Kingstonian 2-1 Tooting & Mitcham

Kingstonian got 2012 off to a winning start as they grabbed a late winner to beat Tooting and Mitcham 2-1. After 16 days off the win is a good start to a year that will see the Ks need to make up a lot of ground if they are to make a playoff push.

Alan Dowson introduced two new faces into his side in the shape of Sutton loanee Fola Orilonishe and (making his third Ks debut) Matt Pattison, and despite Orilonishe grabbing two assists it was Pattison who took the plaudits.

The two debutants lined up alongside Sam Clayton in support of Bobby Traynor and the fluidity of these three caused problems for the visitors' backline all afternoon. The three combined for the opening goal after 13 minutes as Clayton fed Pattison who shaped to shoot before released Orilonishe. His cross was low and hard and Tooting captain Ronnie Fletcher could only turn it into his own net to give the hosts the lead.

Kingstonian continued to build pressure as Pattison, Traynor and Aaron Goode all went close to extending the lead, but their profligacy was to be punished. A Tooting corner from the left was swung in and Rob Tolfrey came but failed to deal with it giving Charlie Stimson the chance to nod home restore parity.

Plenty of possession in opposing halves for both sides failed to create any serious chances, with the occasional glimpse of goal wasted, with Pattison at the heart of all Kingstonian created. The sides went in at half-time level and the first half hour of the second period saw more frustration for attackers caused by two obdurate defences. A brave move from Dowson saw Stuart Duff replace Bobby Traynor but it was Tooting who created the first real opportunity of the half as Stimson was unable to repeat his scoring trick as his volley was scooped over.

As the sides entered the final 10 minutes, the hosts piled on the pressure. After visiting keeper Jack Giddens picked up a backpass, Ks bad attempt at a quick free-kick was called back, much to the relief of Bashiru Alimi whose contender for miss of the season was irrelevant. From the second attempt, Clayton's shot was deflected wide before Tommy Hutchinson's header from the resultant corner flew over.

Eventually the deadlock was broken. Pattison's cross from the right reach Orilonishe at the back post, his header could only find the woodwork, but the rebound fell to Duff, who, from six inches out had the simplest of jobs to tuck the ball home. Duff almost doubled his tally five minutes later but his backflick from Clayton's cross was smothered by Giddens. The last few minutes saw Ks comfortably hold out to give themselves the perfect start to the year and Dowson his first league win since his return from illness.

The manager insists he will be focusing on his own results rather than the league table, but with this result and a pleasing performance, Ks' fans may afford themselves some new year cheer and some optimism for 2012.