Athletic had a better record of five wins, two draws and only two defeats in their nine league games played. They are also still in the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy and have yet to play in the Division One Cup being knocked out of the League Challenge Trophy by Premier Division London Colney. They went into this game on the back of a 6-2 FA Vase defeat to Hellenic League Premier Division title challenger's Bracknell Town.
It's in the FA Youth Cup where their under 18 side have made the headlines winning 7-0 against Oxhey Jets, 3-1 v Flackwell Heath, 4-7 at Windsor 7-1 v Hampton & Richmond Borough to earn an eagerly awaited First Round tie against Northampton Town scheduled to be played on Thursday 2nd November at Stratford Fields.
Some of the under 18 team have been playing the first team receiving some great reveiws from many for their performances. Last night Benjamin Acquaye and Tom McElroy started with Rory Busby on the bench. Acquaye in particular has been spoken about very highly by many - He started on the left wing last night and showed some good touches switching to the right wing in the second half. Prior to last night's game he had scored seven goals in eight league games - He looks a tremendous prospect with this sort of record. The game versus The Cobblers takes on added meaning when you read that Acquaye spent a short period on trial (around six weeks) with them - Could he return to haunt them?
Buckingham had lots of possession throughout the game but the home side defended well doing the basics right and working really hard at the back and in midfield. It was all square at half time with no goals scored.
Hatfield grew into the game with Darren O'Brien having some good chances to score - It was Jordan White who did from the penalty spot after a trip in the box to make it 1-0. A few minutes later the away side had the chance to level things when they were given a penalty - looking at the replay (the players are hidden a little but if you look at the path of the ball) I think it was a decent challenge. It wasn't to be as the kick rebounded off the post and it was looking like Hatfield's night and only their third clean sheet in league and cup games all season.
Credit to Buckingham who never gave up and scored late via Josh Hooper who knocked the ball home from just inside the box following a long throw from the right hand side. It was what they deserved from their good play throughout the evening.
Hatfield Town have a home game against fourth placed Ampthill Town on Saturday with Buckingham Athletic on the road to struggling Hillingdon Borough who only have one league win in their nine games played so far.
Below are match highlights - Apologies for the camera going slightly out of focus on Hatfield Town's penalty decision - I don't think my camera likes the lighting at The Gosling Stadium for midweek games.
No comments:
Post a Comment