Back to the Championship

Kings Arsenal’s four season reign in the Premiership came to an end on Sunday, despite a 6-3 win over Al Nakhla.

The Kings produced a valiant display, fighting back from an early deficit, but a second successive win for Team Choc Ice condemned them to the drop.

Luke Tinklin made a long awaited return to his long forgotten attacking duties, playing up front for the first time in aeons following a knee injury and a goalkeeping sabbatical.

The appearance of Joe Kellam between the sticks meant Luke was needed in attack and he proved he hasn’t lost any of his trademark skills, missing five scorable chances.

Many a time did a King pull the ball across the box, particularly the energetic Oscarin Castiblanco, only for so-called striker Luke to blaze wide.

The best example of Luke’s lacklustre efforts came when captain Mark Tinklin, who continues his slow journey back to form, hit the bar from his own goal-line, only for Luke to head the resulting rebound wide.

However, jesting aside, Luke did hit the back of the net, showing admirable composure to take a touch and slot home.

Oscar was rewarded for his skilful running with two goals, a total matched by Mark, while founder James Payne bagged one.

There should also be a notable mention for debutant Craig Warren, who impressed with a composed display at the back in his first game of football in two years.

It was Oscar that put the Kings in front, only for Al Nakhla’s really good player to score two solo efforts, giving his side the lead.

However, they were two of the few times the skilful runner left his own half and Mark pulled his team back into the lead with a quickfire brace.

Kings Arsenal dominated the second half and Joe, who stretched to make several key saves, was only beaten once after the break following some typically comical defending.

The joy of a hard fought win was soon overshadowed by the news of imminent relegation, but there should be more victories to come in the second tier.