Hailsham Utd Junior Lions 1 Kingston Village Under 10s 0

At the business end of a long season, Hailsham and Kingston, both unbeaten, finally met. Honours were shared.
In the first game, Kingston were marginally the better of the two sides playing more expansive football but long periods of possession or passages of fluent passing do not win matches. Kingston failed to capitalise though Sam Wallis and Tom Taylor made good use of hard won ball by the excellent defensive pairing of Sam Webster and Cameron Baker; a half chance fell to the predatory Ian Older who could not squeeze it in. Hailsham had one clear cut chance, a quick break as Kingston pushed up; their striker made no mistake holding off a strong challenge to hit the ball low and hard into the corner.
After they scored, Kingston lost their rhythm and their previous confidence in the tried and tested game of passing and movement as the game became more frenetic and direct, which did not suit Kingston. Hailsham looked comfortable but even at the death, Kingston might have taken a point when Taylor’s cross which skimmed the six yard line was narrowly missed by the chasing Albie Anderson Mellor. A good competitive game played in a good spirit and a credit to both sides.

Hailsham Utd Junior Tigers 0 Kingston Village Under 10s 2

In the next match, Kingston played less well but more effectively. Hailsham fought hard. Jamie Lambert had to make some smart saves whilst Sam Williams had to defend with hi s customary caution at times to hold their lead. But the opening goal was a beauty; Sam Webster at the back won a tackle, found Sam Wallis who glided past a couple of challenges before he played a through ball to Kingston’s man of the match Tom Taylor who ran on, beat one and from a tight angle scored in the far corner. The second was more prosaic, the ball falling to Wallis at the edge of the area after a stalled attack; he hit it hard and straight and true to beat the keeper. Chances came and went in the second half. Dan Wolff, who has settled into the midfield, played well, Cameron Baker won every loose ball and Taylor at his best, continued to menace. But in the end Kingston’s brace was good enough.

Goalscorers: Tom Taylor & Sam Wallis

Kingston Village U10s from: Jamie Lambert, Sam Webster, Sam Williams, Cameron Baker, Dan Wolff, Sam Wallis, Albie Anderson Mellor, Tom Taylor, Ian Older.