Kingstonian 1 Ashford Town (Middlesex) 0

A fifth-minute point-blank block and a second-half penalty save in a superb textbook display of goalkeeping from Rob Tolfrey helped Kingstonian squeeze past Ryman Premier League play-off hopefuls Ashford on Monday night. The only goal of the game came in the last minute of the first half, when an inswinging corner from Matt Gray led to an own goal from Tangerines defender Joe McNerney.

After the break, the visitors applied serious periods of pressure but the Ks backline was resolute and, when breeched, that man Tolfrey was in unbeatable form.

Ks entertain Essex boys AFC Hornchurch at Kingsmeadow in more vital league action this Saturday (3pm). It was on just five minutes that pacy Tangerines winger and former Ks youngster Jermaine McGlashan took off down the left and swept in the most dangerous of low crosses to his striker Scott Harris, whose first-time strike looked goalbound until Tolfrey with lightning reactions blocked with his feet.

Ks almost replied immediately with a goal when a Gray free-kick from the right was headed just wide of the far post by striker Bobby Traynor.

Strikers Traynor and Carl Wilson-Denis were then caught for the first of many times by a well-worked Ashford offside trap.

On 21 minutes, a move started by the busy Gray saw Traynor push the ball back to Wilson-Denis and his on-target drive was seen out by full-stretch keeper Craig Ross. Then Wilson-Denis turned provider, setting Traynor free into the Tangerines box but visitor's centre-back and skipper Russell Canderton efficiently whisked the ball away.

McGlashan again showed showed his speed down the left, beating Mo Harkin, but his cross was comfortable for Tolfey on the near post.

A one-two between Bashiru Alimi and Traynor in the away box looked promising but Traynor struck the ball over.

Christian Jolley's penetrating cross from the left was well held by Ross on his line.

Then it was Tolfrey to the rescue again when defender Brett Cooper found striker Jones Awuah deep in the Ks goalmouth but another point-blank save and a header out from Simon Huckle ended the threat.

In the final minute of the half Gray swung a corner in from the left, Traynor got to it, but the ball deflected off JOE MCNERNEY in a crowded away goalmouth and past a stranded Ross.

The second half started with the visitors trying to get back into the game, when Cooper found Davis Haule just inside the Ks box but his drive didn't worry Tolfrey.

Ks responded when Gray sent in a powerfully struck cross from the right that fell to Traynor, he beat a defender, and curled in a drive meant for the far corner but was headed out by Scott Harris.

A corner from Ashford winger Jamie England saw Davis Haule battle in the Ks box as McNerney eventually struck over.

Ashford defender Femi Ilesanmi sent in a high far post cross from way out on the left that saw Warren Harris at full-stretch head wide of the far post.

Ks replied when Alimi split the Tangerines backline setting Traynor free but he overran the ball.

On 79 minutes Hustwick brought down McGlashan on a run deep in the Ks box.

A minute later up stepped Awuah sending the spotkick to his left but an inspired Tolfrey read it right and made a full-stretch block.

Back came Ks, seeking the safety of a second goal. Traynor set up Wilson-Denis on the edge of the Ashford box but his effort was straight at Ross.

Then Hustwick redeemed himself for the penalty with a last-gasp tackle to stop sub Brian Haule deep in the Ks box.

On 78 minutes, Alimi set Traynor free down the left, he took off deep into the Tangerines box, sending in a far-post cross where Wilson-Denis was darting in but Ilesanmi made a fine tackle prodding the ball and conceding a corner.

Two minutes into additional time, a Gray throughball down the right was dummied by sub Dean Lodge setting Wilson-Denis free into the Tangerines box but Ross darted out and made a fine block with his outstretched legs.

The game ended with a long, hopeful and high ball from Ilesamni but again Tolfrey was there at the edge of his box to mop up.

Ks: 1. Rob Tolfrey 2. Matt Gray 3. John Fletcher 4. Adam Thompson (capt) 5. Max Hustwick 6. Simon Huckle 7. Bashiru Alimi 8. Mo Harkin 9. Bobby Traynor (sub Dean Lodge, 89mins) 10. Carl Wilson-Denis 11. Christian Jolley.

Subs: 12. Dean Lodge 13. Craig Bradshaw (G/k - not used) 14. Rob Sheridan (not used) 15. Francis Duku (not used) 16. Luke I'Anson (not used)

Ks yellow cards: Hustwick, Huckle

Attendance: 351

Ks man of the match: Rob Tolfrey