Mist Chances!
Hampton Youth 2 – 6 Worplesdon Rangers U17 Hurricanes
1st November 2015
Mist Chances: U17 Hurricanes 1st November 2015
This week, Worplesdon Rangers fans were in the shadow of Hampton Court hoping for another ‘feast’. The Hurricanes gradually assembled but for the second week running, preparations were delayed, this time as their fitness coach had got lost in the fog en route and was delayed. In addition to this, Hampton’s ground staff decided not to erect one goal until 90 seconds before kick-off. This was a cynical attempt to deny Rangers their normal warm-up shooting routine. However, it did save someone a very long trek in the unlikely event of a wayward practice shot!
Worplesdon were at home to Hampton two weeks ago and won 5-0 but hadn’t had it all their own way against one of the more physical sides in the division. The game started in heavy mist with the Hurricanes adopting their normal relaxed approach and Hampton looking the ‘hungrier’, without much threat. Horton untroubled in goal, defence assured and the five-man midfield were quickly creating chances. After good possession and a few early chances, Alderton slotted home the opener from just inside the area on 10 mins.
Worplesdon continued to build from the back with Binfield feeding Bennett out wide, or Alderton and Foster in the centre. Alderton got his and Rangers’ second with a low shot in the left corner after controlling a Davies cross from the left.
The Hurricanes eased off and Hampton’s No15 must have been completely shrouded in fog, as he seemed invisible to Rangers mid-field. Fortunately for the Hurricanes, nearly all the Hampton side were not as effective or unnoticeable as No 15. Davies was getting the better of Hampton’s right-back and creating some great chances for himself and the Hurricanes. Even the normally reliable striker Rodrigues was off target. The chances went begging as half time came, with Worplesdon only 2-0 up.
Foster moved out wide with Bennett rested for the start of the second half, Alderton swapped with Rodrigues as Rangers tried something different to capitalize on the huge possession advantage.
This didn’t have the desired effect, in fact Hampton had more control in mid-field but didn’t create any real chances.
After 60 minutes, Bennett was back on and Foster and Alderton took control in midfield again. Soon, Foster was put through and tackled by the advancing ‘keeper, the ball broke kindly for Foster who smashed it home from four yards: 3-0.
Hampton pressed and were rewarded with a free-kick on the edge of the area, Horton was unusually left flat-footed as the ball sailed past him 3-1.
More good passing football as Foster pounced in the area: 4-1.
Finally, the Hurricanes upped the tempo, Davies, well supported by left-back Dennis, was passing Hampton’s hapless right back at will. On four occasions, Davies advanced into the area with sublime footwork, each time without the end result. Rodrigues, clean through, lobbed the ‘keeper but only found the bar. Another dazzling run from Davies ended with him being fouled and awarded a penalty. Davies took responsibility! A clean strike to the ‘keepers left but, alas, at a perfect height for the keeper to push it past the post.
Invisible Touch? U17 Hurricanes in Action
Yet another melee in Hampton’s box ended with the ball cleared to the advancing Dennis on the left hand edge of the area, a crisp and precise low drive nestled in the bottom corner, 5-1….
Good skill and a neat shot from Rodrigues made it 6-1.
Having been spectators for long spells, the defence were caught napping as Hamptons ‘tough -tackling’ No. 10 raced clear for a consolation.
Still not in top gear but still far too good for Hampton, the Hurricanes have their first double of the season 6-2. Alderton:2; Foster: 2; Dennis: 1; Rodrigues: 1.
We thought we’d turned a corner last week but it proved a false dawn as Paul let the lads down! It was bad enough last week as he was reluctant to release the oranges….. this week he simply didn’t bother! Any volunteers?
Thanks to the travelling support without any dogs this week, I did notice Hampton had a few though. Thanks also to Tim (demoted to lino this week).
Apologies to the animal lovers but next week the Hurricanes go ‘Stag’ hunting in Teddington….
Well done to the Hurricanes !
Members of the U17 Hurricanes Back Room Staff Celebrate Another Win!