Kingstonian 1-0 Gillingham
KINGSTONIAN ONE - GILLINGHAM DIDN'T

Kingstonian continued their good start to their pre-season campaign with a one-nil win over First Division Gillingham on Wednesday night. Substitute Greg Ball scored the only goal of the game in the second half, with K's goalkeeper Adrian Jones producing a couple of fine saves to keep the visitors at bay.

The first half produced few chances worthy of note, with Gillingham's new signing Rod Wallace going closest when he sent a left-footed volley just wide.

Photo: kingstonian.net

Gillingham changed their entire team at half-time, whilst several changes for the home side meant that it was a completely different match in the second half. The visitors still had ten players on display with first team experience, but many "fringe" players included. In goal for K's was Adrian Jones, who had impressed in Sunday's match versus Aldershot, and he did so again,

Kevin James should have given the Gills and early second-half lead when Marcus Browning crossed after a mistake from Sean Thurgood. But on the edge of the six yard box James missed his kick leaving the K's defence relieved.

Photo: kingstonian.net

The goal came on the hour mark when Liam Collins took advantage of some sloppy play by Danny Spiller to cross for Greg Ball. His first effort was well saved by Jason Brown, but the striker headed the rebound in before the goalkeeper could react (above).

Kingstonian's goalkeeper Adrian Jones was called upon to make two important saves, firstly following a shot from Kevin James, and shortly afterwards when Guy Ipoua turned well on the edge of the box.

Photo: kingstonian.net

There were two very late chances for the visitors, but both were spurned. Ipoua played a ball across goal from the right-hand touchline, James missed his kick (again), the ball was played in again from the left and Browning headed wide. In the last minute a corner from the right was met by the head of Dean Beckwith, who headed wide of the post.

K's probably just about deserved their win, but more importantly was the fact that we saw a team - not exactly filled with those sure of their place in the starting line-up - who looked composed and in control against more experienced opposition. Honourable mentions must go to Phil Wingfield and Matt Flitter - both of whom showed how useful they will be to the squad if they sign.

Photo: kingstonian.net

Man of the match however (for this author at least) goes to Adrian Jones. The youngster showed once again how much he has improved over the last few months, perhaps finally removing some of the reliance placed on Lance Key's shoulders.