St Albans City Reserves were beaten 8-2 by a very good Kent Athletic in SSML Division Two.

Jordy Ndjeka scored his second goal in two games to put City in front. Oran Swales levelled the game at 2-2 in the second half but that was as good as it got for City, who conceded six unanswered goals to lose 8-2.

City got the perfect start when Malik Smith released Alex Yearwood. He cut the ball across the defence for Ndjeka who beat the goalkeeper from 12 yards.

The lead didn’t last long with Kent pressing high and the physical presence was enough to unnerve the youthful Saints. With six of the starting 11 aged 17 and under, Kent’s experience led to two goals.

Things got worse for St Albans when centre back and captain Matt Harvey was replaced by Alex Levy due to a head injury.

The Saints came out of the block quickly after the break and Smith again found a telling pass to Yearwood who crossed for Oran Swales to net from eight yards for his second of the season.

On 60 minutes, an energetic Kent side took the upper hand with slick passing and control of the midfield. Sixteen-year-old goalkeeper Will Moroney could do very little for the two goals that followed quickly. At 4-2, City continued to press and left holes at the back, leading to four more goals.

Manager Mark Swales said: “Take nothing away from Kent Athletic, they are way too good for this league. Contrary to the score line, it was a very competitive match.

“Whilst disappointed with the result, it was actually what the boys needed. For 45 minutes they played to the philosophy and played with calmness and precision. The next step it to do it for 90 minutes and understand how to change the game plan when up against a quality side.”

Team

Will Moroney, Ajah Abass, Matt Harvey, Callum Lee, Rashaun Rapheal, Cameron Ferguson, Malik Smith, Oran Swales, Alex Yearwood, Jordy Ndjeka, Myles-Jordan Senior-Campbell. Subs: Alex Levy, Callum Clifford, Mayowa Akankoya, Jude Imoh-Its