Kingswood 2 Horsley United 0

SATURDAY'S clash brought another good result for Kingswood, although they were made to work hard by a resolute Horsley side, who despite looking second best for the majority of the game always looked capable of causing a problem.

Indeed, with the dangerous Kevin Pride needing close attention throughout, United gave their hosts plenty to worry about.

With the pitch heavy from the overnight rain, and a strong wind blowing across it, conditions were not suited to the quick passing game usually employed by the home team, and there was little separating the teams early on.

Gradually, the home side started to take control and Paul Bleaken had the ball in the net after 20 minutes but, after consultation with his linesman, the referee disallowed the strike due to a handball.

The pressure built, however, and from a free kick just outside the box Nick Bishop struck a great shot into the corner of the net to give his team the lead.

Minutes later, Horsley had a good chance to equalise when Pride was found in space on the right, but his powerful shot went just over the bar.

The pattern continued after the break with the home side bossing things, and on the hour a superb move down the right saw Bishop complete the move with a tap-in at the far post.

Once again, though, Kingswood were thwarted by the linesman with a dubious late flag cancelling out the goal.

With their defence having seen off the visitors' threat, Kingswood upped the pace and on 75 minutes a magnificent overhead kick from the immpressive Ian Gosling left the visitors stunned by the quality of the strike.

Horsley briefly raised their game in an effort to get something back, but they were well marshalled and five minutes from time another decisive attack by the home team saw Bishop volley just over when the ball was crossed into the box.

For Kingswood, this was the tenth game in an unbeaten run in the league that now stretches back to October 9 and, equally important, it was the first time they have not conceded a goal since the opening day of the season.

L This week, a trip to Tuffley Rovers awaits Kingswood (2.30pm).