Hector pops up to rescue last-gasp Ks

DAN HECTOR’S 90th-minute cross-shot salvaged the unlikeliest of replays for a battling Kingstonian at King George’s Field.

National League North Leamington were sharper and stronger in all sectors than their Isthmian Premier counterparts. But a sturdy, committed Ks defence restricted clear-cut chances.

The Brakes led through Fabio Saraiva’s 56th-minute own goal, the Ks left-back slicing the ball into his own net under pressure from several Leamington forwards queuing for a tap-in.

And they were under concerted pressure in the game’s closing stages. This, though, was when Hector took his chance. He was Ks’ sole consistent attacking threat all afternoon.

But even he might have been surprised when his far-post cross arrowed over Brakes keeper Jake Weaver’s head and rattled in off the far post.

Both sides’ top-scorers left their respective clubs in the buildup to yesterday’s tie.

The Brakes dealt better with their loss, as Connor Taylor was a constant handful for Ks’ rearguard. Dexter Walters was denied in the fifth minute by Ks keeper Rob Tolfrey’s double block.

Jack Edwards ballooned a fine chance over on 19 minutes, after Sean Clohessy’s poor headed clearance.

And Tolfrey flew across his six-yard box to brilliantly deny Taylor seven minutes before the break.

The two Dans, Hector and Thompson, combined well on 20 minutes, the latter’s fierce drive turned aside by Weaver.

But Ks created little. And when Saraiva put through his own net, the Brakes seemed set for round three.

Ks centre-back Harry Osborne halted Leamington sub Kyle McFarlane with a superb saving tackle and it was difficult to see where an equaliser was coming from, which only adding to the home crowd’s delight when Hector’s cross forced a replay.