy glanced home a headed equaliser. 1-1.

The 2nd XI reaction was positive, however, and while they couldn’t regain their lead before half time, their energy carried into the second 45, and was rewarded with a crucial goal. A great effort on the half-volley from Will Kirk was parried away by the opposition goalkeeper, but only as far as Connolly, who smashed home the rebound emphatically to put them back into the lead and spark wild celebrations on both the pitch and the touchline.

Yet the game was far from over. With 40 minutes still to play, Hampton continued to press and attack relentlessly, and while they could not score again, they also, crucially, were keeping Harris Academy out, thanks to an equally strong showing from the back four. The opposition’s best chance undoubtedly came with just 15 minutes to go, as a dangerous ball into the 6-yard box was met by an onrushing forward. But what seemed a certain goal was prevented by a heroic save from Cooper, somehow managing to stop the ball crossing the line from close range.

One final shift was now required from the whole Hampton team, and they rose to the challenge with conviction. Every cross, dribble and long pass from the opposition was met by a firm clearance, crunching tackle or strong header, and the attack led the defensive effort from the front by maintaining the 2nd XI’s characteristic high press approach.

Finally, just a minute from time, the tenacity of the entire team was rewarded when Tranter rushed on to an ill-judged pass back to the Harris Academy goalkeeper, rounding him with ease and sliding the ball into an empty net. 3-1. Game over. What a win.