M4 hit four -v- Hampton 6 again in return fixture….

Match Report by MOM Tom Whitfield

The disappointment we had in our first league game of scoring four but losing to Hampton 6 who scored five was not repeated in this return fixture which started at Shadowbrook Lane at 4.30 pm.

For most of the side, it was the first fixture since the 1st December and a slow start may have been expected. In less than 90 seconds, in what was our first attack, Tom Whitfield opened the scoring with a reverse sweep into the Blossomfield goal. John Harrison scored our second after nine minutes with a wonder strike from the top of the “D”. In the 28th minute Mick Lane took the ball off one of the Hampton attackers and hit it through to Tom Whitfield. Tom’s through pass found Keith Willetts whose sharp thinking enabled him to avoid the close attendance of several defenders and score our third goal -to give us a well deserved 3 goal lead.

Hampton pulled two goals back when scoring 3 minutes before half time and 4 minutes after half time. It was clear that the next goal would be crucial. The defence and midfield were under considerable pressure from Hampton (despite breakaway attacks by the Sils) and numerous Hampton short corners were successfully defended with Callum John making some excellent saves. Steve Aylin’s piercing pass from the halfway line to the keeper’s right post found its target, the marauding Aussie Andy Jackman, who scored our 4th goal in the 64th minute . The 4-2 victory reflected the superb team effort by all 11 players.

Special mentions:

1. Captain Dave’s determination to continue on the pitch despite a painful ankle injury.

2. In our previous away match against Hampton (against the 5ths that time) green cards being given to John Harrison and Tom Whitfield. Congratulations to both of them for avoiding a repetition in this game (with the same umpire officiating in both games). Callum helped to cement better relationships for future matches by giving her a kiss after the final whistle.