Today we welcomed Sheldon Royals to Hampton, for our last game of the season.
A point would secure 2nd spot and promotion, but anything less meant a potential playoff match with Bromsgrove for 2nd spot (if they win their remaining 2 games).
No JP or Josh M today so some different personnel in the back line, with Harry and stand-in captain Oscar starting next to Keilan.
A very shakey start for Hampton, with Sheldon aggressive in the press and with a shoot-on-sight policy, some early pressure paid off and a long-range strike deceived Harrison and ended up in the bottom corner. Hampton almost bounced back when a nice ball from Jack sent Fin down the right and he cracked a shot off the post. Unfortunately in very similar circumstances to the first, Sheldon hit another long range strike and it seemed to deceive Harrison and bounce in off the post. A couple of strange goals but we needed to stop backing off and making some tackles as Sheldon were finding it too easy to get shots off. Another break for Hampton saw Rushy go clear and the keeper make a fine save, only for Rushy to follow-up and hit the post. Very unlucky.
Hampton were still in this, just needed to stick with it.
Half time, 0-2.
The second half needed a spark, to revive some belief in the lads. The battle wasn’t lost and the tackles did start to come, after some early nerves.
A big kick from Harrison sent Rushy through and he slotted home despite the best effort of the defender on the line, to net his 26th goal of the season. Game on!
Hampton’s tails were up, the momentum had shifted, and soon enough Jack found himself deep in the Sheldon half where Callan popped one through and he had a clear run on goal, smashing past the keeper confidently to bring us level, 2-2!
This game really was end-to-end.
Hampton were pressing forward and a few times it looked liked we would get the winner… however Sheldon got up the pitch and the winger managed to get into the box before being brought down for a pen against the run of play… which the striker slotted into the corner. It was harsh on the Reds who had fought back magnificently in the 2nd half. A moment of disappointment when a long ball from Hampton set Rushy free, but the ref blew too soon for a foul and play was brought back. To be fair the ref apologised after, he saw a dangerous kick and blew rather than letting play go and playing advantage. Unfortunately this was the last proper chance Hampton had. Still time for Harrison to pull off a brilliant save when 1v1 as Hampton pushed for an equaliser and Sheldon countered… he’s had another fantastic season our #1.
Defeat for the reds, ending our 7-game unbeaten run, but we could hold our heads high as we fought to the death against another very good (and motivated) side.
In other news…
Bromsgrove could only get a point v unbeaten Redditch (albeit a very good point) so it means HAMPTON U13 REDS FINISH 2nd IN THE LEAGUE AND ARE PROMOTED!!! ??
The boys did the hard work prior to the last couple of games and got their just rewards, WELL DONE LADS, very proud!
The 2nd half had some great performances today, with EVERYONE showing some metal with real gutsy performances.
Special mention to Harrison for a couple of top drawer saves (and another assist) but MOTM went to Jack, who’s desire and temperament was top notch today and his goal was quality, well done Jack.
Well done to you all, you thoroughly deserve your promotion and you should be very proud of this achievement, I certainly am and the last 2 years have been an absolute pleasure.
UTR
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