Kingstonian were celebrating on Saturday night as their hard fought win over Gravesend and Northfleet, combined with rivals Sutton dropping two points, put them top of the Ryman Premiership.

But two days later nobody was smiling at Kingsmeadow. In fact five of them were sneezing as a bout of `flu KO'd their Surrey Senior Cup semi final replay against Whyteleafe on Tuesday night.

The tie will be replayed on Thursday, March 19, at 7.30pm. But more concerning is the impending derby clash with Walton and Hersham on Saturday. Illness, combined with at least four injuries and a couple of suspensions, will see Ks stretched to the limit as they seek to keep their title challenge on track.

And managing director Chris Kelly admitted: "This couldn't have come at a worse time for us." On Saturday Ks appeared to be heading for a goal less draw until the last eight minutes. It was Geoff Pitcher who was hailed the hero, bagging both goals, one on 82 minutes, the winner five minutes later after `Fleet had equalised from the spot.

r Manager Geoff Chapple has been named William Hill manager of the month for February, although he shares the accolade with Bob Makin of league rivals Boreham Wood.

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