ESFA: ROAD TO THE FINAL

The First XI enjoyed a remarkable 2022-23 season, ultimately culminating in ESFA glory. Harry McLusky reflects on the succesful campaign, which saw the First XI outperforming 370 other teams to reach the prestigious final.

The challenging nature of this tournament was immediately proven in the first round, back in September, with Hampton’s stamina and skill being put to the test by a very strong Richard Challoner side. The game was entertaining to say the least, with the two teams being all-square at 3-3 after 90 minutes. Nonetheless, Hampton eventually prevailed, with a brilliant run from Josh King and a goal from Jamie Wilson to send us through late on.

As the squad grew in quality, results dramatically improved. A brilliant attacking performance against Ditton Park Academy gave Hampton an 8-0 victory in the second round, which was followed up by another comfortable 5-0 victory in a local derby against Kingston Grammar School.

Hampton’s star-studded attack continued to shine in the fourth round, putting nine past LVS Ascot, before progressing to the sixth round thanks to a comfortable 4-1 victory over Glyn School. So far, so good for the First XI, with excitement starting to build as they moved into the latter stages of the tournament.

Alleyn’s School came next – yet another fierce rivalry. The game was closely matched throughout, but a clinical penalty from Wilson as well as goals from Toby North and Kyan Soni gave Hampton a 3-0 win, putting us through to the quarter-finals.

A four hour round trip for the First XI was required for their next opponent, St Thomas More High School. The opponent's fans turned up in their masses, and the home side took the lead early on.

Despite the long journey, Hampton demonstrated their resilience, with Conrad Knight saving a key penalty, before initiating a momentous comeback. Hampton ended up putting six past their opponents, silencing the crowd and sending us through to the semi-finals.

Forest School were Hampton’s final hurdle before reaching the final – a team the latter had lost to early in the season. However, Hampton dug in, taking a 2-0 half-time lead thanks to goals from North (the centre-back’s fifth of the tournament) and Adam Coombs, top-scorer of the season so far. Despite a late Forest comeback, Coombs stepped up to the plate late on, tapping home from close range to give Hampton a 3-2 lead, and a place in the final.