By Calum Preston Kelly
Archy Taylor and Mike Atkinson struck late goals as Hampton & Richmond rose to 9th in the National League South with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over rock-bottom Weymouth at Beveree Stadium.
Taylor’s first goal for The Beavers since joining from Westfield last summer was a welcome one, giving Alan Julian’s men the lead with just nine minutes to play. Kris Campbell’s corner caused havoc in the Terras box, but 21-year-old Taylor was the calm head needed to roll the ball home from close range through a crowd of bodies.
Atkinson sealed the deal as the clock ticked towards 90 minutes, sweeping the ball into the far corner in style to cap off another winning performance from The Beavers.
But it was a game which could have swung either way, with both sides having opportunities before the deadlock was eventually broken.
Hampton & Richmond started quickly, James Roberts seeing the game’s first shot deflected behind for a corner after just 25 seconds.
Makise Evans came closest to opening the scoring in the first half, seeing a shot on the turn slip wide of the near post before being gifted a more presentable opportunity by away goalkeeper Will Buse. Evans intercepted his clearance and tried to catch Buse out from range, but his shot just missed the top corner of the net.
Josh Keeya had to be replaced just before the half-hour mark due to injury, George Hunt taking the place of the Beavers midfielder.
The first half saw more opportunities, Mauro Vilhete turning the ball over from close range while at the other end, Weymouth captain Tom Bearwish missed his kick from a pull-back eight yards from goal, and Ibrahim Meite couldn’t get the right connection on a header from a similarly good position.
Hampton & Richmond came out for the second period with purpose but the visitors too would grow into the game, proving a threat on the counter-attack.
As we headed into the final stages of a game where defences had been on top, Taylor provided the finish The Bev craved to send The Beavers towards another crucial three points as we rise up the National League South table.
It could have been more, as substitute Alex Wall had a goal disallowed for offside before hitting the post soon after, the ball cleared off the line before Vilhete could turn it home.
Just moments later that second goal was found though, Atkinson with his second of the season to seal the three points and himself another Man of the Match award, after a trademark all-action display in midfield.
Next up is a tough trip to St. Albans City for Alan Julian and the lads on Saturday, before Dorking Wanderers come to The Bev in a rearranged fixture next Tuesday night. Tickets can be purchased HERE.