JV Derby Day: Kinsel’s Army Fall to a Cruel 45-Yarder

With JV Derby Day delayed, Kinsel’s Army were champing at the bit to get out there and prove themselves.

The first half was a cagey affair as Covenant took a few minutes to find their feet. Ten minutes in, Gilliam called for a sub, prompting questions from the bench about his fitness and desire. It was later revealed he was simply coming down with something and desperately needed a drink. Sumka entered, fired up and ready for battle.

Covenant soon took control of midfield, with Barrett hoovering up every second ball, Matthas driving attacks wide and Luck anchoring the middle. We dominated without finding that final pass or clinical finish. A short corner from Parker sparked a pinball frenzy in the box, with three shots in quick succession somehow failing to beat the STAB keeper.

At the other end, Hanley was commanding in the air, while Rapp and Beach calmly swept up everything behind him. 0–0 at half-time, with Covenant playing the better football but failing to make our dominance count.

The second half was more of the same: a game of chess waiting for someone to make a mistake. Unfortunately, it was us. A cross came in, Beach was held down while calling for the keeper, no whistle came,  Moments later, Covenant were 1–0 down with someone in the crowd apparently suggested a visit to Specsavers.

To their credit, the boys responded brilliantly. Krop provided width, Roberts brought energy, and Merill and Kalergis injected fresh legs. Merill squared up to No. 22 in a genuine David vs. Goliath battle, and we all know how that story ends at Covenant.

Then came the moment: Ochs and Merill combined before finding Barrett, who sent the fans wild with the Sumka celebration. Momentum was ours.

Dickinson added some crisp passing, Johnson’s throws caused chaos, and Covenant looked increasingly likely to find a winner. Then, with the dying embers approaching, STAB launched a 45-yard hopeful effort that somehow flew into the top-left corner.

Brutal.

We pushed to a back three, but the light faded and the whistle went. Derby Day belongs to STAB, but we certainly won’t be letting them do the double.

Huge credit to the boys for their determination, fitness, fight and commitment to playing the right way. And a massive thank you to everyone who came out to support us.