Kingston seconds came out victorious in their crunch match with Kingston thirds, thanks to a single goal by the impressive Josh Hayes at Tolworth Court on Wednesday.
Not only was this game important for intra-university pride, but it was also a top of the table clash with KU thirds starting the day above their supposed superiors, resulting in an extra edge that was evident from the start.
Tough game
Victorious captain Jamie Feek said: “It was a tough game but I think we thoroughly deserved to win. We started the game well and grabbed an early goal and from there I think we were in control of the match. It was great to beat the thirds, but the most important thing was three points.”
It was the seconds who started the game the brightest with third team goalkeeper and Captain, Joshua Everest, forced into a smart save after just two minutes. The pressure continued though, and the seconds were awarded for their early good work just four minutes later.
Kingston thirds failed to deal with a corner effectively as Everest could only punch to the edge of the box, allowing Alex Hughes to lift the ball back into the congested penalty area where Hayes flicked the ball over the stranded keeper.
Inspired form
Despite the early set back, KU thirds began to work their way back into the game and demonstrate why they have had an unbeaten start to the season, but unfortunately they found second team keeper Nicolai Collins in inspired form as he twice saved from the lively Ben Acheampong.
Alfred Adegbite had a great chance to level with a free header after 56 minutes but could only glance wide, while Everest made a fine fingertip save from midfielder Daniel Hutchings to keep the score line down.
Both defences then began to dictate, with the seconds well marshalled by the dominante Hayes restricting the third team’s chances, resulting in the seconds claiming bragging rights and climbing to the top of the League in the process.
Thoroughly deserved win
Third team captain Joshua Everest still believes his side have a lot to play for: “Of course I am disappointed to lose the game, but I still believe we are capable of gaining promotion this season. We have still had a great start to the campaign and we will have to get over the disappointment quickly.
“Maybe we were a bit complacent coming into the game as we have had some good results lately and that is what cost us the three points.”
Feek added: “We need to kick on from here, I still see the thirds as our big title contenders, but we have shown today that we can beat anybody in this division.”