Kingstonian 0-2 AFC Hornchurch

Kingstonians' recent run of good results came to an end at a sunny Kingsmeadow as title contenders Hornchurch ultimately ran out as fairly comfortable 2-0 winners.

After some innocuous opening exchanges the visitors took the lead in the sixth through Martin Tuohy. A high ball over the top found the striker who remained composed and calmly tucked the ball past the stranded Tolfrey.

The match soon settled into a scrappy midfield battle with neither team able to impose themselves. Unfortunately for Kingstonian the two clear cut chances they managed to create fell to Bashiru Alimi, who headed over tamely from the six yard line from a Clayton cross before scuffing a volley when well placed in front of goal.

Most of Hornchurch's attacking threat was channelled through Tuohy, who had the ball in the net in the thirty sixth minute after a deflected Hunt shot, only to see it ruled out for off side.

Kingstonian made a change at the start of the second half with Tait replacing the ineffective Pattison as the home side moved to a 4-4-2 formation. The match became more open but this proved to be to the benefit of Hornchurch as first Hunt's 22 yard free kick was pushed onto the post by Tolfrey before McKenzie was played clean through only for Tolfrey to cleverly push him wide from where he could only find the side netting. Shortly after Tuohy doubled the lead in the 61st minute with a sweetly struck volley from an Orilonishe cross.

Dowson did not wait long to make a double substitution with Bird and Clayton being replaced by Sankoh and Sessegnon. Ultimately this failed to make much difference as the game went flat with Kingstonian unable to raise either a huff or a puff.

Whilst this match showed Kingstonian have come a long way from where they were earlier in the season, equally it showed they have a long way to go before they can challenge at the top of the table. With both Hornchurch full backs booked early in the game it was disappointing that Kingstonian failed to present much attacking threat down either flank, especially in the second half. However, it was ultimately the excellent finishing and all round play of Tuohy that separated the sides.