In a disappointing league encounter, Kingswood United faced Wareham Forest AFC at St Mary's Sports College on 18 January 2025, with the match concluding in a 4-0 defeat for the visitors. Kick-off was at 2:00pm, and despite a spirited effort, Kingswood could not find the net, while their opponents capitalised on defensive lapses to secure a comprehensive victory.
Kingswood United lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Nathan Williams took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Yu Wai Fung on the right, Matthew Jones on the left, and central defenders Jack-thomas Patterson and George Salter. In midfield, Harry Moon and Jordan Greaves operated as central midfielders, with Ryan Sewell positioned as the attacking midfielder. Up front, Jacob Moon and James Preston occupied the flanks, supporting striker Archie Moon in the central role. The substitutes for this match included Lewis Malton, Nathan Sewell, Alex Wray, Harrison Stamp, and Cameron Norton.
The match began with Wareham Forest AFC asserting their dominance early on. In the 21st minute, they broke the deadlock with a goal scored inside the box, expertly finished with the right foot. This early setback prompted Kingswood to make immediate tactical changes, with Nathan Sewell replacing Jacob Moon and Lewis Malton coming on for Yu Wai Fung, both substitutions occurring simultaneously.
Just eight minutes later, Wareham Forest doubled their lead with a stunning solo goal, again struck with the right foot. Kingswood's defence was struggling to cope, and in the 36th minute, the visitors added a third goal, capitalising on another defensive error to leave Kingswood reeling at 3-0 down before half-time.
As the first half drew to a close, Jack-thomas Patterson attempted to rally his team with a shot that went high, but it was clear that Kingswood needed to regroup. The half-time whistle blew with the scoreline heavily favouring Wareham Forest.
The second half saw Kingswood make further changes, with Cameron Norton replacing George Salter, Harrison Stamp coming on for Archie Moon, and Alex Wray taking the place of Jordan Greaves. Kingswood emerged with renewed intent, and in the 51st minute, James Preston came agonisingly close to scoring, hitting the crossbar with a powerful effort.
Despite their efforts, Kingswood could not find the breakthrough. In the 66th minute, Jacob Moon returned to the pitch, replacing Ryan Sewell, while Jordan Greaves came back on for Jack-thomas Patterson shortly after. Harrison Stamp had a chance in the 72nd minute, but his attempt was saved, further frustrating the home side.
As the match entered its final stages, Wareham Forest struck again in the 80th minute, taking advantage of a defensive mistake to score their fourth goal. Kingswood's woes were compounded when an opponent received a red card in the 87th minute for denying a goalscoring opportunity, but it was too little, too late for the away side.
In the dying moments of the match, Nathan Sewell had a chance to add a consolation goal but sent his shot high over the bar. The final whistle confirmed a disappointing 4-0 defeat for Kingswood United, leaving them to reflect on a match where they struggled to contain their opponents and failed to convert their chances. Harry Moon was recognised as the standout performer for Kingswood, despite the heavy loss.
