University of Kent Staff FC kicked off their Recreational Cup campaign with a thrilling 4-3 victory against Athletic Melrose.
The Kent FA Recreational Cup is a football competition designed to give recreational players from local organisations the chance to engage in semi-competitive football throughout the year. On a wintry Wednesday evening, University of Kent Staff FC began their 2024/25 competition campaign against Athletic Melrose, following their impressive run to the final in the previous season. Kent opted to start with their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on utilising width and maintaining a possession-based style of play.
With temperatures below freezing, the opening stages were tense as both teams adjusted to the conditions. On the half-hour mark, the introduction of returning hero Harry off the bench was the catalyst that sparked the game into life. Moments after the tactical change, some excellent pressing from Julien forced a defensive error, giving Harry the chance to calmly slot in the opening goal. The celebrations were short-lived as Athletic Melrose equalised soon after, silencing the jubilant home supporters. Before half-time, Kent regained their lead through a long-range rocket from Harry. The home side saw out the half, allowing manager Luke Sullivan the chance to provide some words of wisdom in his half-time team talk.
Half-time: University of Kent Staff FC 2-1 Athletic Melrose.
The half-time break gave both sides the opportunity to make substitutions and tactical adjustments. A rejuvenated Athletic Melrose landed the first blow of the second half, equalising soon after the whistle. However, moments later, Harry nominated himself for the Puskas Goal of the Year award with a ridiculous 40-yard chip over the helpless Athletic Melrose goalkeeper. Yet again, the joy was short-lived as a slight mix-up in Kent’s backline gave the away side the golden opportunity to draw the scores level. With the score tied at 3-3 heading into the final stages, tension rose as the game hung in the balance. It’s situations like this where heroes are made. Step forward Kent’s Julien, who poked the ball past the opposition goalkeeper to win the game in dramatic fashion.
Overall, it was an encouraging performance from the University of Kent in their first game of the 2024/25 Recreational Cup. A combination of team spirit and moments of individual magic means there are positive signs looking towards the next fixture.
Full-time: University of Kent Staff FC 4-3 Athletic Melrose.