Ansell should have punished us later when he headed wide when completely unmarked and Carter should have done better when Batty made another good low save one on one. Martin just doesn't have the killer instinct in front of goal I'm afraid though he created the opening well.

Well, we've all seen 10 men battling against 11 and coming up with something but it took just four minutes for us to concede the second to Samuels.    Steve Cordery took off Carter and Shaw and threw on Griffiths and Simpson but before they could get their feet under the table some crass defending allowed Ansell to nod home number 3 on 52 minutes. Hampton had numerous chances to clear the ball but instead kept giving St Albans one more chance to cross it back into the danger zone. They accepted the offer so generously given.

3-0 and St Albans relaxed a little but as we sought a consolation we left ourselves open at he back allowing Randall to score the best goal of the game as he cleverly rounded Houghton and beat Miles. Hannigan made it 5-0 just 2 minutes later. We managed a couple of weakish efforts and Watkinson came on for Williams to no real effect. It was simply very depressing.

I have to say that Maskell was a disappointment once again. When the chips are down so is his head, not the sort of inspiration he should be giving to the side. He's not the only one not performing but I would expect him to show more leadership. We badly need to move Jason Shaw back into midfield and of course get Burton and Barnsby fit. Coates, Carter, Williams and Houghton need to step up the gears or they could find an eager Reserve in their positions. With Fish heading for a ban it must be worth giving Derek Simpson a starting role.

9 September 2000

Hampton & Richmond Borough 2

Hitchin Town 4

This game was a personal nightmare for keeper Ben Miles who looked at fault on all four goals as Hampton capitulated  a deserved first half lead. There could  have been no greater contrast between the two halves as Hampton rained in shots and crosses on Hitchin's goal in the first period. The only thing they were guilty of was failing to convert more of the   chances into goals.

Maskell put Hampton 1-0 up from Simpson's pass after 3 mins, slooting home from just inside the box. Williams had two good chances, Griffiths hit the bar and Bonfield made a number of good saves as the home side put on their best attacking 45 minutes of the season. Hitchin also looked dangerous going forward on the break and Dixon and Parker fluffed good chances. But Hampton looked to have the game well in control with no sign of what was to come.

The second period was a very different story. williams went off early with a toe problem replaced by Dudley Gardner. Peter Barnsby was unlucky with  a header just wide form a free kick early on but then Hampton retreated into defence and invited Hitchin on. Griffiths was left alone up front to do all the hard work and it's a pity his colleagues did not show the same commitment. Eventually the inevitable happened. 70 mins gone and Miles dropped a corner which was forced home by Allpress. A minute later, a carbon copy goal almost as Miles completely missed his punch from another corner and this timeParker knocked home the easiest of chances. Four minutes  and yet another cross, form a free kick, found Beevor unmarked and his slid the ball through Miles' legs. And in another four minutes Williams low shot seemed to go under his body for 4-1.

Griffiths lobbed home in the last minute for 4-2 but what should have been three comfortable points were thrown away in a mad 15  minute spell. Everyone will blame Miles for the errors and there is no escaping his shortcomings which must mean a foray into the transfer market as soon as possisble. But to be fair to Ben, the midfield invited the pressure and his forwards failed to convert perfectly presentable chances in the first half.

With Russell seemingly a long way from fitness and Gary Robinson due to face a lengthy ban, the decision to let James Courtnage go to Aylesbury is looking in hindsight like a bad one. It looks like we took a gamble on Russell's fitness and lost badly. Rumours are that he came to us with an injury from last season which may mean a long term problem. Let's admit the mistake and act swiftly before the season goes belly up.

Team: Miles, Wood, Houghton, Barnsby, Flitter, Shaw*, Williams#, Carter, Simpson, Maskell@, Griffiths

Subs: Gardner#, Mahile@, Leenders*

12 September 2000

Ryman League Cup 1st Round

Leyton Pennant 0

Hampton & Richmond Borough 4

As might be expected from a team who had gone 26 games without a win, Leyton Pennant offered little serious opposition in this Ryman Cup tie. First half goals from Ashley Leenders, making his first start, and Craig Maskell, confirmed Hampton’s general superiority in the first half but Pennant battled well and were by no means overrun. An early calf injury to Matt Flitter was a little concerning given the pending suspension of Peter Barnsby but it allowed a first run out for 18 year old midfielder, Serge Zaha, Jason Shaw dropping back into the right back role. Zaha was with Croydon last year and acquitted himself well given his lack of familiarity in the side.

Hampton had a good few chances but lacked the killer instinct. As usual Leroy Griffiths took it on himself to do most of the hard work up front and Leenders showed some nice touches. The second goal finished off any thought of an upset and as Pennant tired in the second half Hampton should have run up a cricket score. But only an own goal by Barnes under pressure from Leenders in the 46^th minute and another individual effort from Craig Maskell after 69 minutes were left to evidence the dominance.

No disrespect to Pennant, but it’s hard to judge performances against sides of this level. There is little point in going flat out and risk picking up an injury but maybe we should have done better in the finishing department given the chances. Leenders and Zaha did OK, with Ashley taking his goal well but both will need to brought on carefully to cope with the extra pace and strength required in the Premier Division.

Team: Miles, Wood, Houghton, Barnsby, Flitter(Zaha), Shaw, Carter, Leenders (Williams), Simpson, Maskell, Griffiths(Whall)

This was another in a series of eventful matches at Beveree with a hat trick of penalties, all converted by Craig Maskell, a sending off and a hatful of chances for Hampton, only one of which they took in open play.  Dulwich, without a win to date and sinking fast, probably felt hard done by with some of the decisions and perhaps referee Mr Marchant didn't give due allowance for the very wet conditions that had players sliding all over the place.

The torrential rain did not let up for most of the game and it was a credit to the new drainage system that the pitch remained very playable throughout, only occasionally standing water causing problems. The wet surface also made for a fast paced game and gave the advantage to the forwards and so it was a night with plenty of exciting goal mouth action. The early encounters were fairly even with only Gardner's sliced volley coming close to a goal 13 minutes in. Penalty #1 came after 25 minutes when a free kick down the centre left Maskell and Palmer tussling for the ball. Maskell went down and Mr Marchant pointed to the spot. It looked a little harsh. Maskell put the ball low to Cleevely's right and although he got a hand to it, could not keep it out. Hampton now started to look the stronger and Gardner was unlucky attempting to catch Cleevely off his line with a chip. Within a minute Mark Garland was adjudged to have elbowed Williams off the ball resulting in penalty #2. Maskell put it in the same spot.

Before the interval Carter and Maskell both had good attempts saved well by Cleevely and Griffiths was guilty of missing the best chance of the game when he pulled his shot wide with Cleevely to beat. Just before half time Palmer picked up his second yellow for a trip, reducing Dulwich to ten men.

It took Hampton the first ten minutes to come to terms with the man advantage as Dulwich put up some resistance. Osborne however, had little to occupy him once goal number 3 went in. this time a six man passing move involving Flitter, Houghton, Manuella and Maskell resulted in Warren Williams heading home Maskell's excellent cross after 58 minutes. The chances now came thick and fast and a combination of great keeping and over elaboration kept the score down. An angry reaction by Chin after a clash with Griffiths resulted in penalty #3 after 63 minutes. Again Maskell put it low to the right as Cleevely this time went left. How Hampton did not run up a cricket score I don't know but it is probably churlish to complain about a 4- 0 win, though one wonders what might have been if those penalties had not come along. Like the Hitchin game we need to be more ruthless in front of goal to round off some good approach play.

New signing Dean Green looked the pick of the subs last night. What was he doing at Leyton Pennant?

Team: Osborne, Wood, Houghton, Manuella, Flitter, Shaw, Williams#, Carter, Gardner*, Maskell@, Griffiths

Subs:Green#, Leenders@, Zaha*

Oh, to be in Northfleet now that autumn is here,'neath the electricity pylon, we gayly frolic amongst  the uncontrolled weeds on the terraces. Hark, is that the A2 I can here burbling  in the distance!  And the oil refinery, it looks so, well, just like an oil refinery.

Action a plenty in this visit to Stonebridge Road. Gravesend were eighth at start of play having won their last two games on the road and they were reputedly a useful side. Hampton started up the slope with the breeze at their backs and looked positive with Dean Green making an early run into the box. with just six minutes on the clock, Houghton played the ball forward for Maskell who found himself in the clear with Gravesend looking for an offside flag. Craig was composure itself and lobbed  Turner with ease.

But the Beavers rather squandered their good start with two defensive errors. the first after 11 mins brought theFleet with their first real attack level when Booth was left unmarked to head home, Flitter, Wood and Osborn all looking at each other accusingly. Hampton could have restored the lead as Griffiths' high cross was fumbled betweenTurner and his defender going for the same ball. The ball broke loose but no Hampton player was on hand to capitalise on the error.

Instead Gravesend went 2-1 up after 20 minutes when Manuella lost Owen and Flitter and Osborn converged on the Fleet midfielder bringing him down in an ill timed sandwich. Hampton protested the decision but it looked safe enough to me and Jackson beat Osborn low to his left. Owen got into a very similar position moments later but this time his shot went wide. Despite the set back Hampton still had good possession and Green making an impressive first full debut saw his powerful drive smack off the far post from the edge of the box after Gridffiths anad Maskell teed up the chance. Green then forced a good save from Turner as Maskell's flick sent him clear.

Hampton started the second half with plenty of pressure but went further behind when Wood make a complete hash of a simple clearance, miskicking the ball and allowing Stadhart to poke past the stranded Osborn for 3-1 after 53 minutes. Hampton looked to have thrown away any chance of points but then Gravesend's defence made a similar error as Shaw's long throw got keeper and defencders in a tangle and Griffiths scored from close range at the near post.

Williams then came on for Carter and was soon in the action as Griffiths beat the offside trap and squared the ball which eventually fell to Williams at the back post who scored with his very first touch. Out of gaol and in the game! With 75 minutes gone, Duku made another   schoolboy error, heading past the advancing Turner as Williams put him under pressure and Warren made no mistake for his second of the game. A few minutes later Duku commited a similar gaff and this time Griffiths rounded the keeper but somehow missed the gaping goal when frankly he could have walked it home. Leroy is having a bit of a scoring crisis at the moment but it will come eventually.

It could have been a costly miss as Gravesend had all of the remaining game with Hampton conceding rather too many corners for comfort. They managed to hold on though for the win but lost Shaw at the death as he took a knock.

A very good win after going 3-1 down which showed both character but also exposed the fragility of the Gravesend defence. Apart from the three obvious errors, the Hampton defence look sound but we do need to tighten up to becom our old usual mean selves at the back. 13 goals in the last four games looks pretty healthy from the forwards so if we can elimiante the goals against then things just may be going inthe right direction.

Team: Osborn, wood, Houghton, Manuella, Flitter, Shaw, Green, Carter#, Gardner, Maskell, Griffiths

Subs:   Williams#, Zaha, Leenders

Booked: Flitter, Houghton, Manuella

30 September 2000

Windsor & Eton 0

Team: Talbot, Burton, Houghton@, Manuella, Flitter, Shaw, Williams, Green*, Gardner#, Maskell, Griffiths

Subs: Simpson#, Wood@, Longhurst, Carter*, Russell

7 October 2000

Enfield 2

Hampton & Richmond Borough 2

Despite the incessant morning rain the pitch at Meadow Park played remarkably well and the greasy surface added to an exciting game which gave the forwards added advantage. Hampton were without the injured Houghton and Gardner and drafted in Wood into the left back slot and Simpson into midfield but otherwise the same side as had won at Windsor.

Again Hampton got away to brisk start. With 6 minutes on the clock, Griffiths out-strengthened the Enfield defender and cut back his cross from the bye-line for Green. Although the ball arrived on his wrong foot, he quickly found space and crashed home from close range for his third goal in two games. Enfield found it hard to get anything going up front and ended up in a running argument with the officials over decisions they thought went against them unfairly. The game looked as if it might boil over after yellow cards started to get brandished about for dissent and a couple of heavy tackles. Thankfully, both sides got back to the football and Williams was unlucky when John in the Enfield goal quickly smothered a one-on-one from Manuella’s through ball. Gentle had a chance for Enfield shortly after as the ball stuck in the goal mouth quagmire but the defence recovered in time to block the shot.

Shortly before half time Green intercepted an Enfield free kick and his long pass found Maskell who cut inside the full back. John looked to have the loose ball covered but Craig managed to prise it away and slotted home into the empty net. Enfield however, now had their best period of play with Morris and Morgan going close suggesting that Hampton wouldn’t have it all their own way in the second half.

And so it proved as Enfield stepped up a gear playing the ball around well and looking much more threatening. I did not help that Matt Flitter failed to re-emerge for the second half after tweaking a hamstring. Hampton were chasing shadows in midfield and the pressure quickly translated into goals. After 56 minutes, Fleming got in behind the defence and Osborn could only get finger tips to his low driven cross allowing Allen to tap in from a matter of feet. Enfield completed their comeback after 70 minutes when substitute forward, Hammett, broke through the centre with Hampton’s defence looking for the off side flag. He slotted home with a good shot from the edge of the area.

Having hardly got into Enfield’s penalty area all half, Hampton nearly grabbed back the lead when Maskell set up Griffiths but his shot was well parried by John at point blank range. The play was still largely Enfield’s and they looked more likely of the two sides to grab the winner. Hampton lost both Simpson and Griffiths to further injuries and ended the game with just 10 fit players on the pitch but managed to hold on for the point.

Team: Osborn, Wood, Simpson@, Burton, Flitter#, Shaw, Manuella, Williams*, Maskell, Griffiths

Subs: Carter#, Holloway@, Leenders*

Please excuse the hyperbole but this game is up there with the Maidenhead and Berko games of 1998 for excitement, a first ever win over the mighty Aldershot in 11 games. To do it with only 10 men on the field for over half the game and with the Shots the only undefeated side in the division, made the achievement all the more sweeter.

As usual another bumper crowd packed into Beveree to heighten the atmosphere. Despite the previous day’s rain, the pitch was in superb condition and even the continuous downpour which started shortly after kick off, only served to speed up the pace of the game and add to the thrills and spills.

Aldershot seemed curiously passionless after their 6-0 drubbing of Grays at the weekend and neither side created much in the way of clear cut chances during the early exchanges. Hampton looked good coming forward with Griffiths, Green and Maskell proving a handful whilst the restored partnership of Burton and Barnsby coped well with the threat of Abbott and Browne up front. The best chance of the half fell to Griffiths after 24 mins unmarked inside the area but he dragged his shot wide when he should have hit the target. Aldershot’s first real effort came after 35 minutes when Ullathorne blasted high over Osborn’s bar when in a good position. A more difficult chance fell again to Griffiths when he and Maskell beat the offside trap but his lob from an acute angle was cleared off the line by the covering defender.

With half time looming the game really burst into life but for all the wrong reasons. Manuella, having already been booked for one two footed tackle, repeated the exercise and this time earned a straight red, his second of the season. You can imagine Mr Borg’s reaction. Osborn then pulled off a fine finger-tip save to deny Aldershot the lead pushing the ball round the post.

Despite the loss of Manuella and then Houghton who picked up a further injury, Hampton started the second half in positive fashion and had plenty of the play. Aldershot threw on a third forward in Andrews to try and press home the advantage but they found it hard to construct attacks on the slippery surface. Inevitably, as the game wore on Hampton were pushed back into their own half, making the occasional foray up field, reliant on the constant running of Griffiths and the support of Maskell. It seemed as if the pressure must lead to a goal but Osborn pulled off two top drawer saves to deny Abbott and Browne, one at point blank range that can only be filed under "exceptional." You had a feeling after this that this might just be our night. And so it proved with 10 minutes remaining when Williams, who seems always to have a goal for the big occasion, cut inside from the left and unleashed a low drive past Pape which he could only touch on its way into the net. The referee seemed to play at least another 20 minutes as the clock ticked on to 9.50pm but Hampton were not to be denied and secured a famous and historic victory.

So a real morale booster for Saturday’s Cup game at Merthyr with excellent performances all round. Maskell looked really up for it this evening dropping back into midfield for the second half and leading by example. Gary Holloway in his home debut looked very assured and must have played his way into Saturday’s starting line up. If he gets the chance to move forward more and link up with Griffiths and Co, then we may have just found our creative midfielder. But this is not to single out any particular individual as everyone played their part. Aldershot fans will moan that we raise our game when they visit but frankly they have to expect this when they have so much greater resource than the smaller clubs.

The three points pushes Hampton up to 11^th.

There are still some injury doubts for Saturday with Flitter (hamstring), Houghton (ankle/knee) and Gardner all struggling. Coates is well off a comeback. Simpson should be available, however, and Steve Cordery may have to decide whether he can risk playing Manuella in such a key game given his tendency to self destruct. We’ll need all 11 on the pitch for 90 minutes if we want a result. Eric Talbot will probably play in goal now that Osborn’s loan period has come to an end.

Team: Osborn, Williams, Houghton#, Burton, Barnsby, Shaw, Green, Manuella, Holloway, Maskell, Griffiths

Subs: Wood# (45 mins), Carter, Lavender,

14 October 2000

Merthyr Tydfil 0

Hampton & Richmond Borough 3

FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round

Hampton & Richmond Borough 5         

Worcester City 0                                                    

The scoreline says it all, an emphatic victory over good quality opposition which sets up Hampton's first ever First Round tie with Third Division Barnet. Now there's a 23 year old score to settle!

The weather conditions added an extra element of uncertainty with a strong wind blowing straight down the pitch to the Ormond Avenue end and in the second half accompanied by driving rain. At times in the secondperiod  it looked as if keeper Eric Talbot was trying to emulate Alan Cooling with wind assisted punts up field but it was Hampton's striking force that did the real damage.

Steve Cordery went with the same side that had won at Merthyr, Matt Flitter passing a late fitness test on his hamstring. And it was Flitter that gave Hampton a dream start in the second minute. The referee seemed to make a strange decision in awarding Hampton a corner as Wood's cross seemed to go straight out without a touch. Holloway played the ball in short to Maskell on the edge of the box and Craig played the ball in low and it fell nicely for Flitter after a touch from Barnsby to fire home into the roof of the net from six yards.

Worcester were caught cold by the goal but used the wind advantage to come forward playing some good passing football in their build up. They looked threatening from dead ball kicks and two headers from corners went narrowly over. Hampton counter attacked intelligently and Green's cross after 13 minutes found Williams at the back post but Warren could not keep the header down on target. It was Williams who had the next chance as he got clear in the box but McDonnell in the Worcester goal spread himself well to block the strike. A better chance fell to Holloway after 35 minutes after some beautiful interchanging passing inside the box gave him a clear strike on goal from 8 yards but Gary put the ball just wide of McDonnells right hand post. And on half time McDonnell was again the saviour as Griffiths cut inside from the right wing but McDonnell blocked with his legs. So Worcester won the possession battle but the better chances fell to Hampton. the game was still finely poised.

The second period however, turned into something of a stroll once Holloway made amends for his earlier miss. Picking up a poor defensive clearance after 54 minutes, Gary steadied himself and fired a low drive across McDonnell into the far corner for 2-0. Worcester to their credit kept coming forward and good chances fell to Owen and Cotter but they lacked the killer finish. Hampton were guilty of sitting backrather too much and for a while were knocking aimless ball up field for Griffiths to chase. Flitter's hamstring gave out and Simpson replaced him with Shaw dropping back to right back but Hampton kept their shape at the back with Burton and Barnsby again outstanding.

Green continued his fine form with two long range runs down the wing, one starting in his own half, beating three or four defenders and ending in an impudent attempt to chip the keeper when perhaps a low drive might have found the spot. Had he scored it would have been goal of the season.

After 80 minutes Griffiths sealed the result as he had done at Merthyr. Peter Wood bravely won the ball on the edge of the Worcester box and Maskell worked it across to Griffths in space to shoot home from close range. But Hampton still weren't finished and an ecellent passing move involving several players put in Maskell who was brought down by McDonnell as he tried to round him. A clear penalty but the referee allowed the advantage as Green ran in to fire the ball into the empty net for 4-0 on 86 minutes. Youngster Ronnie Girvan celebrated his new contrat with a run out for the last few minutes replacing Green.

And to round things off Williams this time outwitted the hapless McDonnell rounding him and scoring goal number 5 in the last minute.

Well I'm not sure anyone was predicting a 5-0 win and to be fair to Worcester the game was much more even than the scorline suggests. However, Hampton now have so many scoring options that defences are not sure just who to cover. Maskell didn't get on the score sheet but was instrumental in at least three of the goals. all round the team did the job required of them and in this sort of form there is every prospect of running Barnet very close in the next round.

Team: Talbot, Flitter#, Wood, Burton, Barnsby, Shaw, Holloway, Green@, Williams,Maskell, Griffiths

Subs: Simpson#, Carter, Girvan@,Leenders, Russell

Hampton & Richmond Borough 1

Maidenhead Utd 4

Well if Hampton needed a lesson in complacency, this was it. Maidenhead were worthy winners playing Hampton at their own game with a swift counter attacking style netting two late goals when Hampton were chasing the game.

Hampton were without Griffiths (suspension) and Flitter (injury) and struggled without them.Maidenheads two towering centre backs, Croxford and Cook had little difficulty in dealing with Maskell and Carter although Hampton persisted in delivering high balls into the box. In the end Steve cordery threw on central defender Danny Lavender to add some height but Lavender saw little of the ball. Without Griffiths to hold the ball up Hampton needed to get wingers williams and Green firing but Williams was well shackled and clearly Alan Devonshire had done his homework well.

The first half had few chances in the opening exchanges, the best falling to Green whose low drive was tipped behind  by Barnard. Having absorbed Hampton's attack for the first twenty minutes Maidenhead then stepped up a gear in midfield and strated to create the better chances. After 27 mins Glynn's mazy dribble lead to a Barnsby trip but Channell hit the post from the spot and gave away a freekick by following up his own shot. Then a moment of indecision by Shaw at right back allowed Rake to get in behind the defence and his cross shot went narrowly wide.

Rather than seize on the let offs, Hampton were quickly behind in the second half when the back four stepped up to claim offside but Channell was waived on and finished cooly on 57 mins. Hampton continued to press but hardly had a meaningful effort on goal. after 75 mins another moment of defensive frailty allowed former Beaver, Steve Croxford toput the visitors two up. Talbot flapped at a free kick and Croxford netted from close range as the ball was fired back in low.

The game looked beyond reach until Simpson unexpectedly headed home Leenders cross after 80 mins. Could Hampton fight back for a draw? Instead Maidenhead killed off the game with two late goals, Channell capping an excellent display converting another low cross and then supplying Domingos, who skipped past a rather feeble attempt from Talbot to slot home from close range.

Not counting the worthing game his was the First team's first defeat for12 games. Not so much a poor display but we looked bereft of ideas up front without Griffiths. Coates long term injury means we have little alternative but to play midfielders in this role. Maybe we need to recruit more options?Maidenhead won the midfield battle and a bit more grit will be needed in the next game against bottom placed Grays. A deserved win by Maidenhead but we can do a lot better when we meet them again in the league.

Team: Talbot, Simpson, Wood, Barnsby, Burton, Shaw, Holloway@, Green, Williams#, Maskell, Carter

Subs: Lavender@, Girvan, Leenders#, Robinson

Bognor Regis Town 2

Hampton made heavy weather of this victory against a side bottom of Division 1 who they should not really have had much trouble in dispatching. Bognor were lively throughout and took a 15 minute lead when Scammell headed home from the edge of the box from a right wing cross, the ball looping over Russell into the far corner. Hampton’s back four seemed rather out of joint with Nick Burton at right back drifting across into his more usual centre back role and Peter Wood and Ronnie Girvan seeming to crowd each other in the left back position. Bognor exploited Girvan’s positioning on a number of occasions and they nearly grabbed a second goal after Holloway gave the ball away in midfield. Bognor attacked quickly but the resulting shot brushed the top of the bar when a goal seemed the more likely result.

Hampton’s midfield, missing the suspended Green, looked sloppy at times and found it hard to get much going until Williams got clear from a short free kick after 27 minutes. His low shot was fumbledat the near post by Coleman and Leenders was quickest to react to force the ball over the line.

Leenders was on target again five minutes into the second half shooting through a crowd of players as Hampton’s first shot was blocked. The best goal of the game came from a Maskell header after 75 mins. Holloway got to the bye line and sent across a well-flighted chip leaving Craig with a simple conversion from six yards. Hampton now looked comfortable without ever being that convincing until the Referee awarded a mystery penalty with 10 mins to go. No one seemed to know for what or against whom it had been given but substitute Bright converted easily past Russell. Barnsby made way for Simpson at half time and Neil Pearch made his debut after Holloway limped off towards the end of the second half. Pearch barely touched the ball in 15 minutes but as he looked so much like Simpson I might just be doing him a disservice.

Hampton still seemed to be suffering from having one eye on the Barnet game and although we were without a few first team regulars, we didn’t really shine in the way we should against lower division opposition. The fact that the game was arranged at late notice meant a very small crowd that gave the game something of the air of a training match which may have sapped the motivation.

Subs: Simpson#, Pearch@, Hillary

Ryman Premier Division

11 November 2000

This game must go down as two points lost rather than one point won as Hampton had numerous chances to win but were confronted with a mixture of courageous goal keeping, bad luck and, on occasions, poor finishing. In conditions remiscent of the Worcester City game - driving rain and strong breeze straight down the pitch - Hamptonn early scored inside 30 seconds as Dean Green burst through the centre and brought a low finger tip save from Baker. The pattern was immediately established with Hampton having 80% of the attacking play, virtually all the chances but nothing to show for it after 45 minutes.

Williams, Carter, Shaw and Green could have put the game beyond doubt but could not quite find the goal which might have opened the floodgates. Maskell had the ball in the net after 10 minutes as he burst through the centre but was hauled back by a harsh looking decision. Grays managed one chance as Wright fired over from close  from a dangerous left wing centre but beyond this Grays had little invention and showed why they are rooted at the bottom of the division.

Fish once again got himself involved in a nasty incident but the referee was perhaps more lenient than some we have seen this season and he escaped with a stiff talking to rather than another card. The referee controlled the game effectively making due allowance for the conditions but then booked Burton for a challenge that was no worse than many that had gone before.

The second period handed the weather advantage to Grays and Wright looked most likely with a couple of good long range strikes as the Hampton defence, now missing Barnsby, looked a little uneasy on the difficult surface. More mistakes of their own creation than incisive Grays attacking play. Talbot was rarely called into action but made a good save from Wright after 60 minutes.

Maskell almost unlocked the game after 80 minutes cutting inside but Baker's outstretched leg pushed the ball away for a corner. Burton almost nodded home from the cross but again the ball fell the wrong side of the post. Maskell had a late chance fro a well placed free kick but again Baker made the save.Having had most of the chances I must say we feared the worst in the last few minutes but Grays seemed more than content with their point and shut up shop.

A much better performance than against Bognor with young Ronnie Girvan showing some good touches in the left back role and Dean Green looking the pick of the Hampton attack.Had one of the early chances found the net the game would have been beyond Grays but they stuck at their task and defended well. Hopefully with Flitter, Holloway and Griffiths back for the Barnet game Hampton will have their strongest team available. Houghton seems a major doubt but on this performance Girvan might just get the nod over Wood.

Team: Talbot, Girvan,Wood, Burton, Barnsby#, Shaw, Manuella, Green, Williams@, Maskell, Carter

Subs: Simpson#, Leenders@, Grimm

FA Cup First Round

18 November 2000

Barnet 2

Hampton & Richmond Borough 1

We all know football can be a cruel game and so it proved at Underhill in a explosive last 6 minutes in which Hampton saw their Cup dreams dashed. With just six minutes of normal time to play the referee awarded a highly dubious corner to Barnet after a Currie drive sailed well over the bar. Arber met the cross with his head and Jason Shaw could only manage to block with his knees on the line before Richards lashed the loose ball home from point blank range. A frustrated Talbot who had done so much to keep Hampton's lead intact, lashed out at Richards and a bit of a melee broke out as tempers boiled over. Talbot and eventually Richards got their marching orders forcing Hampton to withdraw Williams to bring on Russell. A draw still looked the most likely result until Cottee teed up Currie whose fierce drive from 25 yards gave Russell no chance - ironically nearlyBarnet's first shot on target all afternoon.

Hampton really deserved much more from a brilliant all round display. The supposed gulf in quality between the sides rarely showed, particularly in the first half as Hampton used the good playing surface to move the ball around intelligently. Steve Cordery somewhat surprisingly preferred Manuella in midfield to Gary Holloway but this proved to be master stroke as Fiston had certainly his best game in a Hampton shirt showing the potential that so often has been let down by a rush of blood to the head. Today Fiston and Jason Shaw were right on their game tackling strongly and spreading the play out to the wings. Dean Green continued his impressive form giving the Barnet left back a torrid time and it was from his run and cross that Maskell headed the opener after 21 minutes.Cue delirium from the travelling supporters. Barnet's seven goals of the previous week looked a distant memory as Hampton's defence restricted their attack to long range efforts which flew high or wide.

Hampton lost Burton to an early ankle injury just after the goal and Danny Girvan slipped into left back with Peter Wood into the vacant centre back role. Girvan showed few nerves and any doubts that his lack of experience would tell at this level were quickly dispelled. The back four even with the enforced change looked as solid as ever. But Barnet did have their chances. Shaw deflected as hot over the bar and Talbot made a fine low save to his left from a free kick. At the other end Green and Maskell set up Griffiths for what looked like an easy touch in but the ball eluded Leroy and the chance went begging.

Although we had the slope advantage in the second half, it was mainly all Barnet pressure without them really creating many clear cut chances. Green continued to be Hampton's most dangerous outlet maaking several good runs down the right. Williams was more subdued and as he tired Steve Cordery might have thrown on the fresh legs of Holloway or Simpson to pick up the pace again. But despite the pressure Hampton still looked comfortable and it was only the last controversial minutes that allowed Barnet to spare their blushes.

It would unfair to pick out individual performances as the whole team played magnificently but I have to agree with Steve Cordery that Dean Green was my man of the match. It makes you wonder why Dean was playing at bottom of the table Second division Leyton Pennant at the beginning of this season. Honourable mentions for Peter Barnsby, Fiston Manuella, Jason Shaw, Matt Flitter and young Danny Girvan. Peter Wood also had one of his best games for the club - left winger to centre back is quite an unusual journey.

And what now for Hampton after our moment of glory? Firstly there must be some doubt that we can hold onto some of the younger players who have the potential to play at a higher level. It would be nice to see them achieve something together as a team in the League but we may not get the chance. Secondly, we must now use the experience gained in the Cup to improve our position in the league. With this sort of performance we clearly have the talent to reach the top six target set at the begginning of the season. Mentally, we need to pick ourselves up starting with a home win next Saturday against Carshalton.

Team: Talbot, Flitter, Wood, Burton@, Barnsby, Shaw, Manuella, Green, Williams#, Maskell, Griffiths

Subs: Simpson, Girvan@, Carter, Holloway, Russell#

28 November 2000 Ryman Premier Division

Hampton & Richmond Borough 4

Carshalton Athletic 2

This was another roller-coaster of a match in which Hampton were dominant almost to the point of embarrassment but the result was always in doubt right up until injury time as Carshalton exposed defensive frailties on the few occasions they came forward. Hampton were without Nick Burton (bruised foot) but saw the return of Tony Houghton in a wide left midfield role at the expense of Warren Williams. Gary Holloway was restored to midfield in place of Fiston Manuella which was perhaps scant reward for his excellent performance at Barnet. As it was, when he got his opportunity in the second half Fish was again outstanding setting up the second goal with a deft lobbed pass and pretty much holding the midfield together when defence was needed.

Subs: Williams, Manuella, Asamoah

Ryman Premier Division 2 December

Heybridge Swifts 3

Hampton & Richmond Borough 2

Christmas came early to Heybridge this afternoon as Hampton delivered three gift wrapped goals inside the first seventeen minutes to a grateful Swifts forward line. Hampton were without a host of first team regulars- Shaw, Talbot, Burton, Manuella, Griffiths and Williams - but this could not be used as an excuse as Hampton's defence went missing at almost every Heybridge atttack. As early as the second minute Heybridge broke unchallenged down the left. Russell hesitated over whether to come and a simple crossed ball was headed home unmarked by the dangerous Kris Lee for 1-0.

Fortunately Hampton had plenty of the ball coming forward and Asamoah fired narrowly wide after Gary Holloway won a game of head tennis with the Heybridge defence. But after 15 minutes Lee was allowed to take a throw in turn his man with ease and fire in a thunderous drive past Russell from the edge of the box. All round Hampton seemed slow to react to the danger. Again Hampton came forward but were soon caught on the break with Flitter stranded up field. The Heybridge #11 was allowed to run a long way unchallenged and fired past a hapless Russell who left a gaping gap at his near post labelled "Shoot here". It looked odds on for a cricket score at this rate, the defence clearly missing Burton  and  with Russell sadly a pale shadow of his former self.

To their credit Hampton kept plugging away and Peter Wood threw a lifeline after 28 minutes nodding at the far post after Banks had failed to deal with Barnsby's flick on from Maskell's free kick. Peter's first goal for a very long time indeed. Wood then nearly gifted Heybridge a 4th after a sloppy pass in midfield let in Lee again but he shot thankfully wide. Houghton picked up a knock and was replaced by Carter leaving just two Youth team players on the bench.

Maskell saw two good shots saved well by Banks for corners and Asamoah looked lively showing a good touch and close control but still 3-1 down at half time.

Hampton had fewer chances in the second half as Heybridge tightened up defensively. Maskell saw a twenty yard drive clip the bar with Banks making no effort to cover and Lee forced a good save out of Russell with another powerful strike. Russell almost made a mess of tidying the loose ball as Lee followed up and hit the post. Hampton were still guilty of giving the ball away too easily at times but did pull a second goal back when Maskell fed a ball through to Asamoah in the box. He held off his man well, turned and played a low shot wide of Banks for 3-2 with five minutes to go.

However, Heybridge did well to close the game down and deny Hampton the ball. The only chance came when Asamoah went off on a dazzling run taking on the entire defence but went down under pressure in the box rather too theatrically for a penalty to be awarded. For a small lad he is a real handful using his low cente of gravity and dribbling skills to good effect. A very impressive display, you'll enjoy watching him.

Kris Lee for Heybridge is another exciting prospect. A big lad with  a lot of pace and a ferocious drive. Heybridge will do well to hold on to him. Fortunately for Hampton he went off after a clattering challenge by Gardner. Otherwise they looked a very competitive side in midfield who get the ball forward quickly. Hampton on the other  hand were all intricate passing and individual skill.

On the balance of play Hampton deserved at least a point but woeful defending cost them dearly. Without Burton they seem to lack concentration or discipline at times- too may unforced errors. So not a thrashing in the end but could we have expected more after giving such a head start? Gardner did exceptionally well after such a long break and Holloway played some intelligent football particularly in the first half. Asamoah was the danger man but we found it hard to get the ball to him quickly enough in the second period and he only had a a couple of chances.

Team: Russell, Flitter,Wood, Barnsby, Girvan, Houghton#, Holloway, Green, Gardner, Maskell, Asamoah

Subs: Carter#, Newton,Hillary

Hampton like nothing more than a visit from one of the top sides in the division and for the third time in succession they defeated Farnborough 1-0 in a league match. Farnborough lead the league at the start of play and fielded a formidable  line up looking a bit like the Who's Who of the Ryman league's best.

Hampton brought back Fiston Manuella into midfield for Dudley Gardner after suspension and gave a debut to on loan teenage Woking keeper Stuart Baverstock, making him the fifth Hampton keeper between the sticks this season. One surprise was the ommission of Peter Wood who we later learned had left the club after nearly six seasons to play for Carshalton. This left the back four with left footed Tony Houghton at right back and Matt Flitter in central defence with Peter Barnsby. tony, however, looked quite comfortable on his right foot even if the position must have felt a little strange.

Hampton nearly took a first minute lead when Maskell played in a short free kick to Holloway who laid back the return pass fro Craig to force a good low save out of Mackenzie. Baverstock was quickly in the action making a similar low save from a long range effort pushing the ball round the post.

Hampton had a lot of the pressure for ther first twenty minutes or so but Farnborough's solid defence denied many clear opportunities. At the other end Crawshaw and de Souza worked hard for openings, the best falling to de Souza who blazed over from inside the box when he shoulsd have done better. Farnborough's midfield were hard into the tackle and there were pretty tough exchanges which eventually lead to Farnborough's captain Steve Watson hobbling off the field after38 minutes to be replaced by ex Beaver, Scott Corbett. Piper then headed a good opportunity at the back post wide, Houghton doing just enough to put him off. A pretty even first half.

The second period was largely dominated by the visitors as they pressed for the opening goal. Dack's header was narrowly wide early on and it was some 15 minutes before Hampton managed a shot, Flitter's well placed curler bringing a fine catch from Mackenzie. The game was largely a stalemate until Baird's over the top challenge on Girvan left the teenager hobbling to the dressing room and Baird in Mr Mackrell's note book. Hampton rearranged with Carter going into right back and Williams coming on for Derek Asamoah who was drifting out of the game somewhat. Williams' extra pace again caused Farnborough problems on the counter attack but Hampton squandered one or two promising openings by the wrong choice of final pass.

It was going to need either a scramble or a goal of the season to break the deadlock and on 80 minutes Gary Holloway obliged. From his own corner on the left,  he received the ball back and cutting to the edge of the box unleashed a stunning drive that curled into the top right hand corner of Mackenzie's net. A  truly memorable goal.

Piper was then unlucky to not equalilse straight from the restart but put his shot wide. Hampton withstood the pressure and should have wrapped it up when Griffiths danced round the defence but instead of finishing himself played the ball to Williams who was offside as he stroked the ball home.

And so another scalp to add to this seaon's collection of memorable victories. When you consider  that we had five teenagers on the pitch and only one player over the age of 23, it was a remarkable performance yet again. On another day with better finishing, Farnborough might have taken the points. They were a very well organised side who should be up there at the end of the season but may not have just enough flair to take the title.

Team: Baverstock, Flitter, Girvan#, Houghton, Barnsby, Manuella, Holloway, Green, Asamoah@,Maskell, Griffiths

Subs: Gardner,Carter#, Williams@

16 December 2000

Harrow Borough 4

Hampton & Richmond Borough 5

There's something about these two sides that leads to high scoring games with 15 goals in just two matches this season. The optimist would put it down to two attack minded sides with dangerous front of the likes of Griffiths, Xavier etc. The pessimists would put it down to lax defending and the truth is that both would be right. Hampton's excuse was the need to field yet another on loan keeper, Dean May from Bashley, behind a defence missing the injured Peter Barnsby (hamstring), whilst Harrow had their own on loan rookie in Alex Walker after ex Beaver David Hook went missing through injury. Neither keeper can look back on the game with too much fondness as neither made a conventional save all game.

Both sides looked to play a passing game on a pitch which did little to help either side's style of play and largely cancelled each other out in the opening exchanges with Hampton having perhaps the territorial advantage. Hampton took the lead on 17 minutes when Holloway's surging run through the defence saw him tripped by Protain who was possibly lucky to receive only a yellow card. From the free kick, Walker flapped at the ball which fell nicely for Matt Flitter at the back post to head home. Manuella then had a header cleared off the line and Payne fired high and wide for Harrow before Griffiths put Hampton further in front after 36 minutes. Houghton's long clearance found Walker off out of his area with Leroy closing fast. His clearance cannoned off Leroy and high towards the unguarded net, Leroy following up to guide the ball home. Within minutes Newby curled a good shot wide of May after some slack marking in the box allowed Xavier to set up the chance. Harrow deserved their goal as Hampton became sloppy in midfield, rather losing their earlier composure.

This seemed to give the momentum to Harrow but almost straight from the re-start a trip on Maskell gave a free kick opportunity for Griffiths who curled a good shot wide of the hobbling Walker who picked up his injury when Leroy scored his first goal. Within five minutes a bad error by Burton allowed Otkay to rob him of the ball and slot home for 3-2, leaving the game still finely balanced.

Goal #4 for Hampton came after 75 minutes as another surging run by Holloway into the box saw him tripped by Rose and Mr Armstrong point immediately to the spot. Harrow defenders hotly disputed the decision but Griffiths kept calm to fire home for his hattrick.Naturally this was a signal for another mistake at the back allowing Xavier to cross to the far post for substitute Duru to head home before Williams outpaced the Harrow defence down the left to cross low for Griffiths to get his fourth with a near post tap in in the 85th minute. Almost immediately back came Harrow with Duru geting his second with a long range shot that May would have been disappointed not to save. Hampton survived a long period of injury time to secure the win.

Team: May, Flitter, Girvan,Houghton, Burton, Manuella, Holloway, Green, Asamoah#, Maskell@, Griffiths

Subs: Cater#, Williams@, Shaw

Carshalton had ex Hampton loan keeper Mark Osborn in goal but Peter Wood was cup tied and unable to face his old club since leaving Beveree just a few weeks before. Hampton were without the cup tied Dean Green and injured Peter Barnsby and Jason Shaw. Eric Talbot returned in goal after suspension and added some much needed stability.

The game was dominated by Hampton from the outset and the only criticism was that we failed to convert our many chances. The first goal came on the stroke of half time when the ever menacing Leroy Griffiths sprung the off side trap for a one on one with Osborn. Leroy drew the keeper but elected to pass to Craig Maskell only to find Martin Kuhl diverting the pass into his own net.

The second period was much the same but with the score at 1-0 Carshalton always had the chance of springing a surprise. Maskell hit the outside of the post after a neat one-two with Griffiths and several other chances went begging. Having teased the Carshalton defence all evening with some magical footwork, Leroy was eventually scythed down by a frustrated Martin Jones earning the midfielder a second yellow card. Shortly after Hampton made the advantage pay when Maskell fired home after 75 minutes from the edge of the box after collecting a short corner for goal 16 of the season.

Derek Asamoah then brought a fine save from Osborn only for Griffiths to rather fumble the rebound. Asamoah then repeated the exercise with Osborn doing well to tip his shot onto the bar before the ball was returned in to the back post for Asamoah to volley home in the last minute.

Team: Talbot, Flitter, Williams, Burton,Girvan#, Houghton, Holloway, Asamoah, Manuella@, Maskell*, Griffiths

Subs: Carter#, Gardner@, Newton*

23 December 2000

Judging by their other results, Maidenhead clearly raise their game when they come to Beveree. Playing five at the back and tackling strongly in midfield, they probably deserved a point from this game falling to an 84th minute header from Dean Green after Craig maskell whipped the ball across from a free kick. Chris Ferdinand looked to have got the point but was ruled offside just a couple of minutes later.

Hampton switched to a three man defence with Barnsby still absent and looked attack minded with five genuine forwards on the pitch. however, Green and Williams on the wings made little headway and Griffiths was invariably double teamed as soon as he received the ball. Croxford and Cook dominated the aerial battle as you might expect. The back three left Hampton exposed from time to time until they got used to the new formation.

The game had fairly few chances in the first half until five or so minutes before half time. Barnard made a good save from Holloway after Hampton got behind the defencefor the first time from Maskell's flick and from the ressulting corner, Flitter headed powerfully towards goal but into the arms of Barnard. Griffiths then blasted one wide after supplied by Williams. Hampton  had Talbot to thank for keeping them level with a double save, tipping Channel's shot on to the bar and then grabbing the follow up right on the line.

The second half saw more Hampton possession without ever being that convincing on the final ball. Maskell was however unlucky to see his freekick after 55 minutes come back off the base of the post and rebound into Barnard's thankful arms. Maidenhead also hit the post with a long angled drive and frankly looked the more likely to grab a late winner than the home side who were looking  ragged in midfield at times.

Green's header gave some relief to home supporters but the feeling was that Maidenhead were little hard done by. Still, as the old adage goes, if we can win when were not playing well then there should be a lot to look forward to in the New Year.

As for the 3-5-2 formation, I'm not a fan.

Team: Talbot, Flitter, Houghton, Burton, Williams@, Manuella, Green, Asamoah#, Maskell, Griffiths

Subs: Carter#, Gardner@, Girvan

Ryman League Premier Division Tuesday 26^th December 2000

Basingstoke Town 1 Hampton & Richmond Borough 0

Hampton & Richmond Borough 3Chesham Utd 1

Hampton secured their first win over Chesham after promotion to the Premier League in an often scrappy and ill-tempered affair at Beveree to open the New Year programme. All the goals came in the second half which was also marked by the sending off of Chesham’s Dereck Brown for an apparent head butt on Tony Houghton.

Hampton were without Craig Maskell for the first time this season and could have done with his experience as much of the game we looked shaky at the back and in midfield. The soft pitch did not help good football but after a bright start in which Preddie in the Chesham goal was called onto make saves from Griffiths, Green and Williams, Hampton were guilty of too much careless play, which allowed a good Chesham side back into the game.

Chesham really should have taken advantage of their host’s generosity. Talbot, playing his last game for the club before flying out to Australia, made some excellent saves but also had to thank his luck as a long range volley from Brown hit the outside of the post and saw the ball cleared off the line by the defence. In fact this was probably the worst 30 minutes of football Hampton had played all season and to get to half time goalless was something of an achievement. Credit to Chesham as they pressed us back into our own half but you couldn’t really escape the conclusion that much of the pain was self-inflicted.

At the start of the second half it looked as if we were in for more of the same until Barnsby came within inches of heading home Griffiths corner. This lifted the side’s confidence a little and on 49 minutes they were in front after Williams and Houghton produced a move down the left allowing Green to steel in at the back post to volley low past Preddie. Williams then finished off a good run with a shot that Preddie did well to tip past the post. The game then entered a period of stalemate with few chances at either end but generally Chesham had more of the possession with Hampton looking to hit them on the break.

With 72 minutes played Preddie gifted Hampton a second goal as he fluffed a clearance straight to Griffiths who gleefully skipped past him to score his eleventh of the season. But Hampton did not manage to hold onto the advantage for long. After Houghton conceded a foul wide out on the right, Brown got involved with Houghton as the sides lined up for the kick to be taken. Houghton crumpled to the floor in dramatic fashion and Brown earned a second yellow after the intervention of the linesman. If Chesham felt aggrieved, it spurred them into immediate retaliation as substitute Bowes headed home unmarked at the near post. The 10 men then pressed forward in search of the equaliser and Hampton looked rocky again defending too deep and careless with their distribution. Holloway looked to have saved the day with a close range finish but was correctly flagged offside and eventually put the game beyond doubt as he finished off from Griffiths’ good work in time added on.

The win looked much better on paper than the performance on the pitch deserved but a good win for all that. The experiment of playing Burton at right back looks a gamble that may not pay off as Nick’s tendency is to drift into the middle as you might expect from a dyed in the wool centre back. Midfield, particularly Manuella, were caught being too casual in the wrong third and the passing all round was dire at times. We could do with Jason Shaw back to steady the ship a little. Perhaps a bit of a New Year hangover but if we don’t improve, the trip to relegation threatened Grays might not be the foregone conclusion the league positions might suggest.

Team: Talbot, Flitter, Houghton, Burton, Barnsby, Manuella, Holloway, Green, Williams, Gardner#, Griffiths

Subs: Carter#, Newton, Girvan

Grays Athletic 1

Hampton & richmond Borough 3

In the end Hampton won comfortably but it was not without the home side putting up a battling display that just might have clawed something back from a game in which Hampton had most of the chances. After arriving late due to problems on the M25, the game kick off at 3.15pm but the quick change necessary didn’t seem to upset the Hampton side who were fluent going forward and little troubled at the back.

The first goal after 15 minutes fairly reflected the play. Manuella and Holloway robbed the ball in midfield and Holloway advanced towards the penalty area, slipping the ball into Griffiths who fished well from 12 yards. Leroy really should have had a couple more goals from headers, one of which he put wide from close range with the goal gaping after being picked out by Burton’s deep cross. Williams also looked as if he would score after a typical surging run cutting inside but Baker, the home keeper, brought off an excellent close range  save. Green also had a couple of fierce shots go just wide.

It’s not hard to see why Grays are at the foot of the table. Quite neat in midfield with some skilful players but no real penetration up front. Their best chance (and virtually their first) of the first half came in the 33^rd minute when a back post header found the side netting - but this was about it. None the less, Hampton faded slightly and Griffiths’ miss looked as if it might be costly if Grays could nick a goal.

The second period was much the same. Grays obviously decided to get stuck in a bit and there were a few choice tackles but mainly it was good competitive stuff. Grays had plenty of possessionthough few chances, whilst Hampton were more content to hit on the break. The ploy played off after a long diagonal ball from Warren Williams, searching for Griffiths, had the Grays defence back peddling. The defender headed back towards Baker but too firmly forcing the advancing keeper to push the ball wide. Griffiths was first to react and slotted into the unguarded net.

Grays pulled one back through Danny Hazel after a dribble down the left. He was allowed to cut inside and his shot took a deflection past the otherwise sound Hodson. Grays scented a point but Hampton replied in the best possible way a couple of minutes later with a goal that was almost a mirror image of the second. This time Griffiths sent the long ball forward for Williams to chase. The Grays back seemed to have the ball under control when Warren put in a superb tackle on the edge of the area. With the keeper out of his ground Williams was first up off the floor and slotted home for 3-1. Grays to their credit did not give up and Hodson was called to pull off a good save late on.

So another three points from a game that we were favourites to win but still needed a disciplined display. Grays should stay up this season by virtue of just one going down but they do need to find a finisher for some of their good approach play. Hampton were much better at the back compared to the Chesham game and Griffiths was in mercurial form despite the near range misses. With a suspension to come we are going to need Craig Maskell to find his form to keep the momentum going. Craig was back from injury today but was not up to his usual excellent standard. Good performances all round.

Team: Hodson, Flitter, Manuella, Burton, Barnsby, Houghton, Holloway@, Green, Williams, Maskell#, Griffiths

Subs: Gardner#, Asamoah, Carter@

This game turned out to be a timely reminder ahead of a tough sequence of league games. Having taken a very comfortable 2-0 lead, we conceded a poor goal on half time which gave the visitors new hope and ultimately spurred them onto victory. Despite the changes to the line up from the previous Saturday, it was hard to say that this was a second string line up with plenty of firs team games under the belt for the newcomers. It was just a case of sloppy defending being punished by a half decent Staines side who were more motivated on the day.

During the first half we seemed to open the Staines back line up at will before a good move involving Fiston Manuella and dean Green set up Craig Maskell to fire through the keeper’s legs for 1-0. Warren Williams then finished off a solo run into the area for number 2 which looked to have put the game beyond Staines. However, right on half time Manuella’s injudicious pass was cut out in midfield allowing Hooper to gallop clear of the defence to shoot past young loan keeper, Stuart Baverstock.

Within minutes of the re start further poor defending allowed ex Beaver favourite Craig Reilly to repeat the same, the Hampton defence hoping the linesman would spare their blushes with an offside flag. He didn’t.

Staines finished off the come back when Everitt dribbled inside and fired a low shot against the far post. Mark Butler was on hand to net the rebound. Hampton roused themselves a little from their torpor but had only half chances to level and at the end of the game it was hard to begrudge Staines their victory. A useful lesson in hubris. I think we’ll concentrate on the league.

Team: Baverstock, Girvan, Houghton, Burton, Barnsby, Manuella@, Gardner, Carter#, Williams, Maskell, Green

Saturday 13th January 2001

It was unfortunate that two sides vying for a possible championship place should have to meet on a rapidly freezing surface at Park Lane but for all that the ground played reasonably well and true and the quality of football was still high. Hampton had an unchanged line up after Saturday’s win over Basingstoke and must have been confident of taking the game to their hosts. However, they found themselves a goal down after just five minutes when a needless free kick was conceded on the edge of the penalty area. Tilson quickly took the  kick to Gregory whilst Hampton were still considering the line up of their wall leaving the Canvey No 9 with an easy finish from close range.

A silly goal and it proved to be the only one of the game although both sides had good chances for more. Canvey haven’t changed their tactics much since last year: get the ball out wide to Parmenter on the left and send in the crosses for Vaughan and Gregory to knock down. The midfield did well enough to cancel out this threat most of the time and Hampton played some good passing football. Certainly were not in awe of the side that had knocked Port Vale out of the Cup.

On the attacking front, Williams rose well to head into Harrison’s hands and looked the liveliest of the Hampton forwards. However, the best chance fell to Gary Holloway who had sprung the defence but Harrison got down low to make a good save to a shot that lacked a little conviction. A good chance missed. Hodson then pulled off an amazing fingertip save from Gregory’s far post header to keep Hampton at one nil - that left wing cross again the culprit. Harrison later made a further save from Holloway from a more difficult angle after a good first time ball from Maskell. Territory-wise a pretty even half with both defences dominating.

Hampton had less penetration in the second period although plenty of the ball. Martin Carter found himself in a similar breakaway position to Holloway in the first half but failed to unleash a shot, giving the defence the chance to snuff out the danger. Hodson again showed some real class by denying Tilson’s long ranger after his poor clearance fell nicely at his feet but was more lucky after a defensive mix up allowed a Canvey player to lob towards an empty goal only to see the ball bounce over the bar on the hard pitch.

In truth our good approach play tended to fizzle out around the 18 yard box and Harrison was not troubled by much in the way of shots to save. A draw might have been a fair reflection of the play but one bit of quick thinking was enough to earn Canvey the points. We’ll play a lot worse and win.

Team: Hodson, Flitter, Houghton, Barnsby, Burton, Manuella, Holloway, Green#, Williams, Maskell, Carter

Subs: Asamoah#, Hillary, Newton