Football

UK Armed Forces win thrilling Kentish Cup opener

The UK Armed Forces men's football team have won the opening match of the 2022 Kentish Cup tournament.

The reigning champions secured a 3-1 victory over the Dutch Forces in Havant as the championships returned following a two-year absence.

Dyfan Pierce's team could now win a fifth consecutive title if they beat the French Forces on Friday.

While there we no goals in the first half, there were a number of key chances.

Joe Rawlings had a shot cleared off the line, while Mike Campbell fired over from four yards with an unguarded goal in his sights.

The second half saw UKAF up their performance and they took the lead from a set piece.

Jake Gosling's delivery was met by a superb header from Scott McCarthy who directed the ball past the helpless Dutch goalkeeper.

UKAF tried to see the game out but the Dutch equalised with a fantastic strike from the edge of the box.

It looked like the reigning champions would be frustrated in Havant but their captain had other ideas.

Danny Kerr rose highest to meet McCarthy's cross and his flicked header meant UKAF led for the second time of the night.

In the final moments, they grabbed their third goal but the Dutch players were not happy to see the goal given.

Harry Girdwood raced through from what looked like an offside position but the flag stayed down and he finished off a superb UKAF win.