KINGSWOOD'S faint title hopes came to an end as they were beaten by league leaders Longlevens.

With both teams depleted by injuries, this was never going to be a repeat of their earlier encounter.

Indeed the game was open almost from the start, with little quality apparent from either side.

To add to the visitors' woes, Dan Cobb went off injured after 30 minutes.

Although ‘Levens had the majority of half chances, it was Kingswood who should have gone into the break in front when on the stroke of half time.

A deep penetrating cross found skipper Mike Shaw unmarked at the far post, but he was unable to get sufficient purchase on his header and it fell into the welcoming arms of Lee Martin in the home goal. Another injury, this time to Andy Evans-Smith, saw manager Ian Evans reshuffle his pack once more, and to their credit Kingswood held firm with Mike Shaw and Gavin Dibden the pick of the away side, with Dan Griffiths’ pace a threat all afternoon.

They held out until the hour mark when Kings failed to close down Dave Merrick, and from the edge of the box he hit a thunderous shot past Fox to open the scoring.

Player-manager James French entered the fray and shortly afterwards added the decisive second goal on 75 minutes.

Kingswood stalwart Mr Wilkes commented: “I thought the boys worked hard and with the injuries we have at the moment, clearly the quality is lacking a little.

“But I couldn’t fault the effort and commitment, we must try again next week.”