Kingston Men’s 1sts beaten at home in wasteful afternoon

KINGSTON 0 – PORTSMOUTH 2

Kingston University’s Men’s 1st football team lost their first game of the season with a 2-0 defeat to Portsmouth University’s 3rd team in the first round of the Aldi Men’s Southeastern Conference Cup at Tolworth Sports Ground.

The result sends the men’s team out of the competition in the first round. A goal from Portsmouth forward Adam Castle, caught Kingston on the counter attack, as he scored a tap-in the 31st minute.

Although Kingston had the larger share of possession for much of the first half, they struggled in the final third as the first shot on target came in the 46th minute from a well taken Charlie Melville free kick that caused the keeper to stretch.

In the second half the home side were able to pick up momentum as they progressed in to the final third, but to their disadvantage, Portsmouth University were able to counter resulting in a penalty in the 70th minute saved by goalkeeper Jørgen Helén.

In the 90th minute, the visitors extended their lead as Tommy Roberts finished off a Portsmouth counterattack yet again.

Defender Cameron Solly saw red as referee of the match Roger Brown booked the player after previous warnings during the game.

KU coach Paul Mitchell said: “In the final third we struggled to create and lacked in confidence in terms of taking shots, but the buildup play was good including playing out from the back and through the midfield.” He added that the team needed to improve in attack.

The result follows the team’s 3-1 defeat at home to Greenwich Men’s 1sts the previous week.

Mitchell said: “After last week, we had to react and they did today. Despite the result we were a lot better with our application but it’s just the final third that cost us today. But we will work on it as the season goes on.”