Beavers boss refuses to blame striker Luke for getting shirty (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Beavers boss refuses to blame striker Luke for getting shirty

10:09am Friday 26th August 2005 in

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Hampton & Richmond Borough manager Alan Devonshire has refused to condemn striker Luke Fontana for picking up a one-match suspension for over-celebrating' a goal.

Fontana was shown a second yellow card just five minutes from time for ripping his shirt off after scoring the second goal of Hampton's opening-day 2-0 win over Walton & Hersham.

He only made it on to the pitch in the 70th minute but wasted little time in making his presence felt, picking up his first booking for squaring up to Walton defender Danny Lavender, who was sub-sequently sent off.

"Luke was frustrated sitting on the bench and when he came on it showed," said an understanding Devonshire.

"When he scored, I think elation got the better of him, which is just one of those things.

"I can't say I would have been caught doing that in my day, especially in front of 300 people, but some people are like that."

Fontana was back on the bench for Tuesday's game with Harrow Borough, which Hampton also won 2-0.

Elliott Godfrey scored the first, then turned provider for central defender Rob Paris for the second.

With Godfrey, Fontana, Lawrence Yaku and Candian John Henry-Hayden challenging for two places in the starting XI, Devonshire expects more outbursts from his front men.

"This is actually the kind of thing I want to see," said the Beavers manager.

"No player should be satisfied warming the bench.

"When they are given a chance they have to make an impression."

Central defender Rob Paris and player/coach Dudley Gardner are injury doubts for Saturday's trip to Hendon and Monday's home fixture against Slough Town.

The first half of Saturday's match lacked urgency as both teams struggled for consistency.

Fortunately, Hampton's longest-serving player Dudley Gardner was in excellent form and provided much-needed drive from midfield.

The match suddenly came alive in the 65th minute with a signature piece of play by Lawrence Yaku, who pounced on a poor back-header from Walton defender Sean Thurgood and beat keeper Nick Gindre.

Then, five minutes from time, came the high and low of the Fontana show, which nonetheless sealed the three points for the Beavers.

Hampton: Lovett; Fernandes, Morley, Elverson, Paris, Connor, Inns, Godfrey Henry-Hayden, 67), Yaku (Fontana, 71), Quarm, Gardner (Sodje, 77). Attendance: 291.

In contrast, the Beavers won their second match of the season in the first half, scoring both goals within three minutes.

Yaku starred again after his goal in the Swan game, this time setting up his strike partner Elliott Godfrey, who in turn set up Paris. Hampton eased off in the second half with the job done but Yaku had several efforts whistling in and around the Harrow goal.

Hampton: Lovett; Fernandes, Morley, Elverson, Paris, Connor, Inns, Godfrey (Fontana,86), Yaku (Henry-Hayden, 82), Quarm (Boosey, 70), Gardner.