Today we travelled to Hillfield for our first away game of the season, missing only Harrison as his registration has not yet cleared so Harry once again stepped up for the team in goal.
From the beginning we seemed to show Hillfield too much respect, allowing them time on the ball and not putting strong enough tackles in. It had the feeling of the Wake Green game from Match day 1 and it’s something we really need to work on. Hillfield capitalised on a mix-up at the back and went 1-0 up quite early. Again, body language with heads dropping was not positive, we really need to get back to being more resilient especially so early on in the game. Hampton did battle in patches, with Rayyan his usual self and Ollie putting his body on the line to block a shot that was flying in, but collectively we weren’t in the fight together. We didn’t really create anything of note in the first half, with Hillfield tough to break down, and it was them who got the second goal of the game when Hampton played the ball across our own box which tee’d up the Hillfield player to smash home.
HT 2-0.
Much like Wake Green, we had words at half time. This division is tougher, no doubt about it, and if Hampton are going to compete then everyone needs to play their part. Energy levels aren’t where they need to be across the squad, too much walking, not enough aggression in front of the opposition. Most of all it’s the belief that’s lacking right now, so the objective was to go out there and show why we are now in division 4.
It did improve, there was more bite in the tackle, we did start to attack and create chances, but unfortunately Hillfield managed to pop a shot from long-range that squirmed under Harry to put them 3-0 up and the game seemingly out of reach.
The game could’ve been further away from us if it wasn’t for Harry who pulled off a string of good saves, clearly growing into the keeper role week-by-week. Hampton were working hard and carved a good chance when Rayyan punched through the defence to get 1v1 only to knock his shot wide of the far post. Some good work from Charlie to earn a throw which sent Omar down the left wing, pulling the ball back to Rushy who turned back in the box and flicked the ball into the top corner with his right foot, 3-1 and a deserved consolation.
In the dying seconds their right winger, who had a terrific game, managed to put the cherry on the cake for Hillfield and make the game 4-1. We were unlucky to concede at the death, having fought so hard second half and the time had passed, but it makes no difference to the outcome.
So just like last season, we visit Hillfield and come away with a 4-1 defeat, but it does come with some positives.
Other than a couple of minor mistakes, the result would’ve been closer. If we can get all 16 lads on the same page when it comes to desire and work rate, and push that team spirit higher, we can compete at this level. We now know what to expect having played 2 good division 4 sides, so we’re not in the dark anymore and we certainly have more to give. If we can get some urgency when it comes to getting the ball upfield, free kicks, throw ins, speed everything up, more chances will arrive and we can punish teams.
Notable performances today were Omar & Fin both doing a great job at fullback which isn’t their favoured position, and MOTM Harry Roberts who (hopefully for him) will step aside for Harrison from next week and get back to doing what he does best outfield.
Chin up lads, we go again next week!
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