Today we welcomed last years league opponents Boldmere St Michael’s back to Hampton, for our Open Cup first round match. Boldmere were promoted 2 divisions for this season, so are now in the division above us, however, after today’s performance, you wouldn’t think so.
The atmosphere before the game was different to last week, the lads were engaged and sharp during the warmup, and you could sense that they would be back on it today. Throw some sweets into the mix and the lads were ready to rumble!
Sure enough, we made a lively start and were first to every ball, with Fin, Omar and Rushy looking to pounce at every opportunity. Rushy would put us ahead after 8 minutes, in trademark style, racing down the left wing and cutting inside where he confidently slotted past the Boldmere keeper. 1-0. Boldmere added some bite to their tackles but couldn’t create anything of note, with any half-chances being dealt with by our back 4, and Harrison making light work of anything that came at him, with some excellent handling and kicking today.
Hampton were threatening today though, and some good hold-up play from Harry before playing Fin down the wing caused further problems for Boldmere, with Fins cross getting to the back post where the Boldmere defender missed it and allowed Rushy to make it 2-0 to the Reds!
Half time, 2-0.
The 35 minutes the lads had just played was simply terrific. Winning tackles, having composure on the ball and picking passes, you could understand why Boldmere were so frustrated, I bet they didn’t expect this today.
Some half time sweets and congratulations for the lads after a terrific half, was approached with caution as we knew Boldmere would keep fighting, but straight from the kick off you could see there was only one team in this today and it was the men in Red.
20 minutes into the second half, victory was sealed when Rushy scored the pick of bunch to grab his hatrick. Charlie playing him in and Rushy racing away, with a lot of time to think about it (which can be a problem!) he composed himself and placed a lovely shot into the far right corner. The boys didn’t stop though and were still putting in tackles and clearing lines, with a clean sheet the next target. Nothing to note chance-wise late on, with Boldmere trying to scrap for something but Hampton in total control, seeing the game out 3-0 and worthy winners through to the next round!
Some really outstanding performances today, with Harrison looking so assured in goal Oscar having a great game at right back alongside the dynamic duo Kielan & JP. Josh M had a terrific game slotting into deep midfield alongside Josh P and Charlie who both had some great spells in the game, the latter notching his first assist for the reds. Omar picked up where he left off last week, with another super energetic performance, flanked by the wing wizards Fin and Rushy, as well as Callan who also battled hard and gave the full back the run-around a few times. And of course Harry, who had a cracking game up top, holding the ball up and linking well with the wingers when on the attack. MOTM today, having out-shone the hatrick king Rushy, went to Bailee whose all-action performance at left back was simply incredible, not only winning tackles for 70 minutes but driving us forward when doing so. Absolutely terrific display from Bailee and every other player today, keep up the good work lads!
UP THE REDS
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