14th September 2008

HAMPSHIRE CUP - 1ST ROUND

by Alan Johns

UNDER 16

Several of our clubs were involved in the 1st Round of the Hampshire Cup last weekend. At Under 16 level, City Central welcomed Fareham side Jubilee 77 to Fleming Park Eastleigh. Central started well and nearly went ahead from the kick-off, but although it was end-to-end stuff, Jubilee could well have found themselves three or four up before half time. As so often happens though, Central broke the deadlock when Obi Moka's beautifully struck shot gave the keeper no chance. It was still 1-0 at half-time but Jubilee equalised straight from the restart after an outstanding run through the Central defence and a perfectly placed finish past the keeper. Jubilee scored again and Central's heads dropped, but they regrouped and were soon back in the game as they found new confidence. They were rewarded when Kevin M's superb delivery from a free-kick beat the wall and the keeper to make it 2-2. Further Jubilee attacks were thwarted by the offside flag and although Central also pushed forward they found the Jubilee centre-backs in commanding form. Jubilee's outstanding captain saw his effort just clear the bar, but this effort was bettered from the goal kick when Central's own central defenders, struggling through injury, were unable to prevent a Jubilee player using his pace to find the top corner and win the game with the last kick of the game. Central's Mukesh Chadda reported that  'the game was played in a very professional manner, with players shaking hands after committing fouls, and the general concern of seeing an opposition player injured. The game was very well refereed by Sam Ogles'.

 Burridge were six goals ahead by half-time in their game away to Westwood, goals from Liam Slade (2), Louis Richardson (4), Robert Janke (2) and one apiece from Sam Driscoll and Elliott Bradley contributed to a 10-0 final score. Baddesley Park entertained Hook United but carried the hospitality a little too far as the visitors made light of their early trip down the M3 by notching up an impressive 7-0 victory at Hunts Farm. Hook took an early lead with an angled shot after only 10 minutes, but Baddesley tried to hit back and Joe Hedges went close to equalising but Hook doubled  their lead with a shot under the keeper's body after a long ball played over the top of Baddesley's defence sent a pacy striker clear. Baddesley players' heads didn't drop and they nearly pulled a goal back when Robert Parsons breezed past two of the Hook defenders on the edge of the box and hit a curling shot, only to see it fly inches wide. Things worsened for  Baddesley when they lost captain Adam Sillence after 20 minutes, due to a sickness bug and he was followed moments later when Hedges had to come off due to injury. Baddesley kept pressing though, playing some neat football at times, but it was Hook who took control by extending their lead with a good move down the right side, a square ball being played across the face of goal, the Baddesley defenders not dealing with it and a simple tap in for the Hook striker at the far post. 3-0. Sillence was forced back into the action at half-time, replacing the injured centre half Mattie Baxman, and Baddesley set about getting themselves back into the game. The tireless Rob Parsons in centre midfield was running the show for Baddesley but couldn't prevent Hook going further ahead when the out-of-luck Sillence gave away a penalty that was converted to make it 4-0. Some Baddesley heads started to drop and things got worse straight from the restart and Hook won the ball back to score again. Baddesley kept at it and tried to come back at Hook, with the hard working Max Beebe going close with an effort from just outside the box, only to see his shot drag wide. With the Baddesley Park players obviously feeling low, encouragement from the sidelines seemed to lift the players slightly as they responded by producing a much more determined type of football. box and Robert Satchell tested the keeper, but his shot was straight at the keeper.  The visitors added a sixth and then showed their superiority and class when they wrapped the game up after nice passing down the Hook left flank set up a easy finish at the far post for the Hook striker to make it 7-0. Baddesley Park who found it tough against superior opposition, but the game was played in friendly spirit and referee Keith Watson played his part in a competitive but good-natured game.

Winchester City brushed aside the challenge from Totton & Eling after going ahead through Alex Potter's penalty. Towards the end of the first half City went two up through Jack Glendenning but were pegged back to 2-1 just before half time.In the second half City came out strong again and were soon in control after further goals from Potter and Jack Glendenning. The rout was completed with goals from Jude Malone, James Austin, Jamie Ovens, Andy Turner and Potter completed his hat-trick. Games between local rivals Alton and Alresford Town are always likely to be competitive, but Alton took the honours in spectacular style. Ahead 5-3 at the break, Alton doubled their score lead to finish 10-3 winners. Scott Bridges netted two for Alresford and Jacob Bristow also hit the target.  Salisbury City made their trip to the Island worthwhile as goals from Craig Blakeman, Oliver Yates, Callum Sweeney,Tyler Betteridge and Matthew Curtis helped them overcome hosts East Cowes 5-0.  Hedge End Rangers were dumped out at home by Wyvern, their 5-1 defeat coming courtesy of goals from Richard Freeland (2), Calum Brockway, Tom Cotillard and Sam Campbell.