Gosh?

Match Report Written By Xavier Wiggins...

When Liverpool won the Champion’s League in 2005, one million people lined the streets of the city to welcome their heroes. In Hampton this evening, there weren’t quite as many, but the sense of achievement was just as palpable. Incredible that the good citizens of this amazing town can turn around such a bash, within just 24 hours of the U13 Colt’s stunning victory.

Elvis made a comeback better than the Reds themselves, on the corner next to Lloyds. Young and Old jigged in the December drizzle without a care in the world. Pubs and shops did a roaring trade. Mulled Cider and Wine sellers lined the pavements. Alan Dowson, the men’s mercurial leader, surveyed the goings on, fresh from a 9th successive win away at Western Super Mare, in some decent form themselves. Even the candy floss outside the Chippy was Hampton Blue.

This was no ordinary celebration. It was a chest pump, a victory gurn, a yelp and a nose tap rolled into one. Like David Pleat, on red and blue steroids, after that winner. Just missing the Lord Anthony Man brown suit but complete with Denim, for the man, who doesn’t have to try too hard.

The amazing thing about this club is the togetherness. Even Woody, manager of the Under 15 Colts was celebrating with a tray of black sambucas in The Dip. This was solidarity that old Lech Walesa himself would have been proud of.

Just 15 short days ago, the U13 Colts were hovering at the wrong end of the East Berks third tier, seemingly incapable of turning good football into wins. Remarkable 7-0 and 4-1 victories then sent confidence in the squad stratospheric. That confidence is usually only associated with knowing that a girl still liked you even when the lights went up after the last dance at The Ritzy and continued right the way up to an hour past closing whilst the cloakroom attendant prioritised those who had not lost their tickets. If Hampton and Richmond Borough FC Under 13 Youth Colts did dancing, this was co-Gaffer Kinchin going Gangnam Style. Confidence oozing.

And so it was that the Colts headed to Hawley to play the unbeaten Raiders. The opposition had destroyed the Colts in a friendly earlier in the season yet somehow contrived to only draw. But we are now a different proposition. They might have had this season’s title in their hands at 10.30 but by noon they would be left needing snookers.

Muzzy, is it? For the first. Seif for 2-0. Pegged back to 2-1 then Jacob and an excellent first goal for Daniel Madden left Hawley dazed and confused. 4-1 final. It was not just the result but the manner of victory. Like any great victory we dismissed the odds and cocked a snook like the very best underdogs of yesteryear. Think Hereford against Arsenal, Wimbledon at Leeds, Altrincham at Birmingham, or Ligue 4 Calais in the French Cup Final. It feels as though we could go very far with this team. Reputations? Pah! They can’t even spell it.

The irrepressible Kaya and Hampton’s spade handed custodian of the onion bag, Francis, were immense and won joint man of the match but one player deserves a very special mention. Never has a player asked to play in seventeen different positions but Bertie Ferguson is no ordinary player. Battling a rare strain of Bubonic Plague, he rose for the occasion and survived a torrid battering down our right-hand side early in the match. He then swapped to Central Midfield, right wing. Centre forward, reserve Goalkeeper, team psychologist and kit man. Well played.

Jeremy Kyle, Mr Tumble, John Madjeski, Kate Middleton, your boys took one hell of a beating.

4-1

Scorers: Muzzy, Seif, Jacob, Daniel Madden

Weather: Brisk

Final’s thought. Where’s Rob?

Final final thought. How many scented candles does one actually need?

Final final final thought. Don't just save a trip to The Beveree for Christmas. This is a pretty major run going on. They deserve our support.

Match Sponsors: The AA.