Bognor Regis Town match report
match report by Phil Murphy
Kingstonian backed up Tuesday night’s Surrey Senior Cup toppling of Corinthian-Casuals with a 1-0 victory against Bognor Regis Town. Joe Dandy’s own goal was the difference between the two sides as K’s secured a first league win since January.
In sunny and blustery conditions The Rocks enjoyed a bright spell for much of the first half. Nathan Odokonyero forced an early save from Julian Schwarzer, who did well to tip the 20-yard effort around the post.
Schwarzer was again called into action in the 23rd minute but scurried down to the feet of Odokonyero as he bore down on goal. From the corner that followed, Schwarzer clawed a Rocks effort clear despite appeals from the visitors that the ball had crossed the line.
Bognor continued to lay siege on the Australian loanee’s goal, and had an effort ruled out for offside, saw a wind-assisted effort loop off the bar and were denied by a last-ditch clearance from Hoops defender Alfie Young.
Following the sluggish start, K’s found some rhythm in the latter part of the half and looked to punish the visitors for their shortcomings in front of goal. First, debutant, Eze Ebuzoeme’s in-swinging cross just evaded the reach of Daniel Ajakaiye, before Walter Figueira almost capitalised on a defensive lapse on the stroke of half-time.
Half-time: Kingstonian 0-0 Bognor Regis Town
It was Hayden Bird’s men who made the perfect start to the second period and with just over a minute on the clock as Nyren Clunis beat his man and fizzed dangerously across the box. His opposite number Joe Dandy tried to intercept the cross, but could only redirect past goalkeeper Amadou Tangara to gift Kingstonian the game’s only goal.
K’s levels lifted in a more composed second half, with substitute Alex Addai providing a fresh threat on the right. The former Cheltenham Town winger played in Ajakaiye and the K’s frontman showed composure to shrug off a defender but miscued off his left boot.
Kingstonian might have earned a late penalty to put the game beyond doubt when Ajakaiaye went down in the box. The referee decided he was better placed than his assistant and dismissed the raised flag to wave play on.
The Rocks had some late pressure without fully testing Schwarzer as K’s dug in to secure a welcome return to Isthmian winning ways. Bird’s men will look to continue the momentum on Wednesday night when Bowers & Pitsea come to Tolworth.
Kingstonian: Julian Schwarzer, Nyren Clunis, Eze Ebuzoeme, Simon Cooper, Ollie Cook, Alfie Young, Kenny Beaney, Gus Sow, Daniel Ajakaiye, Walter Figueira, Kershaney Samuels.
Subs: Teo Kurtaran (for Kershaney Samuels, 70m), Alex Addai (for Nyren Clunis, 59m), Declan Skura (for Walter Figueira, 85m), Lewis Pearch, Jordan Wilson.
Bognor Regis Town: Amadou Tangara, Joe Dandy, Harvey Hughes, Calvin Davies, Joe Cook, Craig Robson, Harvey Whyte, Jake Flannigan, Nathan Odonkonyero, Dan Gifford, Harrison Brook.
Subs: Ethan Robb, Sam Dowridge (for Harrison Brook, 59m), Charlie Bell (for Harvey Hughes, 65m), Danny Howick, Jack Wyatt.
Goal scorer: Joe Dandy (47m og, 1-0)
Attendance: 282
