Elliott Smith grabbed the only goal of the game as the Hornets saw off Highdwon Saints A to move in to the next round of the Challenge Cup.

Bad weather and a waterlogged pitch had stopped this cup fixture between Highdown Saints and the Hornets U13’s from being played for several weeks running, throughout November. Now that conditions had improved the stage was set for an intense game with the boys, pent up desire to play ensuring the game started at a furious pace.

The end to end play in the first half occasionally broke through each defence with both keepers being called into action. Halfway through the first half a coming together between the Hornets keeper Alex Broadley and the Hornets centre back Jack Manton unfortunately resulted in Jack being injured but substitute Peter Kitchener was ready to take his place, proving just as solid in the back line, and so by half time a clean sheet was kept by both.

The second half proved just as intense as the first but ten minutes from time Elliot Smith broke the deadlock, firing the ball into the Saints goal after a goal mouth scramble.

Despite repeated and more intense pressure from the Saints, the Hornets held their lead to the final whistle progressing to the next round.