Brilliant sport even if Hungerford were edged out

In a thrilling, end-to-end encounter played under challenging wet and windy conditions on a plastic pitch Sholing edged out Hungerford 5–3 the game packed with drama, goals and momentum swings.

Hungerford debutant goalkeeper Jenson Kilroy was tested early when a stinging free kick from Sholing’s Michael Folivi rattled the post. The opening goal came after ten minutes; Vinnie Tume gave Sholing the lead, slotting past Kilroy from a tight angle after Hungerford’s defence allowed him too much space.

Hungerford responded with a scrappy but deserved goal. Joe Shepherd’s header was flicked on by Fabio Lopes and, despite efforts from keeper Declan McCarthy, the ball found its way in.

Sholing retook the lead after half an hour. Jake McCarthy’s clever pass around the corner released Folivi, who powered through to restore the home side’s advantage.

In the second half, Hungerford were soon level again. A long throw from George Smith caused chaos in the box and Harry Williams pounced to smash home the equaliser. However, there was soon penalty drama at the other end. A quick break saw Folivi fouled in the box and he converted the resulting penalty himself to make it 3–2.

Sholing got a quickfire fourth goal with a costly error from George Smith that gifted Jake McCarthy an easy finish to extend Sholing’s lead by two goals again. But Hungerford fought back and with fifteen minutes to go made it 4-3 when Louis McGrory’s deep cross was met by Diamond Edwards, who rifled the ball into the roof of the net to reduced the deficit to a single goal again. It was a final blow to Hungerford, however, with ten minutes to go when McCarthy struck again, exploiting more defensive lapses to seal the win for Sholing.

Hungerford continued to press, with a strong penalty shout for Bancroft, who was fouled but it was given outside the box. Also a goal-bound header from Reegan Messenger scrambled off the line in stoppage time. The match resembled a basketball game in its relentless pace but Hungerford will rue their individual errors that ultimately cost them.

Hungerford may have come away empty-handed but their performance in a pulsating 5–3 defeat was anything but short of heart, fight, and attacking flair. Yes, individual errors proved costly but the attacking momentum, team spirit and never-say-die attitude offer plenty of positives to build on. With performances like this, the results will surely follow!