Kingstonian FC

Following Kingstonian's dramatic late equaliser on Saturday, the team now look forward to our first semi-final appearance since 2016 on Wednesday night. In entering the tie five games without defeat, Hayden Bird's men approach Wednesday's semi-final in positive mood.

The official website caught up with the manager to reflect on Saturday's performance and discuss Wednesday's crucial game.

Q: Were you please with the point against one of your old clubs?

HB: When you equalise in the 98th minute, you have to be pleased! I think it was deserved, though. On balance of play, 1-1 seemed to be a fair result.

Q: What were your thoughts on the game?

HB: We knew it would be a tough match. It's a local derby, there are players who have played for both clubs, I've managed Carshalton, Peter has played for me, etc., etc. The biggest consideration, however, was their result against Hornchurch last weekend. Having been beaten heavily at Colston Avenue last Saturday, I knew they would play with a lot of pride and would want to bounce back with a big response.

We started the game well. Areas we discussed taking advantage of, we succeeded in doing so. Then they scored. Was it a penalty? I didn't think so. Then again, I thought they should have been awarded a penalty in the second half which wasn't given, so we cannot complain too much.

Q: Was our penalty a penalty?

HB: Comparing Saturday's penalty decision to the penalty Carshalton Athletic were awarded against us at Colston Avenue earlier in the season, the circumstances are exactly the same. Perhaps the wheel turned full circle this weekend?

Q: We were well on top, though?

HB: Yes, we dominated the second half. Having seen the game again, we moved up a gear in the second half of the game. I thought Carshalton carried a threat on the counter but we were definitely in the ascendancy.

Did we create enough goal scoring opportunities for the possession that we had? You would have to say no, which was disappointing. However, on a very, very difficult pitch we maintained a good control and continued to ask questions until the end of the game.

Q: On Wednesday we have a very big game.

HB: Yes, it's a competition I like and a competition we want to win! Like all semi-finals, the game carries a tough opponent. Chertsey Town are second in the league, have lost only two goals in twelve, score plenty of goals and arrive with plenty of confidence having beaten Woking in the quarter-final. We've had them watched, they are a good team.

For Kingstonian, it's our first appearance in a semi-final of any cup competition for six years and an opportunity to reach the final of the Surrey Senior Cup for the first time since 2006. That's far too long for a club of this stature. Albeit we had a horrible February, the team have played well this season and are undoubtedly taking Kingstonian forward. We have laid the foundations now and the first stage of the next stage is to win a trophy.

This is an important competition for the team, it will be a very difficult game and we will need our supporters to arrive in their numbers and be in good voice. Reaching the Surrey Senior Cup Final will be a fitting way to end our first season together.

Kingstonian play Chertsey Town this Wednesday 6th April 2022, kick-off is at 7.45pm. It will be cash only at the turnstile on the night, but you can pay by card in advance by contacting supporters@kingstonian.com