Y10 & 11 Boys Football Final

a HAtv Sports News Report

On a cold but clear November evening, Hampton Academy faced Richmond Park Academy in the Schools' League Grand Final, which kicked off at Hampton and Richmond Borough FC's Beveree Stadium.
See the highlights here, streamed via HAtv.
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The opening ten minutes of the game saw the run of play shared between the two teams. Around the 12 minute mark, Hampton's Harry C. picked the ball up in the middle of the park, surged forward and struck the ball past the keeper, making the score 1-0 to Hampton. The possession continued to be shared, but Richmond Park's morale clearly hadn't been affected, and they equalised with a free-kick, five metres away from the half-way line. Hampton's goalkeeper, Alex S., was helpless, and found himself picking the ball out of the net. With the score at 1-1, the tension rose. As the first half was coming to a close, a ball over the top from Hampton put Jovi H. in. Hampton's fans and players were desperate for another goal, and Jovi duly obliged.

"A Close-fought Match"

Mr. S. Crossan. Team Manager.
The 10 and 11 Boys Football Squad
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The teams came out after half-time, both desperate for victory. Richmond Park looked the stronger team: for the first time in the game, the possession was 60/40 in their favour. Hampton's defence did well, hanging onto their lead of a single goal, but Richmond Park's attack started building momentum, and their midfielder scored a very similar goal to Harry's.

"I'm so proud of the team. It was a great performance and they did brilliantly to reach the final."

Ms. L. Nuttall. Programme Leader for PE

With the score balanced at 2-2, Richmond Park really started pushing on, scoring two more goals in quick succession. In the dying minutes, the score was 4-2. Hampton heads were starting to drop, but were lifted again when a corner came in, one of Richmond Park's defenders handled it, and a penalty was given. Hampton scored and the game became tense again at 4-3, with only minutes to go.

The leaders hung on, however, and an exciting and hard-fought game ended 4-3 to Richmond Park.

Report by Jack P. Highlights edited by Dan J. and Sam B. (9W).