The start to the new year saw the Hampshire Cup (European Tour) once more upon Freehouse, who saw themselves again drawn away. Short trip to Gosport. With the team not playing since the last round before Christmas manager Wayne Lawton got the team meeting early for MCDs breakfast, spirit was high as the boys travelled. The pitch was in perfect condition a wet soft top to accommodate Freehouse playing style. Team changes saw Matthew Rudd start in a five man midfield Shaun Hounsome pushed into right midfield Simon Hann slotting in behind, Ben (10) Hounsome up top alone. Captain Dave Smith winning the toss opted to have the sun on their eyes, WPM kicked off right to left. Both teams couldn’t find much rhythm in their play & the game was very scrappy Freehouse were finding the new formation hard to get to grips with. A change had to be made Joe Atkins was soon asked to push further forward in attack this helping the support up top & it wasn’t long before Freehouse had chances, Shaw, Hickley, Smith & Atkins all coming close, but the best chance Matthew Jenkins took a free kick outside the box heading into the top corner before a wonderful save tipping the ball over from WPM keeper. WPM had offered little but they were to take the lead before half time another free kick to Freehouse edge off WPM box wasn’t the best cleared & counter attacked down the left the winger swung the ball into the box alone for the WPM striker to tap home from 6yards. 1-0. Half time, Lawton wasn’t happy & made his feelings felt it was time for Freehouse to show what they can do. The second half started better Freehouse finding their passing game, most off the play going through the impressive Rudd, But it was to be an old school tactic that got them back into the game Lawton’s long throw caused problems in WPM defence & when the ball fell to Atkins 18yards out he took it on his chest before volleying home great strike 1-1. Freehouse were on top & chance after chance came & went they just couldn’t find another way through until more great work from Rudd released Atkins down the left joined by Lawton they played a neat one two Lawton looking to cross the ball found it lopping high into the net over the keepers reach complete fluke! But taken Goal. 2-1. An untidy performance but a victory not to be over before sub Ryan Chant was fouled in the box penalty Atkins stepped up to see the very impressive WPM keeper save to his left the score stayed the same but Freehouse were through Quarter Final was next on their tour, away again but local..... Baffins Milton.
