Kingstonian 1-2 Ramsgate
TAKALOO KNOCKS OUT THE K'S

Kingstonian and Ramsgate found themselves paired together at Kingsmeadow in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup for the second time in three seasons. Many things have changed in that time at the K's; chairman, manager, players, divisions, the colour of the shorts etc, whilst little seemingly at Ramsgate - other than a meteoric rise from the Kent League to the Ryman Premier that is.

The visitors fielded a number of recognisable names from previous encounters, including Mo Takalobighashi, also known as Takaloo - like his WBU welterweight boxing champion brother, whilst three Vahid's and two Schulz's ranked amongst their numbers.

Stuart McIntyre named an unchanged side from that which had beaten Hampton & Richmond Borough midweek in the league cup, other than the returning Martyn Lee for Wes Harrison. Richard Taylor and substitute Dean Lodge were the only two on the day who had featured in the aforementioned game.

The visitors made a flying start and could have had the lead in the opening minute when Takaloo connected from close range with a Michael Yianni cross, only to be denied by a fine save by Luke Garrard in the K's goal.

Shaun Welford saw a couple of efforts fizz past the target whilst Yianni tested Garrard with a fiercely struck volley.

It took a little longer for the hooped attack to muster their forces, and just after the twenty minute mark they made their first inroads into the their opponents' rearguard.

A neat turn from Daniel Morris on the edge of the area saw the young striker upended. As the resulting free kick came back off the wall, Mazin Ahmad delivered for James Rose, though the ensuing header proved a comfortable take for goalkeeper Chris May.

Yianni continued to cause problems at the other end, first with a charging run through the middle, which resulted in Dean Hills shooting over, before striking powerfully against the angle of the goal frame.

Despite a good attacking spell, Ramsgate's opening goal felt like it had come out of the blue - purely for the manner of the strike. Takaloo's first significant contribution to the game proved inspired as he spun to strike a perfect effort into the top corner of the net from 30 yards out.

The Kingstonian response was positive. Daniel Morris set off down the middle and almost right through on goal, had it not been for a fine last ditch intervention by Will Graham.

Asher Hudson caught the eye throughout the game and the youngster almost carved out an equaliser when feeding through to Daniel Morris from the right channel just the stroke of before half time. Morris' initial shot was blocked by May, who recovered quickly to make a fine follow up save as the rebound was blasted back at goal.

Kingstonian started the second half with much the same verve with which they had finished the first. Martyn Lee whipped in a near post cross which Morris headed inches the wrong side of the upright.

However, the game was again shaken by a stunning Takaloo strike, just before the hour mark. This time the mercurial forward latched onto a long ball by Will Graham before driving his low strike across goal to take his tally of goals this season to six (the first four of which for Maidstone).

A period of lull followed the goal, though the final quarter of an hour saw an increase in tempo as Kingstonian made the final push. The introduction of Dean Lodge, coupled with the presence of Asher Hudson, threw pace aplenty at the visitors' defence, though the finish to trouble May was lacking.

Opposite number Luke Garrard was called into action to keep out a near post effort from Graham in the closing stages, whilst an unmarked Lodge failed to convert a Martyn Lee cross back at the other end.

A final bout of drama was saved for the final minute when James Rose was unceremoniously hauled down inside in the box. Up stepped Rose to face Chris May - just like the final day of last season when the latter was in goal for Hastings United. And just like last season the officials ruled out the initial spot kick - this time kept out by May - for Rose to blast home the retake.

Photo: kingstonian.net

The goal provided little more than consolation as they final whistle on this season's FA Cup followed shortly.