The ladies first team started their run in the Hampshire cup with a good win over Winchester 1s on Tuesday. Bex opened the scoring after 58 seconds, which gave us a good start. Sue C added number two just before half time. Bex got numbers three and four to complete her hat trick.
The boys under 18s met also with Winchester but despite taking an early lead through Sam Gibbs, who was on hand at the far post to slap the ball home, went down 2 - 3. Winchester grabbed one back from open play and then a second from a well worked short corner. Christ Stokes equalised from a short corner before Winchester were gifted with the winner.
With several senior players unavailable, the first eleven include Brenda Kimber and Sophie Mitchell in their squad to meet with Chichester. Chi, who had Trojan, Allie Wakefield guesting, took the lead from a short corner, despite being put under pressure during most of the early game. Southampton lost Sophie, who was having a good start to the game, retired after twenty minutes with a pulled back. Sue Crowley replaced her. Southampton drew level when Bex Sharr made a run around the back and saw the GK off her line and slipped the ball home. Southampton had dominance during the second half but could not find their way passed the Chi keeper. Brenda made good use of her opportunity showing her versatility in various roles.
The Thirds played well for their 4 - 1 win over Chichester with goals coming from Beth Davies, Kirsten Cox, Becky Thornton and Sue Quinton.
The fifths fielded two under 13s in this match with Winchester 3s, Louise Jeffcoate in goal and a debut appearance for Amy Sheehan. Both acquitted themselves well with Louise bringing off several good saves and Amy getting on a senior scoresheet for the first time in her senior career. Southampton looked all at sea for the first 15 minutes and Winchester took the opportunity to go one ahead. This seemed to wake up Southampton who got on even terms when Sheehan scored. Winchester again moved ahead and an end to end game resulted. Ten minutes from time Sabrina Black got Southampton back on even terms only to see their brave fight back dashed with seconds to go. A brilliant reaction save from Louise resulted in a long corner and Winchester deflected the cross home from two yards. Result 2 - 3.
The first team was without defender and Captain James Millar in the local encounter with Winchester 1s. Winchester dominated most of the game but it was the goal scoring duo of Chris Stokes and Kelvin Wyatt who swung the game Southampton's way, converting two of the few goal scoring chances that fell Southampton's way. The defence held strong under relentless Winchester pressure for a 2 - 0 victory.
The seconds went down to Havant seconds 1 - 4 in a game that swung end to end. Havant taking their chances where as Southampton missed theirs.
See here for the 3rd XI match report.
The fourth eleven won 3 - 2 against Trojans 3s.
The teams met on a windy afternoon at Sandhurst. Southampton 5s started well
and dominated the first half and put in a lot of shots in, only to be denied
by Yateley's keeper. Lots of good passing and a final ball from the mid-field
allowed Mike Foulds to open the score line for Southampton. Mark Cozens put
one away to give Southampton a 2 goal . but their defence were caught off
guard and Yateley pulled one back. Southampton went 3 - 1 in to the lead when
a good strike from Will Ferguson end in the net.
The second half was much the same with constant attacks from Southampton.
Will Ferguson bagged his second of the game with an excellent strike.
Southampton's fifth goal came again from Will Ferguson to complete his
hat-trick.
Again Southampton started to relax and this allowed Yateley to pull back
another goal.
A Christmas brace for Danny Foster could not stop the relentless onslaught by Fareham against the Otters. Both sides were a blend of adults and youngsters but Fareham held the balance of senior players This swayed the game in their favour. Final score 2 - 7.
The Masters enjoyed a holiday bonus by picking up three points in their match with Oxford Hawks. The defence playing a major role by keeping out the Hawks attack whilst also sending Paul Eastwood up to score one of the goals. Johnny Morris slowly returning to match fitness!!!! Getting Southampton seconds in the 2 - 1 win.
The Vets also enjoyed a Christmas bonus with Pete Terry getting on target five times and moving to the head of the club's goal scorers, ahead of Chris Stokes. Match opposition Fareham were sitting comfortably above Southampton in the league and this win gives Southampton a good boost going into the new year. Bill Stokes got Southampton other goal for a final score of 6 - 1.
Billed as the match of the weekend (in the Merry/Crowley household anyway) the under 19s first and second teams met in the league. With a full squad available the ones are quite a formidable bunch, full of county players and mostly a year older than the seconds. The second team was not phased by their opposition and competed well in midfield and defence (the attack not getting a lot of ball to show their potential). Five goals came in the first half mostly because of greater experience. Traditionally in the David and Goliath games the second half becomes a rout but the seconds fought well to keep the second half tally down to 3 for a final score of 8 - 0.
Bournemouth under 14s were unfortunately weakend by missing players and were put to the sword by Southampton for a final score of 16 - 0. With six on the scorecard at half time Southampton elected to play three touch hockey and maintain their shape. What followed was a demonstration of superb hockey leading to ten further goals. Bournemouth, to their credit never gave up t rying. Goals coming from Ollie Kinght (5), David Stokes (4) Rob O'Brien (2), Freddie Torlot (2) Alex Georgopulos, James Please and Sam Hiscock (first for club).
The second under 14s lost 5 - 0 to Andover firsts. Martin Zownir bravely put on the GK pads for the first time (thanks).
The under 12 boys enjoyed a great game with Winchester losing 4 - 3. Winchester drew first and last blood with goals going alternately.
Final training before Christmas this Tuesday (don't forget your tinsel and to stop in the bar after training).
Best Wishes for the holiday, have a good break and remember we at the Sports Centre on Boxing day (now at the later time of 10am, by popular request)
Roger Merry