HAMPSHIRE VS GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Hampshire Colleges are through to the English Schools FA Under-18 County Trophy quarter-finals after an outstanding 1-0 win over Gloucestershire at Cirencester Town’s superb Corinium Stadium
Farnborough’s Jake Wilson, pictured, hit Hampshire’s second half winner to tee up a last eight home tie against either Kent or Norfolk (playing at Maidstone United today).
“Gloucestershire were a powerful side with three England Under-18 internationals and two others from Ghana, so it was some result,” enthused county manager Luke Hampton.
Ironically, Hampshire could have behind in the opening few minutes – Peter Symonds’ goalkeeper Josh Toombs going from zero to hero after conceding a penalty.
He came flying out of his goal and brought down a Gloucestershire forward – but redeemed himself by making a fine save from the resulting penalty.
Hampshire settled into the game after that and started to play some good football, creating several good chances, the best of which fell to Josh McCormick (Portsmouth) who rounded the Gloucestershire keeper but couldn't score from a tight angle.
The pattern of the game continued in the second half with both teams having their chances, but on 70 minutes Hampshire managed to get in front with what turned out to be the winning goal.
Itchen’s Jean-Luc Ramdin got in on the right and cut the ball across goal for Jake Wilson to tap in at the back post. Gloucs pressed in the last 20 minutes and missed a great chance in stoppage time, but in truth, despite having large spells of possession they struggled to break down a well organized, disciplined and hard working Hampshire team. In fact, the visitors had two or three great chances to kill the game off but couldn't find the net in the latter stages.
“It was our third clean sheet in four games this season, and is by far the best collective team performance in the last three years,” Hampton added.
“It was a great team/squad effort and every player contributed.
“There were particularly big performances from the back four, especially Portsmouth’s pair Connor Morley and Henry Jordan, while Barton Peveril’s Alex Haynes, Ryan Penny (Sparsholt) and Jean-Luc Ramdin (Itchen) were immense in midfield.”