Today we welcomed Bromsgrove Rovers to Hampton, for our second consecutive home game, hoping to bounce back from last weeks heavy defeat.
Harry remained in goal as we haven’t managed to sign a keeper yet and we welcomed Kielan back after a period on the sidelines.
Hampton started the game on the front foot, body language totally different to last week and Rayyan once again setting the standard when he cracked a few early tackles, much to the annoyance of the Bromsgrove lads.
The well-deserved breakthrough would come soon enough when Rushys shot came back to Omar who thundered one in-off the far post. 1-0. Hampton were really in the mood today and were knocking the ball about nicely, looking a threat on the counter but also putting a foot in where needed, which was a big difference from last week. We had the ball in the net again when a corner was whipped in and then bundled in from close range, but the Lino adjudged it to be offside from the flick on. Not so sure myself but I didn’t have the best view.
Bromsgrove did threaten on the counter but on more than one occasion were thwarted by our excellent central defensive trio. One tackle in particular caught my eye, with the attacker looking to break through, Ollie slid in to push the ball out wide, lovely stuff.
However, Bromsgrove would find the net before half time, where some indecision from us when a short goal-kick was played back into our area, Bromsgrove closed it down and a bit of fortune saw the ball loop over Harry into the corner. Nobody to blame here, just some more confidence when receiving the ball and a clear idea of what to do when under pressure, something we’ll discuss in training.
1-1 HT.
Hampton had been the better side in all areas of the pitch and deservedly got back in front when the keeper cleared straight to Omar’s feet on the edge of the box and he duly buried it into the far corner to bag his second of game. 2-1.
Bromsgrove weren’t giving up though and without the outstanding defensive contributions from JP & Kielan, they might have stood a chance, but it wasn’t to be for them. Hampton had 5/6 very good chances to make the game comfortable, but perhaps a little pressure after last week along with a lack of match sharpness meant we didn’t capitalise. Rushy had 2 fantastic attempts whistle past the far top corner, as well as a superb run down the wing into the box but his shot was parried by the keeper. Omar also went on an amazing run but took on the shot at the wrong time and probably should’ve squared for the tap in (to be fair though at the time I didn’t realise he was on a hatrick ??).
However, I cannot be too harsh, the boys saw the game out and thoroughly deserved the 3 points, our first in division 4 and it’s great to get on the board.
Everyone played their part today, with Harry stepping up once again to help his team in goal, pulling off a couple of good saves and coming to meet a corner with confidence! Love to see it.
Bailee had the bit between his teeth as well as the warrior that is Rayyan and our speed-demons Fin, Rushy and 2-goal Omar.
Kielan was absolutely outstanding today after not playing for a while, and was only pipped to MOTM by the colossal JP Dunleavy, who was an absolute monster today with a quite brilliant captains performance, WELL DONE JP!
Collectively though, they were all at it, 15 boys with the right attitude and commitment and they should be very proud of their TEAM performance today.
This division is certainly shaping up to be our toughest season yet and it’s great to get points on the board, but the hard work has only just begun.
UTR
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