Hampton get court short.

We welcomed Hampton youth to Hatton Road this week.

A team that have been struggling somewhat, but had taken all three points when we played them earlier in the season, so we had to be on our A game.

Our focus was on effort as usual, getting into a good tempo early on and taking the game to Hampton, thus allowing us to carry on playing as we've been doing since Christmas.

It's becoming clear that if we play our own way focusing on our strengths we can give anyone a decent game, and so it was to be.

We made some changes to the starting line up, remembering that our squad is a very cohesive group, we have 12 committed players who attend every week without fail looking to learn and improve. All the players have different strengths and the fun for me is to blend those strengths. They've pulled together and trust each other and it shows weekly.

We had Andy, Luca and Aiden make way for James, Frankie and Joe.

We started in great fashion, creating 10 chances in the first 10 minutes, without scoring. All good chances, either saved by Hampton's excellent goal keeper, shot wide or just plain fluffed.

It was then that Asa decided enough was enough and finally made the pressure tell, with a brilliant header into the top left corner from Yusuf's fantastic cross from the left.

Hampton reacted brilliantly and scored a really good goal, shortly after having one attack break down due to a close offside.

More pressure from the boys told as we got a corner out on the left and from it Joe's cross was cleared back to him, with one touch to get the ball into position he shot from some 20+ yards into the net. Great goal and the lead was to last until half time.

We had a really solid first half, created lots of chances whilst not giving too much away. Joe seemed to have confidence pouring back with every pass or cross and our 3 up front were causing all sorts of problems.

James playing in central midfield was really strong along side Reece's constant running.

Joe Frankie and Elliott played with confidence and intelligence as we turned defence into attack time after time.

The second half saw Luca Andy and Aiden come in and we carried on where we left off, Nassim and Andy added goals either side of a brilliant effort from Hamptons number 4.

Hampton's keeper had to retire hurt and it opened up in our favour a little. Another two from Asa, Yusuf bagged one and Luca opened his account for the season with an excellent turn and finish.

By now Hampton looked a little sore and the game finished to warm applause from the excellent parents we have at our team. All celebrations were polite (apart from the idiot in red on our 8th goal) and the general encouragement helps the boys to grow in confidence.

In finishing I'd like to point out a couple of things.

It's a difficult time of year to play or watch Sunday morning football, it's cold and miserable, which is what makes all of the efforts of the parents and supporters all the more appreciated and important.

From setting up goals, to running the line, to the getting your boys to training and matches in good spirit and on time. I'm very aware that things can be very different to how we have it at our team. So thank you for making it enjoyable.

I have three players I'd like to pick out this week,

Firstly, James Levy, he's a fantastic boy who plays where he's asked with great enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, every thing is done with a smile, even when I get mixed up and make a mess of his minutes on the pitch. Keep going James, you're having a fantastic season.

Secondly is Shay, who's arrival coincided with an upturn in results. I don't pay too much attention to results and league positions etc, however I do to confidence thats shown in the team, and he's added that to our whole defence which allows us more freedom to attack, and the game is played with more freedom. Not much gets past Shay, apart from training tops, so if anyone sees a spare one please get in touch.

Finally, is this weeks man of the match.

Asa's hunger and never say die attitude to chasing and hassling is a pleasure to manage. We had a little chat a couple of weeks ago about effort, and the response has been nothing less than awesome.

It runs throughout the team but I felt this week, maybe, these three should be applauded, so boys I salute you.

The games are going to get considerably harder again now, so with the same attitude we've shown recently I believe we can have a lot to be proud of by the end of March.

Hook away on Sunday. Lets go again.