Kent Merit Under-18 Boys’ Cup Final: Ashford United 1 Orpington 2

A last-gasp winner saw Orpington win the Kent Merit Under-18 Boys’ Cup final at Whitstable on Sunday.

In a dramatic period of added time, Ashford were reduced to 10 men after defender Louis Brook Reid collected a second yellow card.

Then player-of-the-match Sam Trim’s free-kick found the back of the net six minutes into stoppages to cue dramatic scenes for the victors.

Orpington manager Grant Williamson said: “It was a brilliant game, a fantastic match to watch.

“Both teams battled really hard and it was a flip of a coin in terms of who won it.

“I’m so proud of my team, they deserved the victory.

“We scored 26 goals and conceded three to get here, they’re an exceptional squad and I’m so proud to be their manager.”

The winning goal was particularly harsh on Ashford keeper Kenzo Corfield, who had produced several fine saves during the 90 minutes but was deceived by Trim’s delivery.

In truth, it was a game that could have gone either way with chances at both ends. There was plenty of attacking flair, but the fact that only three goals arrived underlined the quality of the defending and goalkeeping also on show.

Orpington had early chances as Trim’s free-kick went over and Max Bunclark’s right-foot finish went wide when it seemed more suited to his left foot.

At the other end, Ashford’s Luca Anderson forced a low save from the keeper and right-back Leo Bradshaw saw his cross hit the crossbar nine minutes before the break.

Corfield made a fine save with his legs to thwart Orpington’s Thomas Rance after he showed neat footwork following Dylan Sandu’s pull back.

A minute later, Corfield showed good handling to ensure he didn’t spill George Bunclark’s fierce 20-yard free-kick.

Orpington found the breakthrough on 54 minutes when