Clarence Park looks at it's best in the Autumn sunshine for a big game, Kingstonian, re-arranged from Tuesday evening. They are all big games but after poor performances against Grays and Harrow over the past two weeks, all involved at St Albans City F.C. are desperate for a return to winning ways. Kingstonian, with their own problems off the pitch, are just above City in the table and among their ranks are former Saint, Stafford Browne.
For today, Cookie selected Shane Gore, on loan from Wimbledon and keen to play in front of big crowds no doubt, in goal; 4 at the back: Gledhill, Brown (C), Seeby and Murray; 4 in the midfield: Williams, Wraight, Oakes and, on loan from Arlesey, Craig Reynolds; and up front: Tomlinson and Martin. On the bench: McDonnell, Deacon, Glynn, Castle and White. Naylor, Smith, Campbell and De Souza are on the treatment table.
If I had a reporters notebook, it would have been barely troubled in the first half. The return of skipper Derek Brown brought a safe and solid look to the back 4 but there was little on offer in front of them. The visitors defence was similarly in control and the only goalmouth action came when, twice in a couple of minutes, Brown headed over the bar from set-plays, and just after the half-hour, a Scott Oakes free-kick from 25 yards smacked the post with K's keeper Keyes beaten. Gore wasn't troubled. H.T. 0-0.
As usual, the second half followed the first and it was similar fare. Kingstonian shaded this period and their striker, Grant Payne, should have done better with one of three chances which he fired to either side and over the goal. On the hour, Cookie brought on McDonnell for the out-of-sorts Martin, and Glynn for Reynolds, and shortly after, Deacon for Oakes. A couple of half-chances were created but this one had 0-0 written all over it.
But no. 3 minutes into injury time, Kingstonian were awarded a free-kick just inside their own half, which was hit long and left to Browne, who beat his man and delivered a cross which was met by Beard's head to the delight of the visiting fans and the despair of the City Faithful. F.T. 0-1.
It was terribly disappointing to lose to a goal in the last seconds of the game but, in truth, The Saints created very little today, with hardly a clear chance or even a shot on target worthy of mention. There are talented players out on the pitch and they must deliver, and soon. Kingstonian were no better and I can see why they have shown interest in the transfer-listed Simon Martin. Allegedly.
It was dull today. The crowd was 319 with 70/80 up from Kingston.
Entertainment 3/10. Technical Merit 3/10. Referee 4/10. Atmosphere 3/10.
Match report by Homer |
