Crookham Rovers Under 18 Lightning were buzzing after a dazzling 8-1 victory over Camberley Town Rooks in the first round of the Hampshire County Cup.
Zach Hansell led the charge with his electrifying pace, netting an astonishing hat-trick within the opening 20 minutes. His second was the goal of the match and came courtesy of skipper Thomas King, who unleashed a trademark throw and Hansell, like a lightning rod, headed the ball home at the near post.
His three goals were added to with two thunderous strikes from Kyle Duffin and a well-taken goal from Dan Mitchell, following some precision passes that left Camberley Town Rooks in shock and 6-0 down by half-time.
It was a first-half performance described as “an absolute storm,” by Jake Bailey, Lightning’s assistant manager for the day.
The sparks didn't stop in the second half, with Crookham Rovers' Ollie Barber and debutant Adam Williams adding to the fireworks with powerful strikes. Camberley Town Rooks managed a consolation goal that gave them a flicker of hope amidst the lightning storm.
While the goalscorers received plaudits, it was a great team effort, with Harry Barber orchestrating three of the goals, allowing lightning-fast counter-attacks. There were dazzling performances from Luke Gorton and Louis Matravers who took turns in midfield and in goal, Will Donahue, Kai Azhar, Harry Leggett, Ben Scarborough, Jason West, Jamie Lavender and Cameron Corlett
With this stunning win, Lightning now advance to the next round of the Hampshire County Cup with a home fixture against Paulsgrove Youth from Portsmouth.