Kestrels Show Their Strength Late On to Keep Unbeaten Run Alive ⚽️

The Kestrels were back in action this weekend, with the match moved to Tomlinscote Sports Centre after Bellew Road became waterlogged. It took a little while to settle, and the early stages weren’t quite at the level we know this team can reach. Down Grange Rangers took advantage with a neat finish at the far post, but what followed showed great character from the boys.

As the first half wore on, the Kestrels started to wake up and grow into the game. In the final five minutes before the break, we really began to take control. Joseph, Maxi and Jack were key in shifting the momentum, bringing strength, energy and determination that lifted the entire team. Their impact helped spark the equaliser, before a well-worked corner routine — finished by Maxi and Max — turned the game in our favour at 2–1. By half-time, we looked far more like ourselves.

The second half built on that improvement. Playing with more purpose, more directness and far greater intensity, the Kestrels created chance after chance and stretched the game with excellent forward play. Six different scorers highlighted the team spirit and willingness to share the goals around. Rangers grabbed a late consolation, but it didn’t take anything away from a strong final 30 minutes.

While the result and the fightback showed improved quality, we still know — and believe — that this team has another level to reach. Once we learn to start with the same sharpness we finish with, these performances will become even more impressive. The unbeaten league record continues, but so does our ambition to get better every week.

Thank you all for the support today and apologies for the earlier kick-off, but great to get a game of football today, when so many other fixtures were lost to the weather.