Ben Henderson scored a brilliant hat-trick as Jonny Payne’s Hartlepool League champions blew away Richmondshire Cricket Club 8-2 in the first round at the weekend. The reward for that super Sunday is another home tie on November 8, but fireworks will be expected as FC host Easington CW.
It’s a contest that’s as tough as they come in the North-East but they will not be short of confidence after beginning the 2026-27 tournament with a bang.
Playing in the competition for the first time since the heartbreak of their final defeat on penalties at Bramall Lane against Home Bargains in May, AFC showed no signs of any hangover.
Up against tournament newbies Richmondhire, the Phoenix2Retail League champions showed ruthless efficiency in dispatching their North Yorkshire visitors.
Supporters took a fourth-minute lead through new summer signing Jordan Fielding
That settled any potential nerves and with Supporters dominating the middle of the park through Josh Daley, Fielding and Olly Dixon they took full control.
Philly Angus grabbed a brace before the break and Ben Henderson scored to take Supporters four to the good. Richmond grabbed one just before half-time to let AFC know they were still in a game.
But in the second half two more goals for Henderson saw him complete his hat-trick, while defender Ben Riding added a goal with a hooked overhead effort by centre-forward Craig Linsel the pick of the bunch.
Richmond got a consolation goal but it proved a comfortable Sunday for Supporters, who were best served by Josh Daley.
Author: Roy
Author of Sports Life and all sports articles.