K’s go four-wards in the Trophy
Kingstonian probably expected a tough replay after a hard-fought draw at Kingsmeadow three days previously but in the event secured the sort of runaway victory they could only have dreamed of.
Within just 23 minutes they had raced into a 4-0 lead, orchestrated largely by Matt Pattison, before seeing out a drab remainder of the game to advance to a tie with Dartford in the first round proper.
If Saturday's game had been characterised by poor finishing from Ks, then this was quite the opposite. After a Tom Hutchinson header was saved in just the third minute, the floodgates opened as Ks beat goalkeeper Elliot Justham four times in a little over a quarter of an hour.
The first came from Pattison, who showed both strength and skill to create himself a gap to shoot from 25 yards. It was without power but the accuracy was perfect as it edged past Justham's dive before cannoning in off the post.
Two minutes later and Ks had doubled their advantage, again via the woodwork. Pattison was the provider this time as Kieron Murphy met his corner with a looping header that evaded Justham at the near post and crept inside the goal.
The way Ks have defended this season a two goal cushion was certainly not enough to calm supporters' nerves, but a third on 21 minutes left Brentwood with no way back. Charles Ofusu-Hene's shot was blocked but squirmed free to Andre McCollin, who fired the ball low across the six yard box for Craig Mullen to knock in from close range.
A Pattison fourth, again from outside the box after he evaded his man with an impressive turn of pace, meant Ks could really take their foot off the pedal. And that they largely did, especially after Mullen was wiped out of the game with studmarks in his leg by a Neil Cousins foul.
The remainder of the match saw little action. Alex Read volleyed over while substitute Sam Clayton twice came close in injury time, only to see his first effort fly over the bar and his second well saved by Justham.
Read headed wide after the break before Ks eventually threatened to add to their tally with a late attacking flurry. However, they found Justham in fine form in the second half, making a remarkable reflex save from a Murphy volley after fine work from Pattison and Matt Somner, and also denying Clayton with his legs after Dean Lodge had teed up his fellow substitute.
Simon Huckle sidefooted over and Justham saved well again from Clayton before the home side grabbed a last minute consolation strike. Daryl Robson's shot from distance appeared to catch a deflection before looping over Rob Tolfrey, putting only the slight dampener of a 12th consecutive failure to keep a clean sheet on an otherwise excellent performance.
Report: Simon Grier.
