Hayden's programme notes online!
The K's manager wasn't able to provide his programme notes this time, so he's written them for inclusion on the website.
Although I wasn't able to write for the programme this weekend, I wanted to keep everyone in touch with an online version of my programme notes!
In our previous home game, a dramatic late equaliser from Dan Hector ensured that Kingstonian's name was in the hat for the last sixteen of the FA Trophy. In a tough contest with Leamington, we took the National League North club to the wire and deservedly earned a replay without key players.
Although we were delighted to be in the hat, we were aware of the task awaiting us in the Midlands. Leamington were physical and well drilled, while Kingstonian were travelling over one hundred miles in midweek with influential players such as Eddie Dsane and Dan Bennett missing.
In another evenly contested cup tie played in atrocious conditions, we eventually lost 0-1. We were all disappointed and travelled back to London frustrated to be out of the competition. Upon reflection, our disappointment illustrated how far Kingstonian have come. To lose 0-1 to a National League North outfit is both indicative of our progress and highlights our desire to be successful.
The following weekend, we made the trip into Essex to play East Thurrock United. East Thurrock is a good club, have good players and a vastly experienced manager in John Coventry. At home, they are particularly strong, boasting the fourth best record in the division with four wins and one draw from their previous five home games. Kingstonian were again without important players, Cook, Beaney and Hall were all missing. However, we were delighted to welcome Aaron Lamont, who signed the previous day.
Although we drew the game 3-3, I thought we were absolutely sensational. The quality of the football was a delight to watch and a credit to the players. In my view, only huge misfortune denied us the three points that the team so richly deserved.
On Tuesday we travelled to Woking in the Surrey Senior Cup. Yet again, selection was dictated by injuries with Cookie, Kenny, Benno, Hally, Eddie, Sean and Dan Hector all missing. As a team, we were determined not to make excuses and considering that players played in different positions and others played while under the weather, the boys gave a good account of themselves. In a 0-1 defeat to the National League Club, Rob Tolfrey came within inches of increasing his legendary status with a last gasp equaliser! Now that would have been a story!
In welcoming Aaron Lamont, we have sent Dan Thompson and Cameron Reardon to East Grinstead Town on loan. Both players need minutes and we hope the opportunity to play will prove beneficial.
On Saturday we entertain Carshalton Athletic. You will be pleased to hear that I expect a number of our "casualties" to be available for selection.
For the first time this season, we are able to concentrate our mind on the League. Currently, the table is not worth looking at. At the time of writing, many clubs have played anything between three to five games more than Kingstonian. With constant League games both in midweek and on Saturdays to look forward to, I expect the table to have a very different look within six to eight weeks.
In closing, may I thank you again for your exceptional support. To travel over one hundred miles to brave the weather at Leamington, into Essex four days later and then to Woking in such numbers is truly inspiring. On behalf of myself, the staff and the team, thank you very much! I cannot tell you how appreciated and valued you are by everyone in the dressing room.
Come on you K's!
