Haysman Double Lifts K’s to Fourth
Kingstonian produced what might have been their best performance of the season so far, as a Kane Haysman brace led them to a 2-1 victory over Tonbridge Angels. The second half display, in particular, was highly promising as Craig Edwards’ side elevated themselves into a playoff position for the first time since the opening week of the season.
The first half was relatively even, with good chances at either end. Joe Turner, one of three former Ks in the Tonbridge lineup fired over Rob Tolfrey’s goal and Nathan Elder headed wide, while for Ks Alec Fiddes struck the angle of post and bar.
It was the home side who made the breakthrough though, two minutes before half time. Fiddes was felled by Jack Parter on the right and Haysman found himself the space to fiercely head home Tom Collins’ swinging free kick, off the underside of the bar.
Ks came out strongly after the break. Tom Derry headed a Collins cross wide and then just before the hour mark the lead was doubled. Fiddes, enjoying his best game yet for the club, took the ball into the box with some impressive close control. Goalkeeper Jonathan Henly could only get a fingertip to his chipped cross and Haysman stooped at the far post to head home.
Fiddes continued to menace the Angels. First he again cut into the box and tried to catch Henly out at his near post, the goalkeeper doing well to parry a vicious shot wide, before he fired another effort narrowly over. Henly again did well to keep Ks at bay when he kept out a Toby Little free kick before new signing James Fraser powered a volley narrowly wide after a Haysman cross.
Tonbridge manager Steve McKimm introduced popular ex-Ks striker Andre McCollin to try to turn the tide and he nearly did, lashing a 25-yarder against the woodwork two minutes from time.
Tonbridge eventually did pull a goal back, after Henly had again saved from Fiddes, but Callum Adonis-Taylor’s deflected strike came deep into stoppage time. After half a minute of keep-ball near the corner flag, Ks were able to celebrate their third win in a row.
Match report by Simon Grier.
