KES under-18s triumph in Cowes Cup

Young footballers are enjoying a double celebration after two year groups at KES Academy were crowned winners of the County Cup in the same week.

A few days after the Year 7s defeated Sprowston on penalties, the under-18 Academy team defeated Wymondham 3-2 on Friday to win the Cowes Cup.

Team manager Danny Gay said: “I think everyone here today could see how lucky we are at KES to work in partnership with kings Lynn fc to help develop the next generation of players.

“We played some lovely football at times and two of those goals were worthy of any cup final. I’m proud of these boys, some of who have been with KES for seven years.”

Alex Cross, director of King’s Lynn Academy, added: “This is an excellent way to finish what’s been an astonishing season.

“It’s been a really impressive year with the whole programme shining in the three leagues, national cup and finishing off with another county cup win.

“The whole KES and King’s Lynn Town FC Academy partnership is getting strong every day and we are looking forward to seeing what season 23/24 brings.

“Thank you to all the players, parents, coaches, drivers, officials and teachers for all their support.”

KES played some excellent football, which resulted in them taking the lead after 24 minutes.

A strong run from Charlie Royle saw the ball fall to Callum Howe who struck an unstoppable 30-yard thunderbolt into the top left-hand corner.

Wymondham punished KES for a defensive error to equalise before KES responded with Ben Isaacson showing excellent energy down the right before Royle finished a fantastic move.

Wymondham pegged KES back from a well-taken free-kick three minutes before the interval but, under the watchful eye of Linnets staff and a crowd of 126, KES continued to probe.

Just before half-time, captain Ethan Wilson scored the goal of the game from 40 yards, lobbing the Wymondham keeper with delightful precision.

KES missed a number of chances to increase their lead in the second half before the final whistle saw them win the Cowes Cup for a second successive year.