Hampton Reds U12 3 vs 6 Harborne Youth U12

Well, that was a rollercoaster of a game. Hampton started the game brightly, with Zak Rush causing early problems down the left hand side, which is where the breakthrough came from. Oscar won possession in the middle and got the ball to Harry, who slipped Zak R in to slot home.

Unfortunately we were caught napping (still celebrating I think) and Harborne hit back immediately with a good finish from the edge of the box. We then slipped behind after they got a dubious pen (I think Ollie was blocking his face) and then a very unfortunate own goal. Hampton kept going though and got rewarded when JP won possession to get Zak R through, who converted with confidence again. 3-2 at the break and all to play for.

The boys were rallied at half time, as Harborne were celebrating their lead, which told us how well we were playing. After a mouthful of sweets each they were sent out to cause havoc again and were causing Harborne problems until we were sucker-punched. We were still in this game though and Captain Ollie whipped a powerful free-kick from the right hand side which flew over the keeper and into the far corner, this could be the stroke of luck we needed…

However the tie was settled when Harborne had another pen and also a lucky strike that wrong-footed Harrison.

6-3 in the end, but against a team 3 divisions above, a very proud effort from the lads and we could have nicked one or two more on another day, along with a bit more luck on our side as we didn’t really have the rub of the green.

Can’t fault the effort of anyone, it was there for all to see and if we keep up that standard, we’ll be back to

Winning ways in no time.

Man of the match today, JP, was full of running and almost got himself on the score sheet with a long range effort… more of that next week, JP!