05/02/25: Kestrels 3-0 Leicester V

After a 10:45 meet, the Kestrels began their long journey to Leicester to continue their cup campaign in the hopes of reaching the semi finals.

The game started with both teams evenly matched in close encounter. The Kestrels slowly grew into the game and began a period of sustained pressure. This even warranted their left winger to say “you have an unreal system”. It is clear ‘Abhi ball’ is quickly making a name for itself across the country.

Following a ball into the box, the ball dropped kindly to Ethan who had the whole goal to aim at. A good connection left this shot destined for the back of the net if not for a goal line clearance by the back of Dom’s head, earning him his title of DotD.

Shortly after, a ball was played in behind their left back and was latched on to by Ben. Cutting inside and beating his man, he shot back across goal and the ball nestled in the bottom corner at the near post, earning the Kestrels a deserved 1-0 lead.

With not long left before half time, the Kestrels had the ball in Leicester’s corner. A ball was played into Joe who took a touch in behind and was met with a near career ending challenge sending him flying like a swan (the defender barely touched him). With the penalty won, Dom stepped up and slotted it into the bottom corner. 2-0 Kestrels at half time.

The second half tested the Kestrels defence with Leicester in all out attack. Balls in behind presented an outlet for the Kestrels, which would have been more effective if their lino ever put his flag down. After a Jake free kick into the box, with every allowing the ball to run - including their keeper, Cephas found himself with the ball at his feet and with an open goal in front of him. 3-0. Their trigger happy lino tried his best to rule the goal out, but the ref was having none of it and even sin binned one of their players in the process.

The Kestrels had a 3 goal lead with around 10 to play and they were able to calmly close it out, earning them a well earned place in the semi final in a few weeks time.

UTFCUAFC UTFK

MotM: Joe Tait

DotD: Dom Watts

Goals: Ben Cohen, Dom Watts, Cephas Mensah

Assists: Noah Read, Joe Tait, Jake Parish

✍️ Joe Tait