Kingstonian finished second in the four team tournament at Kingsmeadow last weekend, writes Phil Windeatt.

In Sunday's final, they were beaten in a penalty shoot-out by Aldershot, with Greg Ball slicing a spot kick wide.

On Saturday, they beat Nationwide League side Darlington 3-2 in a match which saw the fourth return of Ks' prodigal son Phil Wingfield after his exile to Sutton United.

Ks found themselves a goal behind after nine minutes when Barry Conlan headed past Lance Key.

But Ks equalised with the goal of the weekend after 24 minutes when Liam Collins' 30-yard piledriver sailed into the net.

Ks took the lead after 64 minutes when a left wing cross from Wingfield was flicked on by Dave Sadler and Tim Sills slotted past the outcoming Porter.

They made it 3-1 when Collins' sweet cross found Wingfield unmarked a couple of yards out and he nodded past substitute keeper Andrew Collett.

Darlington pulled a second goal back through Paul Campbell after 81 minutes and it took a goalline clearance from Mark Jones to assure victory for Ks.

There was a competitive edge to Sunday's final, played in baking hot conditions.

Ks' chance of the first half came when Sean Thurgood's shot was blocked on the line by Shots' skipper Martin Kuhl.

Aldershot should have taken the lead after 36 minutes but Adam Parker volleyed wide.

Wth 10 minutes to go, Ks' tenacity was almost rewarded when a cross from Ball saw Brett Cooper deny trialist Tony Sweet in the Shots goalmouth.

So the game went to penalties and, after Thurgood, Pete Tisdale and Billy Mead had been successful, Ball's miss meant Kuhl's conversion gave Shots the trophy.

Ks have another attractive friendly on Saturday when Watford visit Kingsmeadow.

Watford boss Ray Lewington is bringing a first team squad for the match. Lewington's son, Craig, plays for Ks.

July 17, 2002 10:00