F.A Youth Cup match report: HUFA vs Carshalton Athletic U18

Report by Dan Rose, Ark 6th Form student

The Football Academy began their 2015/16 season campaign with a well-deserved 6-3 win at home to a physical Carshalton side in the F.A Youth Cup. The U’s started brightly with an early goal from left winger Bradlee Mepham after some well-crafted build up play from the United midfield.

Carshalton didn’t take long to respond however, after a well struck free-kick caused havoc within the United defence finding its way into the Hastings goal, bringing the scores level at 1-1.

Carshalton took the lead around half an hour into the first half after a quick counter attack and some good attacking play, ending off with a defence-splitting pass leaving the Carshalton striker one-on-one with Hastings’ keeper Dan Rose who was unable to save the close range attempt. 2-1

It didn’t take long for the U’s to equalise. Brandon Miah scoring a fantastic individual goal after beating three of the Carshalton back line, topping it off with a composed finish. 2-2

United took the lead just before the interval with a second goal from Bradlee Mepham. A good strike from just outside the 18 yard box, after an unselfish pass across goal from Charlie Ball when he could have easily taken the opportunity himself. United went in at half time 3-2 leaders.

The U’s again began the superior side in the second half, Joe Brister providing an aerial threat against Carshalton’s small full-back, and it wasn’t long until Hastings pushed their noses further in front. Bradlee Mepham swinging a corner towards the back post which at first seemed to fly straight in the net. However, after looking at the photographs of the game and discussing with the dubious goal’s committee. The goal was awarded to Brandon Miah, who just flicked the ball past the Carshalton goalkeeper at the back post. 4-2

Carshalton weren’t going to give up without a fight. The game was brought back within a goal after a mistake by the U’s keeper left an open goal for Carshalton to simply pass the ball into. 4-3

Carshalton nearly equalised minutes after, when a corner was swung out to the edge of the box and struck with venom at the United goal forcing a good save from Dan Rose.

Hastings dominated much of the game after this, with attempts from the entire front three, and Bradlee Mepham getting a very well deserved hat-trick, neatly slotting home from 10 yards after a fantastic long pass from right-back Ben Cornelius.

Charlie Ball finished proceedings with a goal of his own. Holding the ball up on the edge of the Carshalton box; turning on a six-pence in order to create space to pass the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.