Night Series joy at last for Kingsway

Top flight newcomers Olympic Kingsway will head into the new season on a high after winning the NPLWA – Men’s Night Series.

Olympic and Inglewood United played out a second 1-1 draw inside a fortnight on Saturday at Frank Drago Reserve, before Olympic took the penalty shoot-out 4-2.

It capped an excellent pre-season competition for David Tough’s side, who had the final’s outstanding player in midfielder Tyler Garner.

Inglewood played their part too, with striker Michael Domfeh giving the Kingsway backline problems all night.

And it was Domfeh who got the first goal after only five minutes when a shot from Harry Evans was blocked into his path and he stuck it away.

Rene Kisesa was an early menace for Inglewood bombing down the left, but with half-time not far away the defender caught Cian Hirrell inside the area and Ciaran Byrne scored from the penalty spot.

Kingsway asked the majority of the questions in the second half, with Garner and David Perich probing while Calum O'Connell was unable to finish when well placed. At the other end, Domfeh’s header brought a superb tip-over from keeper Malek Kuc.

Then with 14 minutes remaining, the United forward thought he had given his side the lead for the second time when he controlled and finished Shubham Mokala's pass. Referee Shane Skinner initially awarded the goal, but after speaking to his assistant he gave a free-kick to Kingsway, possibly for a foul by Evans in the build-up.

The game then went to penalties and it was substitute Oscar Barry who slotted home the winner for Kingsway, who had lost in the final of the Night Series in the previous three seasons.

Details

Saturday 11 March 2023

Frank Drago Reserve

Men’s NPL Night Series final

Inglewood United 1-1 Olympic Kingsway
Olympic won 4-2 on penalties

Player of the Match: Tyler Garner (Olympic Kingsway)