Match Report: University of Kent Staff FC 2-2 Weald Hamlet

First Half:

In the final game of the University of Kent Staff’s Recreational Cup group stage, Weald Hamlet were the visitors.

The opposition flew out of the blocks, using their pacy front men to get on the front foot in the early stages. However, the defence, marshalled by goalkeeper Chris and centre-back Luke Sullivan, remained resolute. Chris made a fine save to ensure the game stayed 0-0.

After a quarter of an hour, the tide began to turn. Kent managed to get a foothold in the game and began to assert their authority in the middle of the park. James Blackwell, James Budge, and Alan Foley worked tirelessly in midfield to counter-press the opposition as well as working some nice passing moves.

Just before the twenty-minute mark, Kent took the lead. After the defence stopped a Weald Hamlet attack, the ball found its way to wide midfielder Rhys Higgins. A great through ball by Rhys reached Harry Smith, who finished calmly 1-on-1 with the keeper.

In the next five minutes, Kent had more opportunities to double their lead. However, much to the dismay of the home crowd, Weald Hamlet struck back. A long ball split the Kent defence, and a cross across the box was converted by the Weald Hamlet forward.

The last ten minutes of the first half were a battle, with both sides struggling to find a way through.

Second Half:

With all to play for in the second half, the tempo increased once again.

Weald Hamlet took the lead when a shot was unintentionally diverted into his own net by Sam Stevens. However, Kent showed great spirit in the second half to keep battling. Harry Smith went close once again while James Budge almost found the back of the net with an ambitious long-range effort. Later on, Sam Beard nearly equalized with a trademark free kick from 30 yards.

The game appeared to be ending in disappointment, but in the final minute, Harry was bundled over in the penalty area. Penalty to Kent! With what would be the last kick of the game, Lee Wilson stepped up to take the spot-kick. Both sets of players watched on in what seemed like an eternity. Lee ran up and converted expertly into the bottom left corner to save a point for Kent in their quest to reach the Recreational Cup final.

It was another game played in great spirits. Kent’s fate in the Recreational Cup is now out of their hands. We will be crossing our fingers, hoping results elsewhere mean Kent make this year’s final!

Up the Staff FC!

Final score: University of Kent Staff FC 2-2 Weald Hamlet

Follow the link to our webpage below to read more match reports and find out more about the Recreational Cup:

Kent FA Recreational Cup | Kent Sport – Kent Sport – University of Kent

UEFA B coach candidate Dean Gonsalves is hosting training sessions on Thursday evening from 5-6pm, as part of Kent Sport’s new ALL Active+ program. This can only help the staff team build on their great run of results!

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