Sholing edged out Hungerford 5–3 in a game packed with drama, goals, and momentum swings.

Hungerford debutant goalkeeper Jenson Kilroy was tested early when a stinging free kick from Sholing’s Folivi rattled the post. The opening goal came after ten minutes Vinnie Tume gave Sholing the lead, slotting past Kilroy from a tight angle after Hungerford’s defence allowed him too much space.

Hungerford responded with a scrappy but deserved goal. Joe Shepherd’s header was flicked on by Fabio Lopes, and despite efforts from keeper McCarthy, the ball found its way in.

Sholing retook Lead after half an hour, McCarthy’s clever pass around the corner released Folivi, who powered through to restore the home side’s advantage.

In the second half Hungerford were soon level again. A long throw from George Smith caused chaos in the box, and Harry Williams pounced to smash home the equaliser.

However there was soon penalty drama at the other end. A quick break saw Folivi fouled in the box and he converted the resulting penalty himself to make it 3–2.

Then Sholing got a quickfire fourth goal with a costly error from George Smith that gifted Jake McCarthy an easy finish to extend Sholing’s lead by two goals again.

Hungerford fought back however and with fifteen minutes to go made it 4-3 Louis McGrory’s deep cross was met by Diamond Edwards, who rifled the ball into the roof of the net to reduced the deficit to a single goal again.

It was a final blow to Hungerford however with ten minutes to go when McCarthy struck again, exploiting more defensive lapses to seal the win for Sholing.

Hungerford continued to press, with a strong penalty shout for Bancroft, who was fouled but it was given outside the box. Also a goal-bound header from Reegan Messenger scrambled off the line in stoppage time. The match resembled a basketball game in its relentless pace, but Hungerford will rue their individual errors that ultimately cost them

Hungerford may have come away empty-handed, but their performance in a pulsating 5–3 defeat to Sholing was anything but short of heart, fight, and attacking flair. Yes, individual errors proved costly but the attacking momentum, team spirit, and never-say-die attitude offer plenty of positives to build on. With performances like this, the results will surely follow!

Team : Kilroy, Angell (Edwards), Medford-Smith, Berry-Hargreaves, Duffus, Smith (Messenger), Shepherd (Bancroft), McGrory, Kotwica (Gryncewicz), Lopes (McDonagh), Williams

Star Man : Harry Williams