Match report by George Shiangoli:

On Saturday, the Dons well and truly clicked into gear and ultimately made a big statement for the rest of season. It felt like the old Hambledon of last year was back; playing with swagger and panache that was a joy to behold. If anything, there was a sense that the team had found its feet and rhythm as the campaign entered the crucial pre-festive part of the season.

Maybe it was the familiar sight of Andy Parkin bulldozing about and dominating the middle of the park, or Lawrence Bourke trying to nutmeg anyone that came within few yards of him (picking up from where Devon MacMillan left off), but confidence oozed from every Don on a soaking wet afternoon at the Rec.

The suspense had been building all week in anticipation for this clash of the Waverley titans. Hammered at Broadwater Park earlier in the season, Milford & Witley’s form had improved of late, and they were out to reclaim the derby bragging rights. The venue was a windswept Witley Recreation ground, perched against the dramatic backdrop of the Surrey hills, the storm clouds can be seen rolling in from the distance. This promised to be a cup tie like no other, winner takes all (or at least progresses to the next round). Rain, wind and thunder were forecast. The man in charge was acquainted with the Dons, a chequered relationship it has to be said. Who knew what he was going to pull out of the bag today with his decisions? The team were pumped. Freddie Forrest-Foster was all strapped up and ready to go, Lewis Gunner was super hyped, despite not taking his medicine, Lawrence Bourke drank his water, Sammy Coombe had his tape, Sweets was looking sharp, Carlo brought his brolly. It had all the makings of an entertaining spectacle. The crowd assembled before kick off in their droves (it was sunny at the time), anticipating an entertaining and fiercely fought contest.

But, as it turned out, the Dons put their neighbours to the sword for the second time this season. If anything, the first encounter was probably closer. From the off, Adam Palenicek, fresh from his midweek training, got into his groove, as did Andy Parkin who looked like he had never been away, let alone half way around the world. We hadn’t even reached the 5 minute mark yet when he was afforded the freedom of the six yard box to power in a header from Sam Simmons’ pinpoint corner.

A lot of finger pointing and yelling was evident within the Milford & Witley ranks but it did little to stem the flow. Next up, Lawrence Bourke found himself totally unmarked on the edge of the area. He picked his spot, scuffed the shot, it bobbled down the middle, the keeper managed to scoop it into the bottom corner anyway. 2-0 and the Dons were coasting and in control. Adam Cook enters the fray. After his cricketing exploits during the summer, the Rec was almost a home from home for him and he instantly became at ease within his surroundings. The opposite can be said for the home side however. Lewis Gunner with a rare foray forward unleashed a pile driver that unfortunately was straight down the keeper’s throat.

Lawrence Bourke found himself in the box with another jinking run where he skinned the same defender twice. However he tried to do too much and the attack fizzled out. At the other end Matt Mullins was merely a spectator for the first 40mins of the game. He could’ve been forgiven for dozing off but was called into action twice in a matter of seconds. The Milford & Witley number 3 couldn’t believe his luck when he was given the freedom of the pitch, carrying the ball from his own half all the way to the edge of the box. A good strike from the angle was well saved by Mullins, and he was sharply back on his feet to smother the rebound - sign of a good keeper that, staying alert even with little to do. That was about as good as it got for the home side in terms of open play.

Adam Cook did his best attempt to unsettle the opposition keeper by charging into him rugby style. A few minutes later the tactic almost paid off but he connected too well with Sam Simmons’ pull back, just missing the angle of post and bar. Half time came, and with it so did the forecasted storm.

To be fair the pitch held up pretty well to the waterfall that ensued. The spectators for the time being stuck with it; the game was just too riveting to take your eyes off. Jono Hill even picked this day of all days to come out and cheer on the Dons. However, after Ollie Jones made it 0-3 after latching onto Sam Simmons’ through ball and rounding the keeper, the game ceased to be a contest. Elijah Taylor’s full back gave up running forward after failing at the third attempt to take him on. Another Milford & Witley attacker tried his best impression at a Roberto Carlos-esque free kick, only he forgot to add any spin, or power, or direction to the ball. Alex Mussell smashed every glimmer of attacking threat posed by the home side away.

Shivering on the sidelines, and with every player thoroughly soaked, the ref could’ve called time on the game. 3-0 down, Milford & Witley didn’t look like scoring, everyone goes home with their health still intact. However, the man with the whistle seemed to have other ideas…

So Milford & Witley were given a penalty, and they scored. Sam Simmons was having none of it and made it 4-1. Milford & Witley were given another penalty, and they missed. Sam Simmons then made it 5-1. Although it was a slight irritation not to keep a clean sheet, it was a job well done and Ben Taggart was rewarded with his patience and effort by assisting the final two goals. Julian Robinson made the most of the slick surface during his cameo appearance and Mark Sweetland got some invaluable practice in the middle of the park, learning his trade under the tutelage of the experienced Freddie Forrest-Foster.

5-1 was by no means flattering. The Dons could’ve had a heap more goals if they really wanted to. Sammy Coombe made a lung busting run forward but was unfortunately not found otherwise he would’ve had a tap in. But for the penalties, Milford & Witley didn’t pose any threat going forward. Alex Mussell and Lewis Gunner snuffed everything out. Andrew Michelmore was a solid presence at full-back throughout, his understanding with Sam Simmons profusely telepathic.

Overall a very satisfying victory: Hambledon arguably had their best performance of the season, the players were able to test out their studs, Matt Mullins got in some penalty practice, and the away fans go home happy, eagerly awaiting the next round draw.

COYDs!

Hambledon FC

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