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This match at the Gala Club saw Kings Vets take on a strong young team from Gala Wilton, with an average age of 48 years old, Kings could have been up against it with a team who do play regularly in this type of match,

Despite the preliminary reservations, it was Kings who got hold of the game on 17 minutes, when Rod Thomas got a shot in, which the keeper was unable to save.

With Kings defence frustrating the Gala attack, and some fine keeping from stand-in keeper Doug Langdon, A quick break on 25 minutes saw Rod tThomas get a fine ball across to the advancing Savo Upton, who left the keeper no chance for 2-0.

Gala hit back, but Kings midfield were not in any mood to make things easy for them and provided some probing opportunities, and with Roger Clements having to go off with a hamstring injury, it brought 59 year okld Graham Morris into the fray. and he was still able to show that his control skills had not deminished with time.

It was unfortunate that Kings were further hampered when Duncan Edwrads challenged for a ball and an accidental elbow in the mouth, saw him with streaming blood from a cut lip. He had to be replaced whilst the bleed was stopped. In true Kings spirit he returned within 10 minutes and sassumed his position.

The back four of Burnham, Godwin (under age), Andrews and Edwards, continued to twart the Gal attack with their intelligent play and supported by Vincent, and Andy Davis (Under age) and JD.

The second half Kings tried to increase their lead and were holding the opposition, but they scored on 62 following a quick break and then equalised on 71. With an injury to Simon Burnham, it meant that Kings began to struggle with fitness and with no fit subs, Gala started to take control. They went 3-2 up on 75 minutes and then 4-2 on 81 minutes.

Despite their much better fitness, Kings still had opportunities to get back into the game, but it was not to be, as Gala scored a 5th before the end.

"The team aquitted themselves well and were undone by lack of fitness, but their play remained of the high standards that they had when they were in their playing years".

Ed.

In the second half