A ‘Man of the Match’ performance by Rene Howe inspired Kings to a first ever victory at Tiverton’s
picturesque Ladysmead ground as Kings continued their enticing quest for the play-offs. Kings opened as
brightly as the beaming sun above and were quickly on the front foot as they looked to impose their
trademark passing game on proceedings. Only astute attention by the home defence prevented Andronicus
Georgiou, playing in an advanced forward position, from making an immediate impact. The home side,
however, are a redoubtable force on their own patch, as recent victories against high flyers, Met Police and
Salisbury will testify and they were soon displaying their own attacking intent. An incisive run by Josh Key
culminated in a searching cross to the head of Stuart Yetton only for Kings custodian, Alex Tocarczyk to
thwart the experienced striker with a stunning save. The opportunity heralded a series of dead ball situations
in which the home side came close to breaking the deadlock on several occasions, but Kings resilience paid
off spectacularly in the 18th minute when a brilliant solo effort by Rene Howe gave Kings the lead. The
bustling centre forward picked the ball up on the edge of the box and superbly steered a low shot around his
attendant marker and past Tivvy keeper Liam Armstong’s despairing dive. Alas, King’s joy was short lived as
just three minutes later Tiverton’s prolific striker, Levi Landricombe scythed a free kick through a forest of
legs to restore parity. Kings responded well to the setback and a brilliant run by Andronicus Georgiou
brought a flying save from Armstrong and ensured honours were even at the break.
The second period opened with both teams battling to gain the attacking initiative. Only prompt intervention
by Jorell Johnson prevented Colwell scoring and then a mazy run by Lewis Putnam set up Howe but the
burly striker opted to cross rather than shoot and the chance was lost. Putnam was again to the fore when
combining well with Connor Smith and Georgiou but again a good opportunity went begging. The home side,
too, were not without their moments and the irrepressible Key set up Levi Landricombe only for a timely
intervention by the formidable Adebiyi to deny Tivvy’s top scorer. With the match looking like heading for a
stalemate, manager Steve Conroy introduced Rohdell Gordon signed ‘on-loan’ from Royston on ‘deadline’
day and the speedy wide man made an immediate impact by setting up Georgiou but the shot was well
saved by Armstrong. However, the debutant was not to be denied a significant impact on the game. In the
79th minute he combined well with Rene Howe to cross low for Stevie Ward, and for the second game
running the talismanic forward was on hand to volley home what proved to be the winning goal and send
King’s small band of travelling faithful into delirium. Gordon then had his own opportunity for a scoring debut
when, again, Howe was to the fore in setting him up for a chance which he screwed tantalizingly wide. A
flurry of substitutions ensued as both Managers looked to respond to the dynamics of the situation but
despite some late drama, when the ever predatory Levi Landricombe flashed a brilliantly executed overhead
kick just wide, Kings held on for a vital win that sees them a giant step closer to ‘play off’ dreamland.