CONNOLLY CRACKER DOWNS PICS TO KEEP KINGS IN PLAY-OFF MIX

Despite being without the influential trio of Jordan Parkes, Roddy Collins and Harry Crawford, Kings showed commendable resilience in securing victory over play-off contenders Rushall Olympic. A wonder strike from club captain Gary Connolly, recalled to the side after injury, was the ultimate difference between the teams in this closely fought encounter on Rushall’s pristine 3G pitch. In truth, Kings did not replicate the form that has seen them surge into play-off contention themselves, but to a man they showed a steely determination in repelling everything the home side threw at them.

With a swirling wind at their backs, it was the home side who dominated the early exchanges and but for a superb tip over from Kings keeper Melvin Minter the hosts may have been ahead in the first minute. Spurred by this early opportunity Rushall continued to force the pace. The powerful Jonathan Letford was the regular focal point of their attacks, but all too often he lacked the vital support necessary to break down a stubborn defence. Kings also had their moments on the break and Edu Toiny-Pendred and Will Hoskins both went close after Mitchell Weiss had twice stretched the home defence with penetrating runs. The Pics continued to keep the pressure on and generated a number of dangerous dead ball situations, but in the main, Kings coped with these comfortably except for one heart stopping moment when Asa Charlton’s powerful header glanced off the bar. This turned out to be the last significant action of a half which left both teams pondering how the deadlock might be broken.

As it happened, the second period was only six minutes old when that question was spectacularly answered. A move symptomatic of the flowing football that has been a hallmark of Kings’ new year renaissance started with Mitchell Weiss winning the ball in midfield before taking a driving run at a retreating defence and squaring to Gary Connolly who hit a peach of a shot into the top corner from nearly thirty yards out. The strike galvanised both teams into increased levels of endeavour with Rushall desperate to achieve parity and Kings equally resolved in protecting their advantage. Rushall introduced three substitutes in rapid succession while Kings responded with the introduction of Saul
Williams and 17 year old debutant, Jack Wood. Despite the new personnel, the hosts could not penetrate a resolute rearguard who, along with keeper Melvin Minter, were outstanding on the day and managed the game out without further mishap for a vital victory.

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