After an impressive performance which guided the Bay to a 4-2 midweek victory at Haringey Borough, Ben Smith’s side were made to return home from the Len Salmon Stadium empty handed the following weekend, falling to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bowers & Pitsea.

Duane Ofori-Acheampong handed the hosts the lead after only 13 minutes, firing home from the centre of the Bay penalty area.

Hassan Jalloh extended his recent run of good form immediately after, with his deflected shot leaving the home ‘keeper with no chance.

Bola edged Bowers & Pitsea ahead midway through the second half, before Ofori-Acheampong was shown a straight red card moments later for a challenge on Jack Parter.

However, the Bay, without the services of Ben Smith, were unable to find a way back into the game, returning home empty handed.

The Opposition

The Kingstonian club came into being in 1919 because of the merger between Kingston Town FC and Old Kingstonians FC. However, the club can trace its origins even further back and celebrated its centenary in 1985; the reason for this is that one of its forerunners, Kingston & Surbiton YMCA FC played its first match on a ground in Bushy Park in November 1885.

Kingstonian started life in the Athenian League, a competition that it won in both seasons 1923/24 and 1925/26, playing its home matches at a brand-new ground in Richmond Road that remained its home until 1988.

In 1929 the Kingstonians accepted an invitation to join the Isthmian League as a replacement for the Civil Service FC and remained in that league until 1998.

At the beginning of the 1997-98 season, the club appointed Geoff Chapple as manager, who brought about a change of fortunes for the club. In his first season, he took the club to the Isthmian League Premier Division Championship.

In the following season, their first in the Football Conference, the club finished a creditable 8th, but they capped it all off by winning the FA Trophy at Wembley in May 1999 with a 1-0 victory over Forest Green Rovers.

The following season 1999/2000, in the last FA Trophy Final between the famous Twin Towers, the K's retained their title with an exciting 3-2 win over Kettering Town, giving Chapple his 5th FA Trophy Final win in seven seasons (the other three with Woking). The club also reached their highest position of 5th in the Conference.

Fast forward to today, following several years dotted with successes and struggles, Kingstonian are a side that managed to finish in 10th place last season, 17 points behind Cheshunt in the final play-off place. From the 42 games that they played, they developed a record of 17 wins, eight draws, 17 losses, scoring 68 goals but conceding 71 for a goal difference of -3.

Opposition So Far

So far this season, our guests on Saturday are yet to really get off the mark, having drawn all three of their games against Margate, Wingate & Finchley, and Enfield Town. They sit one place behind the Bay in 15th.

Key Players

Kieron Cadogan (Midfielder): A former Crystal Palace player who signed for Kingstonian in the summer of 2022. Kieron played 21 times for the Eagles and had loan spells with Burton Albion and Rotherham United before playing for Aldershot Town, Barnet, and GAIS Goteborg, before three seasons in the National League with Sutton United. After spells with Billericay Town and Wealdstone, Kieron spent two seasons with Corinthian-Casuals before his move to the Ks.

Robert Tolfrey (Goalkeeper): Kingstonian’s record appearance maker, Rob broke Micky Preston’s record of 557 appearances in September 2021 and is fast approaching the 600 mark. He started his career with Crawley Town before spending one season with Whyteleafe before securing a move to Horsham. In 2009, Rob moved to Kingstonian and has been the undisputed number one ever since. Supporters’ Player of the Year on numerous occasions, he received a testimonial match in 2015 and was a vital part of Kingstonian’s wonderful FA Cup run to the Second Round in April 2022.

Declan Skura (Defender): A player with experience at academy level with Chelsea and Reading, Declan was part of Hanworth Villa’s exceptional FA Youth Cup run in 2019/20 that saw them reach the Second Round Proper. Declan joined Kingstonian in the summer of 2021 and, despite an injury-hit campaign, impressed each time he wore the hoops.

Pre-Match comments

Speaking ahead of Saturday afternoon’s game, Ben Smith spoke about the challenge his side faces against Kingstonian this weekend.

“I have seen them and they are a good side,” said Smith of Saturday’s opponents.

“Their squad is full of skill and quality going forward so they pose a different threat to what we have faced the last few games.

“It is going to be a tough game for us, but it is one we are looking forward to.”

You can check out the full interview by following the link below.

https://youtu.be/voPn3jDsDAc

Ticket News

Adults: £12
Concession: £7
Junior: £5
Under 12s: £2

Skip the queues and buy your tickets for Saturday’s game here.

https://hernebayfc.ktckts.com/event/her2223h01/herne-bay-v-kingstonian-at-ramsgate-fc