A quite sensational performance from Horndean saw them book their place in the Hampshire cup final. Up against a strongly fancied Sportstars youth, the team made a mockery of the form book as they ruthlessly finished off their stunned opposition 6 -1. The opening exchanges gave no indication of the the emphatic performance and scoreline the Reds would inflict on their high quality opponents. The game began on what can only be described as a terrible solid pitch, which did neither team any favours. Sportstars tried to find their 2 star strikers early with every opportunity, but the defensive partnership of Connor Shelton, Ben Lucas & Scott Caws soaked up anything their opponents threw at them. On 10 minutes it was Horndean that made the break through. A great run by Jack Farrow was cleverly found by Jay Garcia with a clever chip. Jack raced through and lifted the ball over the keeper. Jack Grover followed up and made sure with a stooping header for 1-0. Sportstars reacted well and came at the Reds forcing a string of corners. A ten minute spell saw Horndean weather some strong pressure, before scoring a great 2nd goal on the counter attack. A lung busting break down the left from Jack Farrow and a clever ball inside found Joe Nash to riffle home for 2-0. An incredible start for the Reds as Sportstars looked at each other in vain for answers. A dream start for Horndean then got even better as Lawrence Moore scored a great individual goal. With plenty to do, Lawro held off the challenge of a Sholing defender, took a touch past him and with a flick with the outside of the boot found the bottom corner for a half time score line that stunned everyone. H-T Sportstars 0 - 3 Horndean youth The half time team talk was too respect the opposition as they were quite capable of pulling 3 goals back if we let them back in. The boys were more determine than ever not to let this happen. A change of tactics from Sportstars saw them go 3 up front, as they looked to get something back early in the second half. A slight lapse in concentration saw a ball far post volleyed home for 3 - 1. A life line perhaps fro the home team. Any thoughts of a come back were brushed aside as Horndean found a 4th goal which all but confirmed the result. A ball in behind found Joe Nash and Joe finished into the bottom left corner on the swivel. The goal was a real blow for Sportstars who looked now like a team who new the game was up. The game however was anything but up for the Reds as good combination play down the left between Jack Grover and Matt Cotton saw Matt pull the ball back again for Jack to riffle home a 5th high into the net. 5-1 quickly became 6-1 as Joe Nash completed his hat trick following up a Lawrence Moore attempt. The final whistle went and a historic day for Horndean !!! Final score: Sportstars youth 1 - 6 Horndean youth Managers view: Amazing committed performance from every player. Lets point out that this Sportstars team are no push overs and full of quality. There record this season is impressive and to come away with a 6 - 1 result is a serious achievement. With the final next week and the teams form good, we are all looking forward to our first final. No illusions of how difficult it will be, with a very strong and organised Sholing side waiting for us... But the confidence is high and we will give it everything to bring home the trpphy !!!
