DFDS Kent Veterans Cup final: Aylesford 0 Metrogas 2 match report

Metrogas dug deep to win the DFDS Kent Veterans Cup final at Tonbridge Angels’ Longmead ground on Friday night.

Opponents Aylesford dominated the first half but couldn’t make it count, going closest when Kosta Kosev hit the post after a great run.

Metrogas grew into the game after the break and broke the deadlock with an Anthony Weir penalty before a classy injury-time clincher from substitute Craig Worthington.

“I thought it was a very good game,” said Metrogas manager Paul Hewett. “Aylesford are a very good team.

“They were on top of us in the first half. We made a few changes to get a bit more fitness in there and I think that changed the game for us.

“I just said we need to get a bit tighter in the midfield because that’s where they’re winning it.

“The outlet ball that we had, we weren’t putting enough on it, I don’t think the boys were used to such a big pitch.

“We definitely improved in the second half. The substitutions made a difference.

“We brought a wide player on who’s got a lot of pace and that outlet ball became even more of an outlet, especially when people got tired.

“We’ve got a couple of big lumps at the back and I didn’t feel we were in too much trouble.”

Aylesford, playing in their first county final, had control of the opening 45 minutes in front of a decent crowd.

Twin brothers Kosta Kosev, driving forward from right-back, and Georgi Kosev, using his lovely left foot to dictate the game in midfield, caught the eye as Aylesford settled.

Ex-Maidstone centre-half Graeme Andrews was calm as you like at the back, bringing the ball out of defence, while Aylesford were able to play off top scorer Ashley Russell, who used his body well to bring others into the game as manager Craig Russell’s side got balls