Ball boys and girls running the clock down intentionally is nothing new, but it isn't every day you see it happen just before halftime, with the scoreline still 0-0.
And yet, that is exactly what happened in the WSL clash between Manchester City and Aston Villa earlier today.
In the 46th minute, Villa goalkeeper Hannah Hampton went over to the stand to retrieve the ball. However, as she did so, a ball boy behind the goal picked it up, and initially refused to give it back.
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In the video, you can see the youngster looking over to the home bench, which possibly indicates that they were under instructions to waste time in the match.
Watch the comical incident for yourself below.
The curious aspect was the timing of the ball hogging, as the game was still goalless at the time, with City largely on top.
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This left some fans wondering why City would possibly request instruct time-wasting...unless they were deliberately playing for the draw.
While both teams went into the break on level terms, the hosts ran riot in the second half, with City ultimately winning 5-0.
A double from substitute Hayley Raso, as well as goals from Georgia Stanway, Lauren Heap, and a solo effort from Caroline Weir (which you can see below), takes City up to sixth in the WSL table after eight games.
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On the flip side, it was certainly a day to forget for England international Hampton in the Villa net.
Topics: Manchester City, Aston Villa, WSL
