Better from the K’s
A much-improved second half performance was enough for Kingstonian to secure a 1-1 draw at Carshalton Athletic and record their first points of the season.
After an impressive-looking squad fell to two disappointing defeats to start the campaign, Leigh Dynan’s side travelled to the War Memorial Sports Ground looking to get their season going, but once again fell behind in the first half. And while a spirited second period secured a share of the spoils, it wasn’t enough to grab the win they were looking for.
Ks had plenty of possession in a quiet first half but struggled to create meaningful opportunities. An early Greg Cundle effort from 20 yards out rolled through to Billy Bishop in the host’s goal but it was those kind of chances Kingstonian were restricted to, as Shaun Lucien and Toby Ajala both saw attempts from distance flash wide. At the other end, Carshalton had the better of the early chances as Tolfrey had to come out smartly to deny Mike Dixon before Danny Dudley could only head wide unmarked from the resulting corner. But, as so often seems to happen in the Bostik, just as Ks were beginning to assert themselves in the game, they fell behind. Shaun McAuley, who returned to the side following a season at Hampton and a pre-season injury, added some steel and drive to the middle of the pitch alongside Mano Gogonas, but his only mistake of the first half led to Carshalton taking the lead as his misplaced pass was pounced upon by Ricky Korboa who took the ball bounced before his shot looped off Leo Chambers and in.
Within minutes of the second half starting, Kingstonian were level. Cundle made a powerful run into the box but found his shot blocked. Toby Ajala’s corner didn’t look overly dangerous, but it was allowed to make its low way into the danger area where Louie Theophanous smartly turned the ball home. Suddenly, the game opened up. Cundle took advantage of a poor back pass, but after rounding the keeper, his shot rolled agonisingly against the post. Enter Jordan Cheadle to centre stage for the hosts as his whipped free kick drew a great save from Tolfrey, before the host’s left back conspired to miss a great chance, firing wide from close range following a corner. For Ks, the introduction and direct running of Mo Faal caused all kinds of problems for the Robins’ backline. Faal and Theophanous combined nicely, but a series of last ditch blocks kept the scores level.
Match report by Jamie Cutteridge.
