Kingstonian win 2-1 on penalties
Tolfrey Saves Three In Shoot-Out Victory
Stompond Lane has seen better days. In fact the old terrace by the cinder trees has not been torn down but, worse, crudely blocked off with green wooden boards, leaving the stand's architecture still visible. all of this serves to create the spectre of fans trapped in the between-spaces, condemned to spend their days hearing, but not seeing, the thuds and moans of Isthmian competition.
Whatever ghosts were in attendance, around 100 fans gathered to watch K's advance into the quarter finals of the Robert Dyas League Cup.
The penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw added some much needed drama. I for one felt cheated that there was no extra-time but also relieved because it was cold.
K's took the lead in the first half when Alex Addai, presumably boosted by recent favourable press coverage, hit a speculative shot from the edge of the box which slipped through the keeper's fingers.
K's had two more half chances, Steve Butterworth floating with ambivalent menace, but the home side won a penalty before half time when Dan Sweeney hacked down Matt Reece. Reece picked himself up and smashed the ball down the middle beyond Rob Tolfrey's flailing right hand.
A torrid second period ensued in which Jake Kempton missed what chances there were.
And so to penalties. Walton missed their first three, visibly terrified of Tolfrey. but Kempton blazed over for K's while Steve Laidler hit the bar. Aaron Goode and Steve Butterworth held their nerve before the third of Tolfrey's three saves saw K's through.
Match report by Taimour Lay.
