Kings Win! Kings Win!

Finally, at the fifth time of asking in the latest season of the Pitch Invasion Wandsworth Premiership, Kings Arsenal tasted victory.

After losing all four of their first league games, the plucky Kings recorded a crucial 7-5 win over relegation rivals Al Nakhla.

Luke Tinklin was back in goal underneath the spring sunshine after more than a month on the sidelines with knee and eye injuries.

He was joined by four Kings in the matchday squad as Chris Cahalarn and Davide Domengini made welcome returns, alongside regular duo James Payne and Mark Tinklin.

However, despite their familiar five,  Kings Arsenal started slowly and relied on a goalkeeping error to get on the scoreboard, James tapping in when Davide’s shot was dropped.

Fortune also shone on the Kings for their second when a wild clearance bounced off birthday-boy Chris and nestled in the net.

Kings Arsenal took control of the match in the second half and Davide was central to their strong start.

Indeed, he scored a stunning goal straight from a restart, finding the bottom corner from the halfway line.

Al Nakhla got back into the game and their erratic goalkeeper smashed in a ridiculous half-volley, only to present James with an open goal after falling over the ball moments later.

The Kings had to survive a late scare and Luke made some trademark brave saves, but their hard work was rewarded with a long awaited and valuable win.

By the time the final whistle was blown, Davide had plundered three goals, Chris scored twice and James helped himself to a brace.

Kings go down by single goal

Kings Arsenal lost 5-4 against Cheung Ki-Koks in a closely contested game on Sunday evening.

With regulars Mark and Luke Tinklin watching on from the sidelines, Ricardo and Oscar made their debuts as Kings Arsenal continued their tradition of fielding international talent.

Joe Kellam was back in goal, having arrived before kick-off for the first time in his Kings career, and Indio made a surprise appearance after going AWOL.

The reliable Chris Cahalarn lined up once again alongside founder James Payne, who missed last week’s match to watch Arsenal’s ill-fated Carling Cup final.

Kings Arsenal started brightly and their early pressure was rewarded when Argentinian forward Oscar poked home the opening goal.

Payne scored one of his best goals in a Kings shirt, collecting the ball on the right and slotting into the far corner with his trusty left-foot.

However, Cheung Ki also scored a few goals thanks to some typically slack Kings defending and the two sides went in all square.

The Kings got an early goal in the second half as Oscar reacted first when Davide’s powerful drive was saved and the Italian scored a stylish solo goal of his own, running past two defenders before hitting the bottom corner.

But it wasn’t enough for the Kings to secure a first win of the season because a few moments of inexperience from stopper Joe, although his defence should really have helped him out, allowed the Warriors to win by a single score.

Kings Arsenal could have levelled it with the last kick of the game, but Ricardo failed to convert when one-on-one with the statuesque keeper.