Recap
Match report from Mo Hopkins:
A dominant and clinical performance on the first teams last home game of the season saw us secure an emphatic 6–0 victory, with Acey Mead at the heart of everything.
We made the perfect start, opening the scoring through Mead, who finished superbly after a well-worked move involving Lindsay and Hansford to make it 1–0. The second soon followed, with Mead again heavily involved in the build-up alongside Hansford, this time setting up Rhys Hayward for a sharp and composed finish to double our advantage.
It was a controlled first period, where, in truth, a more clinical edge could have seen the scoreline even more convincing.
Our visitors attempted to respond after the break, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished. A slick combination between Lindsay and Mead carved open the defence, allowing Dan Lismore to beat both the back line and the goalkeeper for 3–0.
The fourth goal showcased more excellent attacking play. A powerful run from Gumbo stretched the opposition, and Mead’s clever pass picked out Finn Hansford’s front-post run, with Hansford applying a cool finish to make it 4–0.
The fifth was another superb team goal, as Mead linked up neatly with Lismore in a quick give-and-go. Lismore’s perfectly weighted return pass sent Mead through the defensive line, and he made no mistake with the finish.
Mead was not to be denied his hat-trick. After being brought down by the goalkeeper, he stepped up confidently to convert the penalty himself and complete a standout individual performance at 6–0.
The match also provided a great opportunity to introduce three of our U18 players following their recent 16th birthdays. Lewis Townsend featured alongside skipper Josh Prowse, Ollie Legg came on for the ever-reliable Hayward, and Lucas Southall replaced Olly Murray in goal. Liam Gilbert added energy through the centre, while Declan Evans came on for the hat-trick hero Mead.
There were also strong, responsible performances throughout from Eddie Townsend, Mitch Kearley, and Louie Ward, contributing to a thoroughly professional display.
Man of the Match deservedly went to Acey Mead, who was involved in every goal and capped his performance with an excellent hat-trick.