Gordon’s endure the heartbreak of a semi-final loss

Photo: Gordon’s scores a header to the back post to go 2-1 up in the game against Hampton School

Gordon’s endured the heartbreak of a semi-final loss for the second time in consecutive seasons in the ESFA U18 Trophy at Gordon’s last week.

In a thrilling encounter against Hampton School that swung gut-wrenchingly back and forth, the hosts at the school in West End, Woking went down 5-4 after extra time.

In an open, feisty match played out in blustery conditions, Gordon’s showed all their collective spirit to overcome a 4-2 deficit and force an extra 30 minutes.

But their dreams were dashed by a talented Hampton side who has swept all before them this season and held their nerve to clinch a late victory.

Last season, Gareth Hall’s team lost on penalties to Millfield at the same stage after being locked at 0-0 at the end of extra time.

Gordon’s enjoyed the better of the first half and led 2-1 at half time thanks to strikes from Joel Evans and Dan Lowe, but in a 20-minute spell after the break Hampton took full control, scoring three times to lead 4-2.

Gordon’s fought their way back into the match with further goals from Reef Peries and almost inevitably Will McKechnie – his eighth goal in six rounds of the competition.

Photo: Will McKechnie scores his eighth ESFA Trophy goal to make it 4-4 and the game goes to extra time

They even had the chance to win the game before full time when Will McKechnie was hauled down by the Hampton ’keeper and Gordon’s were awarded a penalty, but McKechnie agonisingly blasted wide.

288 teams entered the competition and to reach this stage each team had to win through seven rounds.

The First XI team will now play Wimbledon College in a County Cup quarter final with the chance to meet Hampton in the final for a rematch.

Commenting on the game, Paul King said: ‘I am immensely proud of the team and what they have achieved. Their journey to the semi-final – for the second year running – has not happened by luck: they have worked hard for it and been there for each other. They are a remarkable team and have deserved all the success in this competition.’