Hambledon ran out comfortable winners in the first of two consecutive league ties against Laleham & Kempton reserves. In the shadow of Kempton Park racecourse, the Dons overcame tremendous adversity, showing an admirable team ethic and resilience to get back to winning ways and get their season back on track. Early goals from debutant Paul Boxall and man of the match Dean Knight helped to settle any nerves before Freddie Forrest-Foster headed past Matt Mullins to make the game interesting just after half time. The Dons ultimately put the game to bed after Elijah Taylor headed home Dean Knight’s corner and Paul Cook calmly finished after cutting in from the right. There was still time for Mike Waugh to fire into his own net to end an entertaining encounter that was played in good spirits throughout - a stark contrast to the previous league outing against Surrey Dynamos.

It has been a tough three weeks for the Dons; losing out to fellow promotion hopefuls in the league, before crashing out of the cup to local rivals Milford and Witley. Preparation for this game was hardly ideal either. A record ten players unavailable through injury and half the match-day squad carrying knocks, suffering from illness or working their way back to full fitness. A raft of changes was made but the back line had a familiar look to it still. Alex Mussell and Mike Waugh, who was still struggling with an abdominal strain were paired in defence ahead of the ever present Matt Mullins in goal with Jono Hill (back from an ankle injury) and Ben Taggart (still carrying a knock to the knee) completing the back four. Freddie Forrest-Foster, making his long anticipated return and George Shiangoli started in the midfield for the first time since the away victory at Hampton back in October, along with ‘A’ team debutant Paul Boxall. Dean Knight started as the lone striker with inverted wingers Elijah Taylor and Paul Cook providing support in attack. Adam Cook and Dominic O’Donnell completed the subs bench, along with Julian Robinson - manfully taking his place in the squad only two weeks after being released from hospital.

From the first whistle, Hambledon proceeded to take apart their opponents with ruthless dexterity, something that had been lacking in recent weeks. Barely five minutes were on the clock before Paul Cook cut in from the left wing and his cross was met by the late run of Paul Boxall for a debut goal. Only a few minutes later, the lead was doubled. A great corner from Freddie Forrest-Foster, was met at the back post by the head of Dean Knight. The ball skewed off the post and with it spinning over the line, the Laleham & Kempton defender hacked the clearance into the back of his own defender to rebound into the net, leaving no doubt over the goal.

Past the half hour mark, George’s hamstring had given up on him, who was duly replaced by Dominic O’Donnell. Hambledon saw out the remainder of the half with relative ease, Matt Mullins only needing to comfortably deal with a well struck free kick from the edge of the box.
Half time passed with no changes, only for Carlo to warn that the next goal was the key to the match. Freddie Forrest-Foster duly obliged with it, only for it to nestle in the wrong net. A deep free kick into the Dons box was met by Freddie’s head, only for it to loop over the stranded Matt Mullins. Jono Hill did try to acrobatically clear it off the line, but unfortunately missed. The goal could’ve been the catalyst for Kempton to grow in confidence, but if anything it kicked the Dons back into action. Hambledon kept the ball and strung together passages of play that were a joy to behold. Freddie had a good effort on the edge of the box that went narrowly over, before Elijah Taylor extended the lead, stooping low in the six yard box to head home Dean Knight’s pinpoint delivery.

Soon after, the contest was effectively over as Paul Cook added icing to the cake with a well taken goal after cutting in from the right. Adam Cook was introduced for the final half hour as the Dons took the sting out of the game, Paul Boxall’s tireless performance giving the team a much needed engine in the midfield. Dominic O’Donnell went on a marauding run down the right as he looked to add a fifth, and Dean Knight was unlucky to see his near post shot well blocked.

Laleham & Kempton did get reward in the final ten minutes for their plucky display. A corner from the right was superbly blocked on the line by Jono Hill, Matt Mullins was then quickest to react smothering the follow up shot, but both were powerless to stop a rocket from Mike Waugh that flew into the top corner.

Nonetheless, an excellent win for Hambledon. Even more encouraging was the fact that their passing game, which had eluded them the previous three weeks, was back and every player took responsibility for making a difference in the game. The same opponents visit Holloway Hill next week and if the Dons can record back to back victories for the first time this year, it’ll start putting pressure on the two teams above them who are still yet to play each other.
COYDs!