Under-14 Presidents Shield: North Kent Schools beat Maidstone Schools 3-1

North Kent Schools won the Under-14 Kent Schools Presidents Shield after beating Maidstone Schools 3-1 at the Gallagher Stadium.

North Kent started in buoyant fashion, pressing high and moving the ball quickly across the slick surface.

Franky Mehmet broke the deadlock early with a left-foot strike after a composed assist from Liam Williams.

Maidstone looked dangerous down the left and they forced a brilliant save from North Kent keeper Jack Bennett.

North Kent continued to control possession and created a number of chances but the score remained 1-0 by half-time.

The second half saw North Kent force Maidstone back and they doubled their lead from a corner when Harley Canty's fantastic deep delivery was met by an excellent back-post header from Reggie McKone.

North Kent continued to press for the third but the Maidstone keeper was in fine form, producing some excellent saves along with good handling.

Maidstone pulled one back with 10 minuets left, an emphatic header from a free-kick, but were dealt an immediate blow when a melee in the move led to a player being sent off.

North Kent pushed for a third goal and it arrived when a clearance was met by a wonderful right-foot volley with sublime technique into the bottom corner by Eddie McAlister. It was a moment to remember from a player that was unable to play in the final last year.

North Kent fully deserved the victory against a strong Maidstone team that had not lost a game in the competition and had only conceded three goals before the final.

North Kent manager Ryan Canty said: "The players were relentless, they showed amazing togetherness and backed each other all over the pitch.

"On top of this some of the football was phenomenal and there were quality goals! Thank you