HAMPTON 0 - 4 COTON GREEN

 

      MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE, DIVISION TWO

     The Boggery, Hampton Sports Club, Field Lane, Solihull, B94 5DX

                      12th March, 2022      3:00 Kick-Off

Well my trip today is definitely a case of lastminute.com as my first plan was to visit the ground of West Midlands League club, Sikh Hunters who play at Long Lane Park north of Walsall.

Unfortunately when I was checking out the bus times late on Friday, I found out that because of road works taking place at Perry Bar, it was affecting the journey times. So I decided to go elsewhere and then later on 'The Hunters' secretary kindly informed me that the game was called off anyway due to a waterlogged pitch.

In the end Iv'e decided to keep things simple and pop down the road to nearby Solihull and visit Hampton for their clash v 2nd placed Coton Green who I have never watched before.

When I get in to Solihull on a fine but still cool day, I see that there is a street market with plenty of food stalls of varying cuisines. In the end I plump for a light meal in the cafe of the local Theatre and then get some cheese cake from one of the stalls in the market.

I get the X 12 bus from the town centre (15 minutes late) and walk in to the ground with 10 minutes to spare. When I go in to the club house, there are definitely more people here than when I last visited in January, which is good to see.

After using the toilet I go outside and pay my entrance fee and go to the left hand side of the pitch. I get talking to a lone spectator there and he says he's seen me before, probably at nearby Knowle FC last autumn. During our short conversation he tells me that the probable champions of this division,Cadbury Athletic, haved declined promotion so that gives Coton Green a big incentive to make sure of a 2nd place finish. 

The teams come out on the field with Hampton decked out in their usual home kit of red & white striped shirts, black shorts and red & white socks. Coton Green are in their 2nd strip of mint green shirts, blue shorts and socks.

As Coton Green (who come from that district in Tamworth) are doing so well this season, I predict an away win of at least 0-2. 

The first half sees Hampton doing well and trouble the visitor's defence on several occasions but Coton Green look dangerous on the break.

    I'm beginning to wonder if Hampton can spring a surprise like the last time I watched them when they won their local derby v near neighbours Knowle FC ?

For the last 20 minutes of this half, Coton begin to dominate the play and force a series of corners but the hosts manage to keep them out. 

Their defence finally cracks in the 41st minute when Coton's No.10, Harry Howard, goes on a mazy run through the middle before poking the ball past the advancing Hampton keeper, Mark Allely. 

It's a fine goal to break the deadlock and Howard is rightly ecstatic in his celebrations, especially as it's his debut appearance for the 'Green Army'! 

On the stroke of half time, Howard volleys the ball at the far post from a corner on the left but Charlie Noakes is credited with the goal as he's adjudged to have had the final touch before the ball crosses the line.

So the visitors at half time find themselves in the driving seat and it's going to take a big effort for Hampton to get back in this game, especially as they have a general difficulty in scoring many goals this season.

When play resumes, Coton Green are very much on top and determined to ensure they win today.

In the 52nd minute they surely put this game to bed when their No.3, Jay Payne, goes down the left wing and cuts the ball back inside for the skipper, Corey Powell to shoot home. Another fine goal for the visitor's.

          (Jay Payne on his way to passing the ball for the 3rd goal)

Mr. Payne is involved again with the 4th goal for 'The Green Army' as his assist enables their No.11, Chris Lloyd to place the ball in to the right hand corner of the net just 3 minutes later.

This purple patch just before and just after half time has produced 4 goals and their captain is urging them to score more.

Hampton to their credit do get more in to the game and go close with efforts in the 71st and 78th minutes.

Hampton are unable to breach the visitor's defence though and Coton Green come away with a comfortable win, which strengthens their position as their nearest rivals, Knowle, have drawn today at leaders Cadbury Athletic. This puts Coton Green six points ahead of them and 3 points behind Cadbury but having played 2 games more.

Hampton are now in 12th place just 4 points ahead of the basement boys of Bolehall Swifts but I think they should be safe of relegation, if they could only score more goals!

They have a nice ground at Field Lane and I wonder if they are looking to install some floodlights in the future?

Match attendance:         76

Entrance fee:                 £3 

Match programme:        none available

Entertainment value:     7/10