SAINTS AND SINNERS

Kings will come away from this match wondering how on earth they didn’t win the game with something to spare, never mind losing it by the odd goal in three. When they analyse it, they will look to a host of missed chances, an outstanding display by home custodian, Martin Conway and some rank bad luck. It had all started so well for Kings as they dominated the opening exchanges and were rewarded as early as the 6th minute when a Gary Connolly low cross was drilled home emphatically by Charlie Ruff. Kings continued to create opportunities but could not add to their advantage and their profligacy was to prove costly in the 36th minute when an attempted clearance from a free kick ricocheted off Charlie Pattison past the despairing Melvin Minter to concede an own goal. The second half started in much the same vein as the first, with Kings enjoying the lion's share of the possession, but unable to effect the vital breakthrough against a resolute home defence. The sucker punch duly came in the 60th minute after another free kick delivery into the box dropped to well-placed Jack Snelus, who rifled home. Kings tried manfully to restore parity for the rest of the half but, despite a seemingly endless stream of corners and a frenetic five minute spell which saw them hit the woodwork three times and goalkeeper Conway make a similar number of outstanding saves, the equaliser would not come and Kings were left to rue the lack of reward from their long spells of ascendancy.