KTS seniors came up against local rivals John Henry Newman in the Senior District Final in fantastic form on Tuesday 22nd March.
Both teams started nervously, with lots of possession in the middle of the field. However, early on JHN received a free kick, swerving it into the box and having a goal ruled out offside. The blue paper was well and truly lit after Joe Fantom converted a near post shot.
Minutes after, Elliot Powell slotted the ball into the hopeless JHN net to make it 2-0 to KTS. With minutes before the half time whistle, goalie Adam Meadows failed to keep out a fierce free kick by JHN meaning, after 40 minutes, the score was 2-1.
After a short reflection by the coaches, the second half began with high pressure from both sides. KTS had many opportunities, including Alfie Laughton's strikes that were both denied by incredible saves by the JHN goalkeeper. KTS had a decent penalty appeal turned down, before Sean Blyth capitalized from a period of sustained pressure, skipping pass the JHN keeper and slotting it in, making it 3-1.
The last 10 minutes were tense for the home side, as JHN made it 3-2 with minutes to spare and in the dying embers of the game, with the keeper going up for a JHN free kick, KTS conceded a penalty. Three-all after 90 minutes, over time beckoned.
In extra time, many opportunities came and went for both teams. Adam Meadows saved a fantastic effort that was heading to the top corner. Then in the dying minutes, a KTS player bore down on goal and the JHN goalie took away his legs. A penalty for and a red card for the JHN shot stopper. Matt Reynolds looked calm as he stood up for what was to be the game decider. A substitute outfield player was forced into goal and the midfielder took his steps… and drove it home to make the final score as 4-3 to KTS.
The teams then went up after the game to collect their medals and for KTS the Senior District Trophy. It was a game of skill, excitement and intensity with notable performances from Jamie Allen for his heroics at the back, Matt Reynolds for his leadership throughout the game and, one of the youngest players on the pitch, Sean Blyth for his pace and determination.
Congratulations to the team on their success and the KTS supporters for cheering them on!
