CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND

Hampton's sporting year was topped off by the First XI lifting the ESFA trophy for the second time in four years. Vishal Saha and Josh Hood relive the drama from the Stoke City stadium.

The stage was set for a nail-biting finale as the 2022-23 First XI took to the pitch for the final time, determined to reclaim their ESFA title. Certainly not lacking support, the boys had the backing of over 700 loud and vocal fans. After the three hour trip to the Stoke City Stadium, the stands filled up ready for kick-off against Shrewsbury School.

Hampton made the brighter and more energetic start. A minute in, Toby North made a long ball to number ten, Jamie Wilson who, after a successful one-on-one battle with the Shrewsbury defender, squared it to Adam Coombs, whose shot was unfortunately blocked.

However, moments later, luck turned Hampton’s way in the form of a counter-attack. A pinpoint through ball from Aaron Mills reached Johnny Evans-Hutchison, who after a clever one-two with Coombs, trickled the ball forwards to Ben Robinson, who cooly buried it in the bottom corner. The yellow wall of Hampton erupted in triumph, delighted to see their side take such an early lead.

Determined to level the score, Shrewsbury began to make progress, advancing into Hampton territory. The Shrewsbury defence sent a perfectly lofted ball over the Hampton players, which their number 12 deftly received. He struck the ball with great power and accuracy towards the goal, but to Shrewsbury’s frustration, it was no match for Conrad Knight’s lightning-fast reflexes. Knight reacted swiftly and pushed the ball away from the post, resulting in a corner kick for Shrewsbury.