Hambledon welcomed Windlesham to Badger Park. With the visitors enjoying a very good record at Badger Park in recent seasons.
Charlie Reddick was introduced to the starting XI with Jonny Suarez making way to the bench. In an otherwise unchanged side from last week’s defeat to Chertsey. Hambledon despite a good warm up were slow to get going down the slope.

But they had their first chance on the 9th minute after Seb put a great cross in from the right which Kuda couldn’t quite get on the end of and Charlie Reddick looped a header just over from the rebound. Windlesham were clearing up for it with their number 7 putting in some robust challenges in the middle. And old foe John Goulter being a magnet for the ball in the middle of the park.

The Dons thought they had the lead when Tom Winter smashed a free kick onto the under side of the bar but video evidence provided it bounced to safety for Winlesham. With Charlie Redddick putting the follow up just over.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frnBor4v_OM

Hambledon had a couple more chances with Seb Jefferies dragging a shot wide and Adam Rogers just failing to play Kuda through. Windlesham had a game plan. Get it long to the young quick striker as quickly as possible. The Dons had a warning of this with Josh Hill saving well. But on the 29th minute he shrugged Robbie Green off too easily to slip the striker in who finished well.

30 minutes gone and the Dons found themselves 1-0 down against the run of play. Next up was one of many controversial moments in the game. Chris Woodley found a lovely ball over the top and Seb was through he knocked it past the on rushing keeper and was clipped just on the edge of the box. He managed to pick himself up to look to square for a Kuda tap in but the ref blew for a foul.
Despite the keeper being the last man he was even spoken to let alone a Red card. In the resulting freekick the Dons had a good shout for a handball and penalty but again nothing.

Half Time and somehow Hambledon were 1-0 down and Windlesham had the full complement of players.

The Dons started very brightly and Kuda had two early chances first the defender managed to get back for an excellent block before Charlie Reddick played him in but this time he saw his shot wide. Windlesham were still a threat on the break using the pace of the young striker and Hambledon had Josh Hill to thank for keeping them in the game with two excellent saves.

Charlie and Kuda were combining well and this time Charlie was through but his powerful shot destined for the top corner swung away at the last minute. Another key moment in the game. The number 7 who had been dishing it out all game and telling our players to stop crying then reacted very badly when he got a taste of his own medicine.

Adam went in very late but made no contact. The Number 7 swung at Rogers then grabbed his throat and then had him in a head lock. Players were separated in the ensuing mealy. With the ref showing both player a yellow. Again letter of law you raise your hands it is a red. Raise them three times and seems a yellow. Hey ho.

To protect Adam he was subbed with Paul Wicks replacing him. Soon after Windlesham were two up when they broke down the left. Quick winger beat Wooders and was away from Neil. He cut the ball back with Wicksy trying to block for the midfielder to tuck home.

2-0 Windlesham.

Hambledon too their credit kept pushing for that elusive goal and finally had it when Kuda when through on goal was taken out by the experienced number 3 for a penalty. Despite being last man he was shown just the yellow. With Kuda being fouled. Neil Evans took the responsibility and duly scored to make it 2-1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESgCkBKajWY

Suarez came on for Charlie Reddick as the Dons pushed for the equalizer. They nearly had it after an excellent ball from Neil Evans found Tom Winter he cut in from the right, just round the keeper despite being clipped and pulled the ball back for Kuda. 2 Defenders throw themselves at the ball to somehow block the shot.

Connor Martin came on for Tom Winter as the Dons continued to push but to no avail with the final score 2-1 to Windlesham and their Badger Park Hoodoo over Hambledon continues.

The Dons were left ruing what could have been and how the visitors ended the match with 11. They will need to bounce straight back away to Old Salesians if they are to keep pace at the right end of the table.
MOM – Neil Evans. The two best players on the pitch had a combined age of nearly 90!!!

COYDS