Kingston the hero as Saints claim first home point

Wisbech St Mary 1, Great Yarmouth 1 – Thurlow Nunn League first division north

After losing their first 12 league games of the season, Saints have now drawn three on the trot and will surely soon notch that all-important first win.

To be honest, they weren't brilliant on Saturday but the team spirit was evident for everyone to see and the injury time equaliser no less than they deserved for a second half full of endeavour.

For a team that has shipped as many goals as Wisbech St Mary have this season, heads could have gone down when they conceded on the stroke of half time. Instead, the goal was a wake up call after a dull first half and the home team kept knocking on the door until they finally scored through Corey Kingston in the 91st minute.

The sending off of the Bloaters' Charlie Blake for a headbutt on Kingston after an hour may have been a turning point but by that point Saints were already beginning to take over possession.

Full back George Hutton and winger Jake Miller both impressed down the right, with Miller always ready to track back and help in defence. Left back Karl Anderson put in a real shift down the other flank and, up front, Kingston adds that bit of quality Saints have been missing.

And although the jewel in their crown - young centre back Beckham Kennelly - will eventually return to his parent club Wisbech Town - while he is at the ABC Stadium they won't be shipping many goals. Kennelly is good in the air, confident on the ball and, despite his tender years, willing to organise those around him.

This was his first full 90 minutes after the injury that curtailed the promising start to his Fenmen career and necessitated this loan but he will get better with every game and surely go on to play at a much higher level.

In a dull first half, Yarmouth had the better chances and Ray Urry should have opened the scoring after 27 minutes but somehow cleared the bar from five yards out after a cross from the left by Tom Hunter. Ten minutes later a defensive slip let in Hunter but he dragged his shot wide.

Kingston put Dan Hempson through after 39 minutes but the striker took too long on the ball and when he did shoot, scuffed just wide. Then, right on half time, Yarmouth won a header and Seamus Bobby rose unchallenged to head them into a lead they just about deserved.

There was a lot more purpose about St Mary after the break and they went close in the 49th minute when Hempson's fierce drive flashed just wide. Kennelly then fired over after a free kick was headed into his path. Karl Anderson also saw a low drive well saved.

But on the hour the visitors were reduced to ten men when Blake, who could have been sent off earlier after a tangle with Karl Tansley, was given a straight red for butting Kingston.

Saints continued to push forward and Hutton saw a 76th minute free kick punched out by the keeper. As the game entered injury time it seemed the points were going to the visitors. Then the home time won a free kick, it was fired into the crowded area and, after a bit of ping pong, Kingston headed home and a mass team celebrations ensued.

After the match, manager Alex Kaufman said: "In the first half we shot ourselves in the foot. We didn't have the desire or the workrate up and down the pitch. It was a very flat performance and maybe if it was 0-0 at half time we would have been getting away with it.

"Maybe it was because of all the effort we put in on Wednesday (in the 0-0 draw at Lakenheath) but three days later the effort certainly wasn't there. Whatever, it was unacceptable and I've told the lads that.

"In a way the goal was a positive as we then knew what we needed to do rather than coming out flat again in the second half. We were more organised, there was a lot more desire to get on the ball, we created more chances.

"Getting that late goal meant a lot to the players and they're working hard. Now we have got to start turning one point into three points. We're starting to get a bit of a shape to us and everyone knows their roles."

Regarding young defender Kennelly, Kaufman said: "I'm really pleased for Beckham that he got through his first 90 minutes. I don't think he's ready to play at Wisbech's level yet though so hopefully we can hold on to him for as long as possible."

And on Friday night's visit to Fakenham, he added: "Fakenham is a tough one, but we've gone to Lakenheath and Needham Market and got results. We've got a week off now and training Wednesday where we can work on a few things and keep improving."

Saints: Smith, Hutton, Anderson, Goult, Beckett, Kennelly, Miller, Tansley (Wilmott 80 mins), Hempson, Richardson (Woodhouse 45), Kingston. Sub (not used): Watson.

Great Yarmouth: Putnins, Urry, George, Howell, Wenn, Charlie Blake, Hunter, Bobby, Goodwin-Wright (Smith 71 mins), Swatman, Tom Blake. Subs (not used): Perry, McCombe.

Goals: Bobby (Great Yarmouth 45), Kingston (Wisbech St Mary 90).

Booked: Tom Blake, Bobby (Great Yarmouth), Woodhouse (Wisbech St Mary).

Sent off: Charlie Blake (Great Yarmouth).

Referee: Christopher Dennis.

Star man: Corey Kingston - gave everything for the team and scored the vital late equaliser.

Also...

Saturday night results service