K’s continue four-ward
Kingstonian climbed to second in the league with a 4-0 win against a defensively frail Cray Wanderers, who now sit bottom.
Whilst it was not quite the 9-3 of last season, the game was certainly full of chances.
Kingstonian were in control from the start, as they took the lead in just the 6th minute. Apparent danger at the Kingstonian end was quickly averted when Rob Tolfrey was rushed into a clearance by pressure from Jason Henry. The ball sailed straight over the static Wanderers’ defence and found Ks’ top scorer Andre McCollin in acres of space. The forward comfortably tucked the ball home for his 15th of the season.
Whilst Cray’s defensive performance left a lot to be admired, they did create a few chances. Midfielder Alex Stavrinou almost levelled for the visitors immediately, forcing a smart save from Tolfrey and went close again in the 22nd minute, as his header was cleared off the line at the back post.
Tommy Kavanagh and Josh Casey combined for the winning goal at Sutton in midweek and the same pair linked up for today’s second.
After a ball back to the edge of the box, an excellent dummy by Kavanagh let the ball roll to Casey on the edge of the box. Under absolutely no pressure, Casey was allowed to pick his spot and delightfully curled the ball into the top corner, to double the home side’s lead.
Ryan Moss should have furthered Ks’ advantage just before the break. A long free kick was headed back across goal by Aaron Goode, but Moss’ free header flew over the bar.
Despite a switch to two up front, Cray created fewer chances in the second half. A flash across goal from Henry and a couple of rushed shots were all the Ks’ defence had to worry about, as they kept their 11th clean sheet of the league campaign.
Conversely, Cray hold the division’s worst defensive record and have now conceded 63 goals in just 20 games. Their misery was compounded in the 65th minute, after a well worked corner extended Kingstonian’s lead.
Charlie Knight played the ball short to Kavanagh, as the Wands’ defence
was again caught napping. The midfielder had plenty of time to perfectly loft a ball to the back post, where Goode rose highest to nod in.
As the game drew to a close, Kingstonian took advantage of a beleaguered Wanderers defence. McCollin almost grabbed his second in the 77th minute. After collecting a long through ball, he twice appeared to be fouled, but got back up both times to continue his run. His shot, though, was well saved.
Two minutes from time Kingstonian struck the crossbar, but grabbed their fourth and final goal in the 90th minute. McCollin’s cross was only cleared as far as Daniel Sweeney, whose drilled shot deflected past the helpless Ben Bridle-Card in the Cray goal.
Kingstonian have now won nine of their ten league games at home and will be looking to continue their excellent form when they face promotion rivals Wealdstone on Monday night.
Report: Sam Bryant
