2024/25 FA Youth Cup Provides 7 Wonderful Experiences.
Last Wednesday, our U18s played out and hugely entertaining and skilful game of football at rainy Merstham which had over 500 fans glued to the action. Hill might have eventually bowed out of the competition that night, but boy did they give it everything.
Hill started the adventure on 12th September on a balmy evening at Broadbridge Heath. After a slow start to the match Flecther Fane smashed home a wicked free kick late in the 1st half. Hill turned on the style to win ten nil. A week later the whole squad, management and fans were on the team bus travelling to the Charles Ground Deal. It turned into a super night for the club as Hill overcame a slow start to score eight goals. Hoffmann scored a brilliant brace, but the plaudits came for Luca Oliva swept home a thrilling hat trick. The trip back was a very joyous affair with Club President Peter Miles and Vice Chairman John Goss on board.
On 3rd October Hills cup run gathered some serious momentum with a standout one nil home victory against Maidstone. While Maidstone lost two players to red cards Hill kept their shape and cool. Noah Hoffmann found a yard of space on 23 mins to smash home the only goal of the game. On the 17th October defender Kai Birchley became the hero to thump home a late winner in a breathtaking tie at home to Erith. In perhaps the best match of the series both teams played some excellent football, the scores locked at one one going into injury time. The Home Call erupted as Kia shimmied and then hit an unstoppable shot on the angle. On 7th November the team were back on the road at Maidenhead. Damian Theodore made one and then scored a wondergoal mid-way through the 2nd half as Hill took a two one lead. Maidenhead scored very late doors to take it to penalties. Hill Keeper Sonni Nealgrove saved three penalties as Hill went through. On 27th November 440 fans packed into the Home Call to welcome Colchester United. United flew out the box to take an early two nill lead. Jake King found a lifeline on 45 mins. Then Harry Lawson bundled home the equaliser. Once again Sonni Nealgrove the penalty hero at Hill progressed to a date at Merstham.
A rainy night in Surrey saw Merstham get off to a great start scoring after just 10 mins. A stunning free kick made it two just before the break. However, Hill threw everything at the 2nd half and were rewarded as Harry Lawson drilled home mid-way through. Unfortunately, it was one game too far as Merstham desperately clung on as Hill bowed out at the 4th round proper.
Huge congratulations to Managers Berty Oliva and Adie Clayton, their staff and the whole squad for producing a very special run of results. Hopefully the hurt of Merstham will eventually give way to immense pride of a job well done. You guys have provided rich entertainment and source of hope and excitement along the way.
From everyone connected to the Club you have done BHTFC Proud!
