Kingstonian 2 - Basingstoke Town 0

An early goal from Scott Corbett and a late one from David Leworthy made Kingstonian's Ryman League Premier Division victory over Basingstoke Town at Kingsmeadow on Saturday seem more comfortable than it really was, writes Ian Coates.

The home side never really convinced and they failed to take advantage when Town keeper Graham Benstead -- a former Ks man, as was Simon Line -- was stretchered off after a collision with Terry Evans in the second half. Ks were unable to put any pressure on centre forward Ian Mancey, who took over the keeper's jersey.

Jeff Wrighton's cancelled train saw the Geordie defender on the bench, with Evans, who has been suspended, pitched straight back into the fray. Ks, who lost to Basingstoke in the Full Members Cup 3-2, and drew 0-0 away in the league had a bit of an early scare when Matt Crossley had to make a vital interception after 10 minutes, but five minutes later they were in the lead.

Geoff Pitcher and Eddie Akuamoah combined to set Leworthy free on the left, and the Cherry Red Records' man-of-the-match lifted in a cross. Town's Nigel Emsden beat Neville Roach on the ball but his poor header out set up Corbett, who tucked home from eight yards.

The stage was set for Ks to dominate the game, improving their goal difference into the bargain. But with all their championship rivals also winning, they made heavy weather of getting a result. Roach headed over from a great ball by Leworthy and a bad back pass nearly let Roach in but Benstead reacted quickly.

The home side looked more positive at the start of the second half. A great run by Dean Hooper ended when the ball was kicked away. Roach then played it back in to Akuamoah, whose low effort was cleared off the line.

The unfortunate injury to Benstead gave Ks the chance to test the rookie keeper but they gave him remarkably little to do.

A Corbett header hit the top of the bar from a Pitcher free kick, Leworthy's header from Hooper's corner was another cleared off the line and Pitcher hit the post with a free kick.

Wrightson finally got on for the ailing Hooper. Roach put Leworthy away but skied over when the ball was returned, then saw another effort deflected for a corner. Ks made the game safe on 83 minutes. Matt Crossley played the ball up to Akuamoah, who turned it inside for a typical clinical Leworthy finish.

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