This new local derby attracted a large crowd as Kings attempted to put right the missing of
a golden opportunity on Saturday and progress to the next round where a home tie with
Canvey Island awaits. Their cause was not helped by the unavailability of seven players
for various reasons and resulting in a new central defensive pairing, the switching to right
back of the versatile Henry Dudley and Kieran Turner moving to defensive midfield.
The opening quarter was a cagey affair, but burst into life when a chance fell to Guiseppe
Delgaudio, but the striker’s shot was straight at Green. BJ Christie duplicated the missed
opportunity minutes later and the feeling that Kings may be made to pay began to stalk
the home terracing. As the half entered the final five, that feeling was reinforced when
Delgaudio made a fine right wing run, but finding nobody up with him, was forced into a
shot that was narrowly wide.

So the interval arrived with deadlock still operating, but that was to change when Kings
suddenly clicked into gear. Christie received the ball far right and fired in a curling shot
that deceived Green and entered the top corner via the far post. It was a superlative effort
and transformed Kings’ confidence as they surged forward, eager to put the tie to bed.
The buffer was not long in coming, as Louie Collier, who had been having a quiet game
by his standards, received an astute wing pass from George Hughes, cut inside almost on
the bye-line and beat the keeper from an acute angle.

Three minutes later, as the clock passed the hour mark, they completed their objective as
Jeremiah Luwero, making his home debut, received the ball wide left, ran across the face
of the defence and unleashed a low shot to wrap up the tie.

Rovers had competed well and the course of the game could have altered five minutes
after the first goal when Haf Al Droubi dribbled out and made a hash of his clearance
straight to an opponent, who delivered an accurate high shot to the unguarded net. The
keeper atoned by back pedalling frantically and somehow getting his fingertips to the ball
for a tip over.

On such incidents can the balance of power change, but for Kings the night was an uplift
to a slow start to the season as they advanced to the next round, hoping for a decent Cup
run.