I was looking forward to this game, as it appeared there was a lot at stake for both teams here today. The result could decide the future of both teams as a win guaranteed survival and a defeat meant looking over your shoulder with the trap door wide open.
The 1st half started with myself expecting the usual fast out the traps Banstead having control for the first ten minutes at least. But this wasn't the case as Kingsborough were in total control of possession. The side in red kept control of the ball and posed a threat from a couple of corners that Banstead struggled to deal with. It was only 5 minutes into the game but I was surprised Kingsborough had not scored as a couple of efforts including a goalmouth scramble should have given a well deserved lead to the home side.
Then the 1st goal came as a free kick from Symon Wright from outside the box was put to the back post where an unmarked Ian Rugg headed the ball onto the crossbar. From the re-bound Tony Nathan swept the ball home from close range 1-0.
The 2nd goal quickly followed as the pressure put on the defence of Banstead was never ending. A ball put behind the defence hit a defender’s out stretched arm and the referee signalled for a penalty. This in my opinion was a little harsh as the defender had his back to the ball and it was accidental from where I stood. The penalty was finished well by James Andy 2-0
The game continued to be one sided for quite a lot of the first half as there was some excellent passing and movement from James Andy, Symon Wright and Ross Deegan. There were more chances to extend the lead and pressure soon told as to even the player’s amazement, a well-worked move saw Ben Illingworth find himself in the box. When it became clear no one was going to close him down, rather than put the ball across goal he slotted home with his left foot for 3-0. Just after the 3rd goal came a superb double save from the Banstead keeper to keep the score at 3-0 from close range efforts from Wright and Ryan Butt’s rebound hit the keeper flush in the face and stayed out.
The 3rd goal was around the time that the high tempo play of Kingsborough settled down as it involved so much extra running that there was always going to be a period in which the tempo would slow down. But with this came a price as a couple of needless free kicks were given away and from one an unmarked Banstead player had a free header at goal. I expected it to go straight in but an excellent tip over by Paul Hooper kept the score at 3-0 going into half time.
Unfortunately during the first half the clearly frustrated Banstead players had moaned at every decision and swore at the referee on numerous occasions. This lead to the game turning ugly as the ever-moaning Banstead players got to Ben Illingworth even though they were awarded the free kick. The Kingsborough captain threw the ball at the face of the Banstead captain and a pile up of girls with handbags ensued. Once everything had calmed down there was an unexpected red card for a Banstead player who had run across the pitch with a fist in the air. The Kingsborough captain was only issued with a yellow card for his actions.
During the break the Banstead team were warned that their conduct must change for the second half otherwise the match would be abandoned.
The second half started with less zip than the first and even though the game was more even than the first there never looked to be any real threat from Banstead going forward. This was due to the Kingsborough defence looking very solid and not lacking concentration even for a second. There was also the keeper commanding his box very well and being very vocal. Then Banstead had the chance to score as they were awarded a penalty for a handball by David Rugg that was identical to the one awarded in the 1st half. The ball was hit well to Paul Hooper's bottom right hand corner but the keeper guessed right and palmed the ball onto the post and out to safety.
The excellent keeper of Banstead got injured after tipping over a very well placed chip by Symon Wright. The keeper collided with the post and was unable to continue. This led to Banstead's manager going in goal and considering they were already down to ten men it was not a good sign for the away side. The 4th goal came from Deegan after Butt had tackled well to slot the striker in and with Banstead stopping expecting a foul from Butt it was fired in.
The 5th goal came soon afterwards with Butt going on a mazy run down the right and after beating two players he cut inside and hit a tame shot that squirmed under the goalkeeper and trickled over the line.
The players of Kingsborough put some lovely moves together before and after the fifth goal and really stretched Banstead. This included some chances narrowly missed by Symon Wright, Ross Deegan and James Andy. I should also mention the second left footed shot of Ben Illingworth which just went slightly wide (corner flag!)
The match ended with a very impressive performance by Kingsborough and I have to say the game was one sided and victory well deserved. But the referee was a little unfair towards Banstead but that is what happens if you are a team that are known for constant moaning and swearing as it makes any referee at any level unhappy very quickly.
