Gary Johnson’s men take a break from league action this weekend, as they are set to face Hampton & Richmond in the Fourth Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup.
Who’s the Boss?
Hampton & Richmond’s 20th manager, Gary McCann, has been at the helm since June 2018. He has guided the side to the Emirates FA Cup First Round proper more times than any Hampton & Richmond manager. McCann combines his role as manager with his day job as a London Taxi Driver.
After finishing his playing days at Hendon due to injury, McCann went on to manage the side for 13 years – where in his final season his side secured a 3rd place league finish, before a penalty shootout play-off final defeat against Dulwich Hamlet followed.
In the 2019/20 season, his Beavers side were on the cusp of a play-off place when the pandemic forced the curtailment of the season, and a Points Per Game system concluded the league, with Hampton & Richmond finishing one place out of the play-offs, 3 points behind 7th placed Dorking Wanderers.
McCann signed a contract extension in the summer of 2021, with a new three-year deal seeing him remain at The Beveree Stadium until 2024.
How have they been doing?
The Middlesex side currently reside 18th in the National League South on 12 points after 11 games with 3 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses. The Beavers have already progressed through 2 previous qualifying rounds. Their recent form sees them only defeated once in their last six.
McCann’s side entered the Emirates FA Cup in the Second Round Qualifying stage, where they were drawn away to Bognor Regis of the Isthmian Premier Division. A 10th minute goal from Ade Shokunbi, combined with a second half own goal by the visitors, saw The Beavers progress following a 2-0 victory.
Last time out in the Cup, it was a convincing victory, this time over Paulton Rovers, Hampton & Richmond enjoyed home advantage. After being 2-1 up at half time, McCann’s side stunned Paulton with four second half goals to run out 6-1 winners.
Player to Watch
Born in North Berwick, Ruaridh Donaldson represented Scottish Universities while studying Economics at Abertay University, before signing for Bonnyrigg Rose. He went on to play for Stenhousemuir, before heading to London for work.
Signing for the Beavers in the summer of 2019, notching up 33 appearances in his first season, he was almost an ever present in 2020/21, scoring several key goals. The winger then dropped back into a deeper role, but was still the club’s top scorer last season with eight goals.
Played for Both
Myles Anderson made 23 appearances for United, and was part of the side that secured National League survival in 2017, as three-consecutive victories finished the season to see Kevin Nicholson’s side remain in the league. Following a loan spell at Hampton & Richmond from Weymouth, Anderson signed permanent terms for The Beavers in July 2021.
Anderson began his career at Leyton Orient, and has also played for the likes of Aberdeen – where he made his Scottish Premiership and professional debut in 2011 – Blackburn Rovers, Barrow, Chester, Hartlepool and Weymouth, as well as Italian clubs Monza and Chievo.
The now 32-year-old can play at centre-back or full-back, and is currently at National League South side Braintree Town.
Previous Encounter
Hampton & Richmond 0 – 3 Torquay United, 22nd December 2018, National League South.
The two sides last met at the Beveree Stadium, where a 3-0 victory for Gary Johnson’s side provided the perfect Christmas present for United supporters, as the win ensured the side remained on top of the National League South for Christmas.
It was a match largely dominated by United, and Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala opened the scoring in the 16th minute. A through-ball by Jamie Reid from the right found Lumbombo-Kalala who fired home. The strike force of Reid and Saikou Janneh continued to pressure the Hampton defence, but were forced to wait until the second half to double the advantage.
Lumbombo-Kalala struck to bag his brace four minutes after the restart when Jake Andrews found the winger who steadied himself before finding the far corner.
The home side managed to force themselves back into the game, and created a number of chances, however Gary Johnson’s men stood firm. United then went on to make it 3-0 on 70 minutes when Connor Lemonheigh-Evans assisted Saikou Janneh’s clinical finish.
Emirates FA Cup | Torquay United v Hampton & Richmond | 15/10/22 | KO: 3pm | Tickets | Official TUFC Radio