Remembering where we once were.
Noted for their cup exploits (Kingstonian won back to back FA Trophies in 1999 and 2000), The K’s have rarely been able to replicate their tournament football in regular seasons and currently find themselves plying their trade in the Isthmian League, or seventh tier.
Kingstonian, based in south-west London, went in to administration in late 2001 after attempting to get to the promised land of the Football League by improving their playing squad and stadium.
Unfortunately things didn’t quite pan out as planned, however, their Kingsmeadow ground does see league football every other Saturday as they sold their ground to, and subsequently share with, AFC Wimbledon.
Kingstonian and Rovers first met at The ‘Meadow in August ’98 and, though Jason Minnett equalised Tarkan Mustafa’s opener for the hosts, Gavin Holligan poached a last minute winner.
The double was completed by Kingstonian on the final day of the season at Belle Vue, where they ran out 1-0 winners courtesy of David Leworthy.
Rovers well and truly scooped bragging rights the next season by taking all six points on offer in the league games; solitary strikes from Ian Duerden and Dino Maamria settled both games and the K’s were to ultimately be relegated.
Kingstonian’s cup exploits were to come to the fore once again, though, as they played Rovers in the Conference League Cup at Belle Vue, however Rovers retained their crown which had been won the previous season against FARNBOROUGH TOWN.
The aforementioned administration hit the Thames based club hard and they were relegated to the eighth tier in 2005.
Redemption, of sorts, was found a few years later and Kingstonian won the 2008/09 Ryman League Division One South at a canter, ahead of Cray Wanderers.
The Club’s attempts to climb the non-league ladder continue and, after narrowly missing out on automatic promotion to the Conference South last season, they missed out in the play-offs last term.
*Dave Penney in action at Belle Vue, against Kingstonian, clad in an exotic, Brazil-like kit during early 2000*