Kings suffered the heartbreak of a late own goal that consigned them to defeat
against high flying Flackwell Heath.
Their best opportunity actually came in the first minute, when a piercing run and
cross by Bently Assiedou presented Lance Williams with the chance to convert,
but the striker steered the sharp chance just wide. From then on, the home side
made all the early running and could and should have been ahead early on when
prolific marksman Makowski found himself clear in the box, but the ace striker’s
finish lacked conviction and Adi Connolly gathered easily.
Undaunted, the hosts continued their attacking momentum with Makowski again
going close but, in general, Kings were defending well, with Charne Lemba
conspicuous in his endeavours on his return to the starting line-up. Kings’ did
threaten fleetingly midway through the half when Assiedou’s harassment of
keeper Dennison forced a miscued clearance from the home custodian straight to
Henry Burt. The midfielder took aim at the unguarded net from fully forty yards but,
alas, the shot faded wide. Flackwell riposted with a darting run and shot by
Harding, but Connolly was equal to it and saved comfortably and that turned out to
be the last significant action of the half.
The Heathens continued to set the pace in the second period but Kings remained
resilient in defence, quickly responding to danger when it threatened and still
mounting sporadic attacks of their own, though their opportunities remained
limited. Flackwell rang the changes, bringing on three substitutes in rapid
succession in an effort to break the deadlock, while Kings responded with their
own changes, bringing on Dec Phillips and Mo Kamara and both featured in some
promising build-ups as they too, strived for a breakthrough.
However, it was the home side’s strategy that finally paid dividends when sub
Odumosu’s penetrating run and low cross saw Charne Lemba unluckily divert the
ball into his own net. Kings strived resolutely for parity, but found their hosts in no
mood to relinquish their hard won advantage and the home side saw out the
remaining minutes without further anxiety to condemn Kings to a narrow defeat,
but one they can take encouragement from for a battling performance against a
team sure to be in the promotion mix come the end of the season.