KUFC’s Men’s first team recorded a shock 1-0 win over Roehampton University at Wednesday’s Mini Varsity, despite competing two leagues below them.
Captain Greg Potts scored the only goal of the game, powering a header past the Roehampton goalkeeper from a Mo Sesay free kick to give the Cougars the win.
“It was not bad at all,” Potts told The River after the game.
“They’re two leagues above us so for our first game as a team, with half of the squad as freshers, we were really solid. It was nice to get the goal, as well.”
Captain’s goal
Once dog excrement had been cleared from the pitch and two linesmen had been found, Roehampton started on the front foot but created very little in the way of clear-cut chances.
The longer the game went on, the easier Kingston dealt with Roehampton’s tricky forwards and started to create chances of their own.
Sesay was the Cougars’ main threat throughout the match, positively running at the opposition defence whenever he got the chance.
It was also his perfect cross from a 40th minute free kick that gave Potts the chance to open the scoring, which he took emphatically.
A Roehampton shot snuck just wide of the far post on the stroke of half time, meaning KUFC went into the break with a surprise lead.
Second half solidity
Kingston continued to push for a second goal after half time. The introduction of Santi Navarro at the break meant that, alongside Habi Habbousli, Jonah Ross and the ever-impressive Sesay, the Roehampton defence were kept well alert.
Another Sesay free kick almost led to a second for the Cougars, but somehow Yaw Ofuso hit the bar with his effort from inside the six-yard box.
The South Eastern 2A side continued to search for an equaliser but it was often a physical mismatch, with the Kingston centre backs towering over the visitor’s attackers.
Even when a chance did come their way Tom Gurney held firm in the Kingston goal, making some solid stops and cleaning up after his defence to ensure they came away with a clean sheet.
It’s a win that gives Potts a real sense of optimism ahead of the new season.
New season optimism
“We’re looking strong and really balanced,” he said. “We’ve got a big, strong midfield, quick wingers and a strong back four, so it’s looking good for the season.”
The second and third teams made it a hat trick of wins for the men’s football, winning 3-2 and 2-1 respectively.
Konstantinos Patas
Josh Smith
Caitlin Hamill