Tillson’s stunning stoppage time strike secures Beavers win

Jordan Tillson’s stunning stoppage strike saw City beat Hampton & Richmond Borough by two goals to one at a rain-lashed Beveree Stadium this afternoon.

The home side saw an early header from a corner hit the angle of post and crossbar, but this was a rare attempt on goal as both sides looked to get to grips with difficult conditions in the opening exchanges. As the half progressed it was the Beavers who began to pose a greater threat going forward, although Tillson saw a 34th minute header fly narrowly wide before Joe Raynes had another header blocked on the line. The opening period ended with Kieran Parselle clearing a Rodari effort of the line then Charlie Binns doing brilliantly to tip Innocent’s shot over the bar.

The deadlock was broken within five minutes of the restart when Hampton keeper Rowley failed to deal with Will Jenkins Davies’ corner allowing Parselle to nod the ball home at the back post. A surging run by Owen Windsor four minutes later saw his low shot turned aside by Rowley as City looked to increase their advantage. A series of corners were also defended well by the West London side and with eight minutes left they equalised – Paul-Lavaly’s mis-directed cross flying beyond Binns into the top corner. Brad Ash diverted a great chance wide moments later after Sayers missed a cross, but as the game reached stoppage time it appeared to be Hampton pushing for a winning goal. Twice in the space of a minute Binns produced great saves, both times denying Massey. And in the 93rd minute a City free-kick was only cleared as far as Tillson 25 yards from goal and he sent a stunning first time shot arrowing into the top corner of the net. There was still time for Hampton to earn a couple of corners, sending up Rowley to join the attack, but City stood firm to secure the three points.