Kings came away from high flying Gosport Borough with a well-earned point. With just a smidgeon more composure in front of goal their reward could have been even greater after a superb second half display that had the hosts reeling.

However, in the early stages it had looked like being a routine victory for the home team as they seized the attacking initiative from the outset and took an early advantage when ex-Pompey starlet, Harry Kavanagh scampered up the right and delivered a precision cross for Harvey Rew to head powerfully home. Buoyed by their early success, the home side looked to capitalize on their lead by attacking in waves, with
Kings hard pressed to contain the onslaught. But contain it they did, with new centre back pairing of Jorell Johnson and Roddy Collins prominent in their resolute defending.

Gradually, Kings gained a foothold in the game and as the half wore on they were trading blow for blow with their free scoring opponents as the game settled into an end to end affair.

Kyle Connolly, restored to his more familiar left back berth, made two piercing runs in rapid succession at the heart of the Boro’ defence, but the vital finishing touch eluded the experienced defender. Will Hoskins, on his return to the starting line-up, also had two sharp chances, but found Boro’ custodian Albie White equal to the task of denying the seasoned campaigner. Despite the raised tempo Kings could not find the vital breakthrough and the half ended with them still in arrears.

Manager Chris Cummins galvanised his charges still further at half time and they started the second period with a real sense of urgency, sensing the quest for parity and beyond was achievable. Louis-Michel Yamfam, was making the most of his elevation to the starting line-up and his penetrating runs were stretching the Gosport defence, often incurring free kicks in dangerous positions when the darting forward was unceremoniously stopped in his tracks.

The introduction of Jamie Jellis and Jack Wood offered further potency to Kings’ attacking options and it was Wood who finally created the opportunity for equality when he drove into the box, only to be upended by Hallet’s despairing lunge. Captain Roddy Collins capped a superb individual performance by stepping up and nervelessly stroking the ball past White. In the final few minutes Gosport strived desperately to find a winner but Kings managed the game out comfortably to earn the point that their fine team performance thoroughly deserved.