It’s been a challenging 14 weeks from everyone involved at the football club, 14 weeks since Kidlington were relegated from the Southern League and 14 weeks since it was looking like hard times were upon us. However, 14 (yes, 14) weeks and Kidlington are on the rise again, the feel-good factor is back, all in time to welcome Milton United to Yarnton Road.

A game which challenged Brad Chalmers’ side in every way possible after Harry Firkin saw red after 32 minutes, before Mark Flanagan receiving a sin-bin in the second interval meaning the Greens were down to nine at one point. A result that topped off a special occasion at Yarnton Road.

The desire, commitment and hard work from Kidlington ultimately earnt them three points, only the second win in a previous nine that the Greens have seen on the opening day.

A bumper crowd, vibes were immaculate, Kidlington were ready to go. A solid start from Kidlington who saw more of the ball in the opening minutes, before finding a way through to open their season account just 14 minutes from the get go. Starting with Fraser Allen, ending with youngster Kauan. A neat ball caught the Milton backline by surprise and Kauan sprung towards goal, before firing one home to give Kidlington the lead in a football match in over 120 days.

Kidlington continued to remain on fire and the duo came forward again, Fraser to Kauan it was a splitting image, this time Kauan’s effort could only be parried into the feet of Allen but Milton marched back just in time to scramble off the line, a golden opportunity as Kidlington were well on top.

The game took a dramatic spin 15 minutes after as before we knew it Harry Firkin was sent into an early shower. Straight red. Strategic changes were made and on came Ned Nicholson to help shuffle matters across the back four. Kiddy held their own for the remainder of the half and despite constant waves of pressure, they went into the interval one up.

The second half soon came round and Kidlington were under pressure almost instantly, this is where the desire within the side kicked in. Milton challenged, Kidlington prevented and we can probably assume the feeling that came from Christian Lawrence’s side was frustration, Kidlington were excellent at frustrating Milton and things got better.

A pinpoint ball from Rhys King who saw a booking five minutes prior, again similar to the opening goal, was brought down by Kauan and slotted home past a helpless keeper. It might’ve been one of the only clear cut chances Kiddy had in the second half but he won’t care. Debut, two goals, impressive.

The Referee blew the fulltime whistle and the points were Kidlington’s. An all round fantastic day at the club, with a lot of positives taken and plenty more to come.