Leafield Athletic U12 vs Hampton Reds U12
0 - 2
14 January 2024 · U12 Division 6
Away league match played on 14 January 2024.
Kicked off at 10:00 AM
0-2
vs Leafield Athletic U12
Away league match
Well, the curse of the new away kit has officially been lifted (ok it was only worn twice but still).
After the league didn’t give us a fixture this week, Leafield reached out with the same issue and we were glad to get a game organised before the big freeze next week…
Hampton started brightly, in particular Fin with some great work down the right hand side forcing a corner. We had discussed before the game about corners, who takes and where to put them, and boy was that taken in. Rushy whipped a delightful corner right by the penalty spot, where captain Ollie hit a trademark bullet header into the roof of the net. 1-0 and a great start.
Hampton remained on the front foot, forcing another 5/6 corners in the half but we couldn’t repeat the first one. Leafield applied some pressure late in the half, but some great defensive work across the pitch kept them at arms reach and we went into the half time break at 1-0.
Maximum effort in the first half, after a month off, showed with some tired legs early in the second half and we found ourselves under some sustained Leafield pressure, but the lads hung in there at times and battled hard, as we looked to counter attack.
We did carve out several chances in the second half, Ollie hit one from 35 yards with his left peg after their keeper came rushing out, but was unable to capitalise despite a good effort. Rushy broke through a couple of times but was just thwarted by their keeper and Fin also raced through and was very unlucky to see his strike wizz past the far post.
Late on though, trademark Rushy muscled through on the end of Kielans throw, to calmly slot into the far corner. Game over as far as we were concerned, and a great win away from home.
As I said after the game, it was a monumental effort from the lads after a month off, some very tired boys at the final whistle.
I could name every lad today for their efforts, so I will.
Harrison, Josh M, Josh P, JP, Kielan - a fantastic defensive display, covering each other and putting the tackles in when needed… sometimes it’s just about frustrating the opposition attack and we certainly did that today.
Fin, Rushy - absolutely phenomenal today, up and down the entire game. Fin unlucky not to get on the scoresheet but some real selfless work on the defensive side. And Rushy, constant threat down that wing, never giving up. Notching yet another goal and assist taking his tally to 13G/5A once again underlining his importance to the team.
Oscar, Ollie, Zach S, Zak D… again the work-rate of you all was magnificent, trudging about in the middle of that heavy pitch is no picnic, keep up the good work.
Last but by no means least, Harry MOTM today, in my opinion his best effort in a Hampton shirt since I arrived. It makes all the difference battling hard to win the ball but then distributing as well to launch attacks, Well done Harry!
Only 3 away games remain for us this season, Wythall, Redditch & Coleshill, then it’s all at Hampton!
Up The Reds ??