Bostik Premier Leiston 2 Kingstonian 0 It was a fine day for Leiston as they secured their second win in five days whilst three teams above them were defeated, thus enabling Glen Driver’s side to move into sixth position in the table – just one point outside the play-off places, writes John Campany.
Kingstonian, occupying a mid-table position, proved formidable opponents without really threatening to cause an upset on a bitterly cold afternoon in front of 242 spectators at Victory Road.
Curtis Haynes–Brown made his debut in a back three, whilst Jack Ainsley continued his partnership up front with Christy Finch.
The Leiston boss said: “It has been a great week with the victory over Enfield Tuesday evening and today our first half performance was outstanding.”
He added: “We have recovered from our recent blip and with Tom Bullard, Matt Blake and Dillon Hammond due for recalls we are hoping for a good run.”
It was an enterprising start from the home side with Christy Finch and Seb Dunbar both testing Robert Tolfrey in the visitor’s goal and it came as no surprise when they took a 19th minute lead.
A typical constructive build up culminated with Joe Marsden crossing from the right and Patrick Brothers, moving swiftly into the box, coolly seized his opportunity to prod home.
Leiston, now playing with confidence, continued to impress against a resilient South West London side who enjoyed a good share of the play with playmaker Ambrose Gnahore a potential threat with his pace.
The lead was extended on 43 minutes when with no apparent danger Byron Lawrence unleashed a terrific low shot from 25 yards beyond the stranded Tolfrey.
The visitors thereafter gained the initiative and the home side were forced into periods of organised defending, with Finch’s pace being the outlet to alleviate pressure.
However the closest Kingstonian came was when Garnham made a decent save to deny Gnahore.
And with the introduction of substitutes Dominic Docherty and Kelsey Trotter, Leiston regained control of the closing moments to ensure an important success.
Elsewhere in the Bostik Premier, Needham Market were beaten 2-1 at Merstham, Jack Simmonds scoring their goal. Lowestoft Town’s clash with Enfield was postponed.
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