A five star performance saw the Kent U18 representative team defeat their near-neighbours London in this South East Counties Youth Championship match at Cray Valley.

After a disappointing start to their campaign with defeats against Sussex and Essex, things clicked into place as Kent dominated from the first whistle. Kent’s first effort of note came in the 10th minute when Lois Dos Santos had his shot saved but Kent got the goal their early pressure warranted in the 15th minute; Perri Iandolo’s free-kick came crashing back off the bar and Harrison Pont was on hand to hammer home the rebound. 

On a decent surface Kent were passing the ball around quickly with Jacob Gilbert, Harrison Pont and Perri Iandolo dictated play but Kent were made to wait until the 35th minute to extend their lead. Lois Dos Santos linked up superbly with Harrison Pont who found debutant Ronnie Crawley for a fine finish. The Kent lead was nearly increased just a minute later but Harrison Pont’s rasping drive struck the post and away to safety. 

With half-time approaching Kent did grab a third goal as captain Cameron Williams was on hand to finish from close range following a Lois Dos Santos corner.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Kent on the front foot, with Perri Iandolo seeing his shot well saved and Lois Dos Santos also went close to getting Kent’s fourth goal. 

This duly arrived on the hour-mark and again was a great team goal. Substitute George Wilkinson played a great ball out to Lois Dos Santos who beat his man and found Jacob Gilbert on the edge of the box whose shot deceived the London ‘keeper and nestled in the back of the net. 

Hamid Ishola was introduced off the bench and was immediately into the action causing the home defence problems shooting over from the edge of the box and then having a low effort saved, but he wasn’t to be denied as he slotted into the bottom corner in injury time after a fine defence-splitting pass from the impressive George Wilkinson to seal a convincing 5-0 victory.

Kent’s next representative football action is on Thursday 23 January when our ladies team welcome Jersey FA to Chatham Town FC. Kick-off is 8.00pm.

Kent FA Squad: Kyle McLeish (K Sports FC), Connor Cheek (K Sports FC), Josh Sword (K Sports FC), Jamie Watson (Bromley FC), Cameron Williams (c) (Maidstone United FC), Callum Rollings (Maidstone United FC), Lois Dos Santos (Chatham Town FC), Jacob Gilbert (Maidstone United FC), Ronnie Crawley (K Sports FC), Harrison Pont (Hollands & Blair FC), Perri Iandolo (Maidstone United FC), Craig Appleby (Faversham Strikeforce FC), George Wilkinson (Margate FC), Charlie Dale (Maidstone United FC), Robbie Roberts (K Sports FC), Hamid Ishola (VCD Athletic FC)