Kingswood United welcomed Filey Town Development to the Kingswood Academy 3G on 11 January 2025, in a highly anticipated cup clash. The home side emerged victorious with a convincing 3-1 scoreline, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline throughout the match.
Kingswood United set up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Nathan Williams donned the gloves as the goalkeeper, shielded by a back four comprising Matthew Jones on the left, George Salter and Jack-thomas Patterson as central defenders, and James Preston on the right. The midfield duo of Jordan Greaves and Harry Moon operated centrally, tasked with both breaking up opposition play and facilitating forward movements. Ahead of them, Harrison Stamp played as the attacking midfielder, while Gift Samuel and Lewis Malton flanked striker Ryan Sewell in a dynamic front three.
The substitutes for Kingswood United included Yu Wai Fung, Archie Moon, Alex Wray, and Drew Finney, providing depth and tactical options for the manager as the match progressed.
The match kicked off with Kingswood United immediately asserting their dominance. Just two minutes in, Ryan Sewell opened the scoring with a well-executed team move, finishing with his left foot after a precise short pass from Matthew Jones. The early goal set the tone for the home side, who looked to build on their lead.
However, Filey Town Development responded with resilience, equalising in the 34th minute. An incisive move saw them penetrate the Kingswood defence, resulting in a goal scored from inside the box with a right-footed finish. This setback momentarily halted Kingswood's momentum, but they remained composed heading into half-time.
As the second half commenced, Kingswood made tactical adjustments, introducing Alex Wray and Drew Finney for George Salter and Jack-thomas Patterson, respectively. These changes aimed to bolster their attacking options and maintain defensive solidity.
The impact of the substitutions was immediate. Just two minutes after the restart, Gift Samuel found the net, converting a well-placed short pass from Alex Wray with his right foot. This goal reignited Kingswood's advantage and showcased their ability to respond swiftly after half-time.
Samuel was not done yet; in the 49th minute, he struck again, this time with a right-footed effort following a cross from Archie Moon. His second goal of the match further extended Kingswood's lead to 3-1, leaving Filey Town Development with a mountain to climb.
Kingswood United's performance was characterised by their attacking flair and solid teamwork, with Harry Moon and Gift Samuel standing out as the players of the match for their contributions. The referee, Joseph Hitchins, managed the game effectively, ensuring a fair contest throughout.
As the final whistle blew, Kingswood United celebrated a well-deserved victory, progressing in the cup and demonstrating their potential as a formidable force in the competition.
