Basingstoke Take The Spoils In Six Pointer - Hampton And Richmond Borough vs. Basingstoke

Dusk at The Beveree Stadium

As I was going to be having a second consecutive Saturday without a game, I was keen to see a midweek game. I opted for the Blue Square South match between Hampton and Richmond Borough and Basingstoke. The match was vital for both sides for different reasons. The home side needed a win to escape the relegation zone and the visitors needed a win to give themselves the best chance of claiming the final play off place. I'd visited Hampton and Richmond previously in my first season in London and although I can't remember who they played, I remember that they won 4-0.

Hampton attack the end housing their supporters in the first half.

Hampton are unlucky not to take an early lead when an effort from outside the box hits the post with the keeper beaten. The game is quite scrappy and Basingstoke have their first chance when an effort is deflected just wide after the winger cuts inside. They have another chance following a quick break but the effort goes just wide. Shortly afterwards Hampton aren't as lucky when following another quick break, the keeper is beaten by a neat finish. Towards the end of the half Hampton have a great chance to equalise but the Basingstoke keeper preserves his side's lead when he makes a near post save.

The dugout side of the ground.

Hampton start on the front foot in the second half and a free kick is saved by the Basingstoke goalie. The visitors think they've gone further ahead but their effort from a corner is ruled out by the referee. They don't have to wait long for the second to goal to come. Another corner is not cleared and the ball is lashed home. Basingstoke then try and see out the game but Hampton still look for the goal which would get them right back in to the game. They go close with a header from a corner and Basingstoke also have another chance on the break. In the final moments the Basingstoke keeper makes one last save and his team claim three valuable points.

Hampton look for a goal in the second half.

The Beveree Stadium is a ten minute walk from Hampton Station. Trains to Hampton depart from Waterloo and take around 35 minutes. On the walk to the ground you pass The Railway Bell, which is a bit gastro puby but is still decent. The clubhouse is quite large and has a good choice of drinks. I can definatly recommend the bacon burgers from the kitchen. I have to congratulate the referee on how he refereed the game and allowed a very good game of football to flow.

The Beveree Stadium under lights