Those Were The Days; 14th January 2003

[Les1949]

THOSE WERE THE DAYS
14th January 2003
Southern Combination Cup 2nd Rd

Bedfont 2 HRBFC 3 (Riddell 2, Thompson) Att; 63

HRBFC;-
Andy Iga; David Cross (Billy Smith, 46’), Sam Okafor, Gary McCracken, Alan Inns, Darren Deegan, Dave Cory, Paul Read, Richard Thompson, Lee Riddell (Enrico Grimm, 78’), Luke Milner (Aaron Downes, 78’).

Having failed to get a win in the previous seven games (2, draws, 5 defeats), the Beavers were happy to take a win – even in this minor cup competition. Combined Counties opposition, Bedfont, however did not turn up and lie down as they pushed their senior opponents all the way. Hampton were 2-0 up and coasting before half an hour had passed. Riddell opened the scoring in the 17th minute, reacting quickest to Okafor’s low driven ball. Seven minutes later Thompson barrelled his way through several Bedfont tackles to make it 2-0. Shortly after Bedfont pulled a goal back through a Jimmy Williams penalty, Iga, adjudged to have pulled down Adam Griffiths. At the interval Hampton brought on Youth team player, Smith, to replace an injured Cross. In the 53rd minute Hampton conceded a scrappy goal (a common happening in this awful season), Griffiths providing the final touch. Riddell had a goal disallowed before giving Hampton a 3-2 lead with a powerful low shot, keeper Lee Stevenson unable to get down in time. With ten minutes to go, former Hampton legend, now Bedfont manager, Steve Cheshire came on to generous applause from the smattering of Hampton fans. As they say, a win’s a win!


The Old Historian