EDWARDS JOY AS KS SPRING A SURPRISE
CRAIG EDWARDS upset his former team’s apple cart when his Kingstonian side shocked rebranded promotion favourites Billericay, thanks to Lewis Taylor’s 90th-minute winner.
Taylor was involved in the game’s key moments. Billericay’s Joe Ellul saw red for his 80thminute foul on the Ks man.
And Taylor raced clear ten minutes later to fire home the only goal from the edge of the area.
Edwards left Billericay in March and masterminded Ks escape from relegation in April.
But he played down the significance of a win greeted with delight by Non-League fans beyond suburban Surrey after Billericay’s high-profile summer.
He told The NLP: “The main things for us today are the clean sheet and the away win. But it is still only three points and it will be a test to produce a similar performance tomorrow.”
Edwards was full of praise for his team and their fans, adding: “We started slowly with some nerves but got better and better. And our support was magnificent. We had reassured them that pre-season results are about preparation for the main event.”
Ks made early in-roads when a 10th minute free kick by Toby Little was saved at the second attempt by Blues keeper Alan Julian, who then came out quickly to deny Charlie Taylor.
Billericay came into the game. Jermaine Pennant’s free-kick went just over and , Louie Theophanous also came close.
Ks started the second half brightly; Taylor producing another good save from Julian. But the hosts began to come to the fore after two substitutions.
On the hour, Jake Robinson’s was well blocked by Manolis Coganas. then Adam Cunnington’s header strcuk the post.
And Sam Deering, Cunnington and Pennant all had chances but the Ks defence, expertly marshalled by Sam Page held firm.
Ks squandered a great chance when Jack Parter headed against the post from five yards.
Ellul then received his march- ing orders after Taylor beat him to a Coganas through ball.
And the game when Ks keeper Rob Tolfrey denied Billy Bricknell and Taylor scored the winner in the next attack.
Billericay head coach Harry Wheeler was clear in his assessment: “If you don’t take your chances you don’t win. We need to start sharper and braver.
“The players need to realise that teams are not going to make it easy for them.”
Edwards insisted: “It’s too early for predictions. We need cover in a couple of positions but I am optimistic for the season ahead.” STAR MAN: Sam Page (Kingstonian) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★