Following a successful 23/24 season, the KPR First XI were promoted to the top Division of the Surrey & South East Combination Intermediate Division 1 for the 2024/25 season.
This season has seen more improvement with the squad clocking up 10 wins in 12 games (F 37-25 A)
The first league game in August was at home to Selhurst, who are favourites to be Champions this season. In typical Kew fashion the team attacked from the off and built a 3-1 lead but then got complacent, slumping to a 6-3 loss.
All things considered it was a promising performance which showed glimpses of the team’s ability and free-flowing football. But lessons to be learned if they are serious about winning this league.
Following victory at home to local rivals NPL, KPR then struggled to break down the resolute defence of Westside FC and fatigue meant they came away with no points.
But, lessons learnt, and since then the team have gone from strength to strength, winning seven games on the bounce taking them to within touching distance of the top of the table whilst also progressing in two cup competitions.
In comparison to last season, the team has massively improved in their ability to close out tight games by a single goal, managing to keep two clean sheets against title contenders Earlsfield and fighting back to a 4-3 win and securing three points against fierce rivals South Croydon.
Two weeks ago KPR’s match against local rivals Barnes ended with a penalty shootout victory in the Surrey FA Cup which is also indicative of their fighting spirit. Then last week the team secured an excellent 4-2 victory against a strong Exeter Old Boys team, who won their division and were promoted with KPR last season.
Overall, KPR’s free flowing and attacking football has turned them into one of the most dangerous teams in the league, so there seems to be no reason why they can’t win the league and gain another promotion (and hopefully win the cup competitions too!)
Follow them at kewparkrangersfc on Instagram and get down to watch them at Richmond Athletic Ground on Saturday afternoons. The league table is available here to follow their results for the rest of the season.
