Ryan Moss Nets Late To Gain Point
One of Alan Dowson's most memorable quotes from his time as Ks manager was that, "With Luke in goal and Bobby up front, we'll be alright." It briefly became a terrace chant and it was also true, as a good goalkeeper and a good centre-forward is vital to any team - although Dowson was overlooking the wealth of other talent in his side, not least Tommy Williams in midfield.
Now, Ks fans might like to think that with Rob Tolfrey in goal and Ryan Moss up front we'll again be alright - even if after another listless performance what qualifies as 'alright' is becoming a bit looser.
Certainly, the two were responsible for Ks getting their first point of the season at home to Hendon. Tolfrey again made some good saves to keep Hendon at bay and when he was finally beaten, Moss quickly equalised.
In truth neither side played especially well but it was the visitors who started better. Tolfrey had to save a powerful drive from Dale Binns and then on the rebound did well to tip Finbarr Robins' effort over. Ks had some long-range efforts off target but Hendon continued to look more menacing with Karl Oliyide heading over and Robins firing narrowly wide.
Hendon goalkeeper Berkley Laurencin was finally called into action midway through the second half, tipping a Pico Gomez shot round the post and then holding an acrobatic effort from Moss.
It was Hendon who were passing the ball better though and after finding Tolfrey equal to their efforts for most of the half they got the breakthrough on 76 minutes. Mayowa Balogan crossed from the left and Robins was completely unmarked to give Tolfrey no chance.
Unlike on opening day at Harlow though Ks had time for a riposte and just three minutes later Moss headed a Gomez cross past Laurencin from close range. Neither side was able to seriously threaten the other's goal in the last ten minutes though and after first day defeats perhaps both were happy with the point.
Match report by Simon Grier.
