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The reserves unbeaten run finally come to an end against local rivals Bedfont. A close game was just edged by The Orchardmen.
As early as the 5th minute the Bedfont forwards created a chance but the striker scuffed his shot. Hampton replied with an attack with a smart bit of play from Louis-Rae dinking the ball through but Joey's header went wide.
Hampton nearly went a goal down when a swift break and a quick one-two left the Bedfont striker through on goal but his run was stopped short by the linesman's flag. However it wasn't long before Bedfont got their noses in front. Having won a free-kick near the corner flag the low driven cross got the feintest of flicks - but that was enough to divert the ball into the Hampton net.
Hampton immediately tried to level with Troy holding up the ball well and passing to Ashley, who made a strong run but his shot was wide. Bedfont nearly doubled their lead when with their forward clean through on goal he looked set to score but somehow horribly mis-kicked the ball allowing the defenders to clear. Hampton had their best spell of play just before the interval - Otis Taylor created a chance with a deep cross into the box, Stitch came in at the far post - controlled the ball and went past the full back but pulled his shot wide.
The reward came in first half injury time Louis-Rae partly mis-hit his shot in the area but the fall fell nicely for Joey to sweetly hit the ball home with power.

H-T Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 Bedfont 1

Hampton nearly got off to a fast start in the second half when Troy had a half chance but it was Bedfont who got their noses in front. A deep cross from the Bedfont left found their forward in plenty of space to plant his header home.
Neither side could truly get a grip on the game - and was competitive but never niggly. Both sides were working their socks - Hampton to get back in the game - Bedfont to preserve their lead. Both sides made their alloted substitutions but some were suffering from cramp before the end - such was the effort.
Chances though were few and far between. Stitch put in a cracking low cross - but nobody was able to get a toe-end on it to direct it goalwards. Bedfont had a chance to seal the game when clever footwork by the Bedfont player gave himself space to attempt a chip - but this was comfortably saved by Joe.
The last chance fell to Hampton when Stitch's cross/shot nearly the caught the keeper out of position but he recovered to tip the ball over.

F-T Hampton & Richmond Borough 1 Bedfont 2

Normally I wouldn't do this in a match report in singling out a player for praise as this is a team effort all round. That being said Billy Witham was outstanding against Bedfont.

1. Joe Talbot
2. Otis Taylor (16. Abu Rayhan 56mins)
3. Ashley Quashie
4. Billy Witham
5. Ashley Lawrence (14. James Brown 70mins)
6. Luke Kanjor (c)
7. Romayne 'Stitch' Thomas
8. Louis-Rae Beadle
9. Joey Collewijn
10. Troy Powell (15. James Bailey 60mins)
11. Larry Adaje

Subs not used
12. Ola Ilensanmi
17. Dayo Junaid