I’m not entirely sure why, but I was very much looking forward to this game. Partly because I thought it was just up the road, turned out to be a 2 hour train journey….but to be honest, it was definitely worth it.

I won’t write a full match report because this article sums it up far better than I could recall off the top of my head, but I would like make a few individual mentions for players who particularly impressed me.

Before I move onto those players however, I think Alan Devonshire’s name should be chucked into the hat. The guy is a legend (in the truest sense of the word) and I think the way that he conducted his players this evening was praiseworthy. I’m sure they didn’t need too much firing up being that we were the first Premiership club that Hampton and Richmond Borough have played in their history, but each and every one of they players put it a gutsy and full performance…giving at times our players a run for their money. It made for a brilliant match, so hats off to everyone involved in the game tonight.

Although before I carry on, the groundsman could definitely purchase some insect repellent for the flood lights. Nightmare.

As for our team’s performance. Again, highly praisworthy. It was clearly a game of two halves, but in general here are the individuals who stood out to me:

Craig Bellamy

This guy put it 100% in the running department. And I think generally 100% effort too. It could have been all too easy for players to take a relaxed mentality into the game but Bellars was all over the park. It was great to see him back. He obviously got the two goals also, the second in my opinion requiring a good finish.

Also feel particularly sorry for the linesman in the first half who had to suffer Bellamy’s wrath after giving two offside desicions against him. But for me, that spoke volumes about his dedication to the cause tonight…hate to be the linesan when the game means something!

Anton Ferdinand and Callum Davenport

I realise that we shipped two goals. The first was an outstanding strike, the second very messy. I’ve got Anton on this list however based on his clear desire to play for our club. He put in a very mature and professional performance and it would be a real shame if we did end up getting rid of him. I personally don’t think we will, but you never know!

And as for Davenport, I spend a lot of the first half convinced that ‘out other centre back must have been Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson’ because I could not believe that a player who has recovered from a broken neck only this year could put in such a brave performance. He was getting his head to crosses, he was making runs and he was mopping up after Lucase Neill during large parts of the match. And he was the only player to play the full 90mins. Credit to the fella and I hope he gets a look in next year as I have always been a fan of the way he plays.

Joe Widdowson

Great to see this youngster get a game from the start. Watching him play this evening reminded me of when Glenn Johnson broke into the first team…but at left back. He was quick on his feet, calm with the ball (most of the time) and had (from what I could make out) a good footballing brain.

Although I don’t think that George McCartney’s place is in any immediate danger, it is very encouraging to know that we don’t have to rely on Spector as our only replacement left back.

Generally I was highly encouraged by the game. The scoreline was irrelevant to a certain degree because we managed to field a lot of youngsters and many first team regulars. The youngsters who all came on played their part in a full-bodied match, our future players are showing promise. As per usual!

Encouraged

Sam

Quick mention to the West Ham supporters who made their way over to the ground to…great turnout!

A percentage of the proceeds from each ticket sold tonight was donated to the charity, African Revival. Hampton and Richmond FC, we applaud the cause!