Hampton Reds U15 2 vs 2 Bournville Warriors U15

Today we welcomed newly-promoted Bournville to Hampton, with Hampton boasting a full squad for the first time since the 2024/25 season!

The game started brightly with both sides working hard for possession but both defences staying strong. Bournville had a free kick which was hit deep towards the far post and almost caught us out, bouncing off the crossbar and cleared. This woke Hampton up a little bit and after a punt up field from Fynley, Omar was on hand to smartly lift the ball over the keeper with his head and into the net, 1-0. With Bournville shellshocked, Hampton soon made it 2-0 when a deep cross from Dawson found its way to the back post and Rushy was on hand to calmly slot home. A great start for the lads but Bournville weren’t out of this and almost pulled one back but for a tremendous save from Harrison, tipping the ball over when it looked destined for the top corner. Battles all over the pitch but no further chances in the first half and we came in 2-0 at HT.

The second half had some real bite to it and Bournville were trying hard to break Hampton down but couldn’t get past the very impressive Salmeen, returning from a long break but looking as good as ever, along with his defensive partners. When they did manage to carve out chances, they then had to try and get past Harrison who was in inspired form, tipping an effort around the post and also stretching to save a free kick. It was beginning to look like Hampton’s day, but after a scramble from a corner, the Bournville midfielder hit a screamer on the half-volley that whistled into the roof of the net from fully 20 yards. It took something special to get Bournville back in the game and now Hampton were under pressure with Bournville throwing everything at us. The next big chance would fall to Hampton though when Kielan pumped a long free kick into the box which was somehow met on the overhead volley by Rayyan… the ball looking destined for the far corner but the Bournville keeper tipping it around the post, so unlucky. A break away saw Bournville draw level when the striker hit one early and although Harrison got his fingers on it, the ball hit the underside of the bar and went into the net. Only 2 minutes left and an agonising blow to the Reds. The game wasn’t over, both teams wanted to win and Rushy took it upon himself to burst down the left hand side, finding his way into the box only to be matched again by the Bournville keeper. There was a penalty shout from a challenge Rayyan but the ref wasn’t interested (I’m told by another Hampton coach who was near to the incident that it should’ve been a pen but hey ho).

The game finished 2-2 and I believe that to be a fair result, with both teams full of passion and desire and cancelling each other out. On another day we could’ve had 4 goals but they will argue that too, with 2 keepers in top form (praise from the opposition coaches for Harrison today after his fine saves).

Lots of changes today with the big squad (I’ve forgot what that’s like!!) but I thought we coped with it well. The lads shouldn’t be too downbeat about the final result, it was a tremendous effort and literally could’ve gone either way.

Impressive performances all over the pitch with Rushy and Omar rekindling their golden boot competition and Harrison on top form, but the returning Salmeen took today’s MOTM with an awesome performance at the back, well done Sal!

Next week we’re back at home against Boldmere who will be just as tough as the first 2 matches so we need that same effort and desire next week please!!

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