Kingston women head to quarter finals after close match over Brighton

Oscar Cuadras

Hiruth Stautland scored the winner in the final seconds against Brighton on Wednesday at Tolworth Sports Club and sent Kingston to the women’s football quarter-finals.

The cougars finished the first half with a four-goal advantage, but struggled to the end to keep the lead.

Flo Amess, Kingston captain, said: “It’s an amazing victory. First half was the best we’ve played this season, second half was shocking. We got too comfortable.”

Kingston dominance

In the early minutes of the first half Kingston showed more motivation than Brighton.

Kingston striker Lynn Badu pressured her opponents with fast approaches to the box, but failed to score.

That pressure resulted in Kingston’s first goal when Badu and Charmaine True fought for a ball near Brighton’s box. It ended up in Stautland’s feet and she scored by striking the ball past the goalkeeper in the one-to-one.

Kingston’s efforts and domination of the match increased after the first goal and a good cross from the left by Amess ended up with True knocking the second home on the volley.

After 43 minutes, both True and Amess had increased the score again with a penalty and a shot from close range respectively. 

Amess, whose goal was her first of the season, said: “I felt confident I could score more.”

Pace change

Brighton took control of the ball in the second half and outpaced Kingston with fast attacks, mainly concentrated on their right wing.

From these actions came Brighton’s four goals, the last one after 44 minutes of the half.

Kingston fought to hold off Brighton’s attack and when the match looked set to move into the extra time, Stautland won the game after a fine corner from True.

Kingston are in action again against Brunel University on Wednesday, December 5 at Tolworth Court at 14:00.