Bishop's Stortford match report
Bishop’s Stortford avenged Kingstonian's August demolition job in Hertfordshire with a 2-0 play-off victory of K's at King George’s Field.
Stortford made the perfect start in the third minute, when Darren Foxley pounced on indecision at the back to smash home and grab an early lead for the Blues.
The visitors were without the services of loanee Jason Banton owed to a gentleman’s agreement between the two clubs, but they certainly found no problems creating chances and enjoyed the better of the first half. Julian Schwarzer was again among the most impressive players in K's colours, stopping from Harris, Charles and goalscorer Foxley as he bore down on goal.
Five minutes before the interval, K’s had a chance to pull level against the run of play when Daniel Ajakaiye broke free and squared to Walter Figueira. The former Sligo Rovers man dummied and keeper Giddens gratefully gathered.
Half-Time: Kingstonian 0-1 Bishop’s Stortford
The visitors made a bright start to the second period and striker Chris Harris should have doubled the lead when an Ollie Cook header fell into his path, but the big number nine fired over from close range. Moments later, Schwarzer was again called into action, saving well with his feet from Ryan Charles.
The Blues entered the game with a remarkable 10 consecutive clean sheets and were happy to allow Bird’s men to control possession while offering minimal threat.
20 minutes from time though, K’s managed to cut the promotion candidates open. Clunis linked with Simon Cooper, who, in the unfamiliar surroundings of the right wing crossed perfectly for Alex Addai to slot home. With the goal gaping, the ball stuck between Addai's feet and the visitors managed to scramble clear.
Storford had chances to put things beyond doubt and in the dying minutes, a Foxley finish from close-range doubled the lead for the second-placed side to send the visiting contingent home happy on a day when the Isthmian League title officially escaped their reach.
Kingstonian: Julian Schwarzer, Nyren Clunis, Eze Ebuzoeme, Simon Cooper, Ollie Cook, Alfie Young, Kenny Beaney, Gus Sow, Walter Figueira, D'sean Theobalds, Daniel Ajakaiye.
Subs: Alex Addai (for Walter Figueira, 63m), Teo Kurtaran (for Kenny Beaney, 75m), Kershaney Samuels (for Simon Cooper, 75m), Lewis Pearch, David Lopes.
Bishop's Stortford: Jack Giddens, Ryan Henshaw, Jonny Giles, Ben Marlow, Chris Harris, Johnville Renee, Jack Thomas, Darren Foxley, Ryan Charles, Mark Haines, Billy Cracknell.
Subs: Anthony Church (for Ben Marlow, 23m), Sam Robbins, Frankie Merrifield (for Chris Harris, 71m), Ollie Peters (for Jonny Giles, 63m), Archie Jones.
Goal scorers: Darren Foxley (3m, 0-1), Darren Foxley (87m, 0-2)
Attendance: 232
