KINGS AFC 5 - 1 REAL WHITTLESEY

Saturday 18th August 2007

Kings: Dyer, Brodier, Fordham (c), Richardson (B Whelan), Wilson, Sacbuker (Paul Hatton), Whelan, Phil Hatton, Tomlin (Minty), M Whelan, Morgan, Barber

Half time score: 1-0

Kings AFC Scorers: Tomlin (2), Wilson, Barber, Whelan

MAN OF THE MATCH PHIL HATTON

Slightly overcast, soft pitch and light wind were the conditions as Kings attempted to make it three wins out of three for there pre-season. Several key players were missing from the Kings starting eleven, forcing Dyer to take his place between the sticks and Brodier having to switch sides to left-back.

Kings started off the game brightly, knocking the ball around confidently and looking more threatening than the opposition. Kings got the ball rolling when an expertly taken corner from Kewell was met by the head of Tomlin who powered in the header past the keeper. This was the catalyst for Kings to seek more goals. Soon after the goal Kewell created a chance for himself, finding some space and attempting an emphatic lob outside the area on the right which narrowly missed. Kings were a constant threat in the 1st half as the pace of Kewell, Tomlin and Barber was too much for the oppositions defence to handle. Barber looked continually dangerous upfront and was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when he appeared to be hauled down in the area. At the other end of the pitch, Jeff staked his claim for the keeper’s jersey as he done well to fist away a cross and then immediately palm away a goal bound shot. The ever energetic Brodier offered much pace down the left hand side and was a one of Kings better performers.

Kings went into half-time having dominated but only having the one goal to show for it. Manager Minty decided to make a few changes with Dyer coming out of goal and moving into centre back, Brodier slotting in between the sticks and Richardson being replaced by Ben Whelan.

So Kings went out into the 2nd half one goal to the good and looking to extend their lead. Shortly into the half, Hatton played a sharp one-two with Barber ending with Hatton putting the ball through for Tomlin to power past the keeper.

Paul Hatton then came on for Sacbuker, and put his calm touch on the game and the gaffer also replaced Tomlin for himself who steadied the ship.

Moments after the second goal, Tomlin dribbled into the box, knocked the ball past the defender and was then hauled down to gift Kings a penalty. Wilson stepped up and despite some heckling from the opposition; Wilson sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 3-0 to Kings.

Kings were impressive all over the field and no less so in defence. Fordham must receive much of the praise as he was solid in defence and was able to calmly distribute the ball as well. Dyer stood out as one of the star performers on the field. An absolute mountain in defence getting his head to everything in the air and applying some crunching challenges, he is sure to be a great Kings summer signing once his ban finishes. Wilson was as ever solid in defence passing the ball up field well and never looking threatened. Despite Scholesy’ late night drinking the previous night he managed to put in a good performance in the centre of the midfield. Ben Whelan was also impressive after coming on for the 2nd half. He got forward many a time and offered much support to the midfield. Morgan also got much of the play. He went on a mazy dribble (Ronaldo-esc) past three players, but sadly the finish couldn’t quite match the build up.

In the final quarter of the game, Kewell went down the right hand side and supplied a simple ball for Barber to slot home, which was no more than he deserved. 4-0. Despite a good turn and shot from the oppositions forward to make it 4-1, the result was never in doubt especially after Paul Hatton played through Kewell who ran through the defence, rounded the keeper to make it a final result of 5-1 to Kings.

An excellent victory against a decent Peterborough side, who were strong and well organised. Kings will look to build from there successful preseason and take it into the league as they face Blue Chip in a Bank Holiday evening fixture.