KES footballers win county crown

Year 7 footballers from KES Academy have been crowned county champions after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Sprowston.

The youngsters looked in all kinds of trouble after going two goals down in the early stages of the final, which was held at Aylsham FC.

But they began to grow into the game, with and without the ball, and pulled a goal back through an Isaac Johnson penalty going into the break.

The team dominated long periods of the second half and were rewarded when Kai Chlakli netted with a sweet left-foot finish.

KES hit the post and Josh Sims also saw a good chance saved in extra-time as the tie ended all-square at 2-2.

Goalkeeper Dylan Docherty made two saves in the shoot-out before Luca Dale netted the winner as KES sealed a 4-3 victory from the spot.

Danny Gay, head of Year 7 at KES, said: “I’m really pleased for the team. They’ve worked so hard since joining the Academy and the hard work that they’ve put in has got them the rewards.”

The under-18s will be hoping to make it a Norfolk double for the Academy today when they host Wymondham in their final at The Walks (1.15pm kick-off).