Back to Clarence Park for the visit of Kingstonian. They missed the first 3 weeks of the season, suspended, while they were satisfying the F.A. and The League concerning past debts and all that financial stuff. Everyone at St. Albans will sympathise with their players, officials and fans and be delighted that they are now able to play this season. Good luck to them. They are undefeated with a win and a draw from their 2 games since returning. City , of course, are 7 & 0. This wont be easy tonight.
For tonight, The Dynamic Duo selected Wilmot in goal, 4 at the back: Evans, Townley, Campbell and Naylor; 4 in the midfield: Keen, Challinor, Smith and Hollenbach; and up front: Martin and Crawshaw. On the bench were Moran, Brown, Sippetts, Oakes (who made it to the right ground tonight), and Roberts.
A fast and skilful game from the very start, with both sides playing good football. City had the better of the opening exchanges and took the lead with a super goal inside 15 minutes. Crawshaw found space in the box and back-headed a Smith throw-in to Martin who volleyed home from 18 yards. 1-0. The visitors stepped up a gear and began to dominate the midfield, looking dangerous in attack. Once again, City played too deep for me and, for the first time this season, the back 4 were stretched too thin. The visitors' No 11, ( Wingworth or Wingwell - he wasn't in the programme), the K's MotM, was directing the play. The equaliser came from fine play on the left and a very good cross which was met in the six yard box. 1-1. Both sides had chances, Keen hit the bar and so did the visitors, but it was 1-1 at half time with Kingstonian leading on points.
This City side don't lie down and they started the second half strongly. Within 15 minutes Saints were in front when good work by first Smith and then Crawshaw found Martin 12 yards out to beat K's keeper Keys (good alliteration there) with a firm strike. 2-1. Kingstonian don't lie down either and came back strongly, once again taking control of the midfield. The Duo brought on Brown for Naylor and Oakes for Evans and reverted to 3-5-2. It didn't work as City seemed to lose their shape, in the face of very good opposition, it must be said. The Equaliser came when the K's striker was allowed too much room by a retreating defender and chipped a super goal from just outside the box. 2-2. City rallied and created a couple more chances. A fine free-kick by Oakes rattled the cross-bar. Moran came on for Campbell and his run to the by-line and low cross created panic on the K's goal line with Challinor just failing to stab the ball home. F.T. 2-2.
A very good game and a fair result. Kingstonian are very quick indeed, throughout the side. Quick on the ball and quick to close down the opposition. as quick as Canvey, the best side we have met this term. More than their share of skill. They will do well this season. The Duo will be disappointed that several players couldn't find top gear tonight. We lost our shape for 30 minutes or so while the visitors were in control. The tactical substitutions didn't come off on this occasion. Still. They will be pleased to be undefeated in 8 and on top of the League by 4 points.
A good crowd of 612 with 100 or so having made the trip from Surrey. The Sponsors' MotM was Martin with Crawshaw close behind once again, no doubt
Entertainment 9/10. Atmosphere 8/10. Technical Merit 6/10. Referee 7/10.
Match report by Homer |
