Wednesday 21 May 2025
What an afternoon for the Boys' First XI! For the first time in a very long time, they got the better of Mount Albert High School - and in dramatic fashion!
Facing one of the top footballing schools in the country (currently sitting second in the Premier Division) was always going to be a huge challenge. But the King's team know they can beat anyone on their day.
With several players still recovering from illness, we knew this match would be about grit and resilience. The message going in was simple: MAGS would dominate possession, and we needed to defend with patience and discipline.
MAGS took the lead midway through the first half from a corner, volleying home from close range before their tricky left winger broke through midfield to set up a second goal to make it 2-0 at the break. An uphill battle lay ahead.
Half-time message: “We are still in this game. Keep battling!”
And battle we did. While the game followed a similar pattern in the second half, our defending remained strong and belief started to grow. Johnson Belle (Year 13, Selwyn) pulled one back after great wing play from Jayden Wang (Year 12, Peart), who set up Oscar Shuttleworth (Year 13, Marsden) to lay it off for Johnson to calmly finish. Game on!
Fifteen minutes later, the comeback was complete. Johnson wriggled free in the penalty box and smashed it under the keeper - 2-2!
With no winner in regular time, we went to extra time, and no goals in extra time meant the dreaded penalty shootout.
King's slotted all four of their penalties, and Alex Bhatnager (Year 13, Marsden) was the hero, making two massive saves to win it for King's! Alex was outstanding all game, confidently collecting every cross and easing pressure. A truly heroic performance and unlucky not to claim Man of the Match.
Player of the Match goes to Johnson Belle, who led every attack, twisted and turned past defenders, won fouls, and scored both goals. A brilliant all-round performance from a talented young man.
A few final mentions:
Charlie Holdsworth (Year 11, Selwyn): A late call-up who made a fine debut and played a key role in the second goal. Outstanding!
Zach Haydon: He deserves huge recognition! In his short time as head coach Zach has laid down strong foundations and principles and demands 100% from the boys. The impact is clear.
Jamie Jensen and the ground staff: You’d struggle to find a better pitch in the country. Amazing work!
Teachers: Fantastic to see so many of you at the game. Your support means a lot to the boys!
Student supporters: The energy from the sidelines was immense. Every tackle, clearance, and block was met with a roar. That extra 5% really matters - thank you! You can see the excitement of the final save here.
The team is back in action this Saturday at playing at home vs Rosmini College. If you’re around, your support would be greatly appreciated!
Other Results:
13A: 8–2 Long Bay College
14A: 6–2 Pakuranga College
15B: 2–2 vs 15C
15A: 3–3 Mount Albert Grammar School
King's Maroon: 9–2 Pakuranga College
Second XI: 6–1 St Kentigern College