U’s go out
In a week where non-league again found itself in the gutter over match-fixing allegations, an impressive Kingstonian win over Conference South Sutton United...
...which was their fourth victory in the last five meetings, was overshadowed by an unsavoury incident before the game.
Substitute goalkeeper Wayne Shaw responded to verbal provocation by climbing over the pitch-side barrier and involving himself in a fracas with Ks fans. The incident, which would cost him his job with the Us, intensified the ill-feeling between both sets of supporters before a match that was surprisingly competitive for a tie in the early rounds of the oft-neglected Surrey Cup.
If Sutton were rocked by the incident though it didn't show in the early stages. They dominated the first half but profligate finishing cost them dear when Josh Casey struck the only goal of the game for Ks ten minutes from time.
Sutton headed narrowly wide in just the fourth minute, Rob Tolfrey made a reflex save from Craig Dundas and Kane Haysman volleyed wide. Dale Binns also missed the target for the home side and things when from bad to worse for Ks when Andre McCollin limped off injured.
Casey brought some respite on 25 minutes when he rounded Luke Badiali only to see Charlie Clough sprint back to clear off the line. Ks were soon on the back foot again though with Clough and Jamie Slabber both heading wide.
Just after the break Tolfrey tipped a Sam Rents free kick over but Ks eventually got more of a grip on the game. Dee Okojie shot weakly at Badiali after a good run and then substitute Daniel Sweeney fired narrowly over from distance.
Haysman came close from distance but ten minutes from time Ks broke the deadlock. A Paul Telfer clearance went only as far as former Sutton man Tommy Kavanagh, whose chipped through ball sent Casey through to slot past Badiali.
Sutton bustled to find an equaliser but created a little, a wide header from Slabber their best chance. Whether Alan Dowson will continue to field strong teams in the Surrey Cup remains to be seen; but this victory will at the very least be a major confidence boost before important upcoming league games.
Report: Simon Grier
