Kingstonian vs Tooting & Mitcham United

Dennis Kelmendi gave Kingstonian the perfect start, opening the scoring in the 6th minute with a composed finish. The Isthmian League South Central side dominated possession but were unable to add to their lead until first-half stoppage time.

Stan Flaherty saw a penalty saved in the 43rd minute, but the Ks doubled their advantage moments later when Flaherty's long-range effort was turned in by Eddie Simon at the far post in the first minute of added time, sending Kingstonian into the break 2-0 up.

The second half was a different story. Flaherty atoned for his earlier penalty miss with a beautifully struck free kick in the 48th minute, curling the ball over the wall and into the top corner to make it 3-0.

Jordan Gallagher added a fourth in the 67th minute with an excellent finish, before Tooting & Mitcham pulled one back a minute later — an own goal giving the Combined Counties League side a route back into the match.

Sean O'Brien restored the four-goal advantage in the 73rd minute, but Tooting hit back again with a fine second goal of their own in the 84th minute, making it 5-2.

Kingstonian finished with a flourish. O'Brien scored his second of the afternoon in the 85th minute, and Gallagher completed the scoring with his second in the 87th minute to round off a 7-2 victory.

Flaherty's free kick three minutes into the second half. After a 2-0 half-time lead that felt slender given the 43rd-minute penalty miss, the set-piece goal gave Kingstonian breathing room and triggered a flurry of four goals in 20 minutes that put the game beyond Tooting's reach.

Jordan Gallagher — Two clinical finishes (67', 87') and a constant threat in behind the Tooting defence. His movement stretched the back line and created space for others.

Sean O'Brien — A brace in 12 second-half minutes (73', 85') showcased sharp finishing. The Finnish forward's movement caused problems throughout.

Stan Flaherty — Redeemed a saved penalty with a goal and an assist. His 48th-minute free kick was the standout moment of the match.

Dennis Kelmendi — Scored the early opener (6') that settled any early-season nerves and set the tone.

Nine goals, seven of them to Kingstonian, tell the story of a pre-season friendly played with attacking freedom rather than defensive intensity. The 2-0 half-time scoreline suggested a tighter contest, but Kingstonian's five second-half goals — including three in the final six minutes — reflected a significant gulf in sharpness as the game wore on. Tooting's two goals (an own goal and a fine strike) showed they carried a threat, but they conceded five unanswered goals across two separate second-half spells.

Kingstonian have now won both pre-season friendlies, following a 3-0 victory over Wingate & Finchley on 14 July. Manager Scott Harris will be encouraged by the attacking output — 10 goals in two games — with the Isthmian League South Central campaign approaching. Next up for the Ks is a trip to Hanworth Villa on Tuesday 21 July (7:45pm).

For Tooting & Mitcham United, the defeat continues a mixed pre-season after a 4-2 loss to Fleet Town and a 2-2 draw with Cobham. The Terrators begin their Combined Counties League season at home to Camberley Town on 1 August, with an FA Cup extra preliminary round tie at Petts Wood & Holmesdale on 8 August. Their next friendly is at home to Raynes Park Vale on Tuesday 21 July (7:45pm).

A routine pre-season workout for Kingstonian, who showed enough attacking quality to suggest they will be competitive in Isthmian League South Central this season. The defensive lapses — two goals conceded, including one from a set-piece rebound — will give Harris something to work on, but the front four's movement and finishing were several levels above what Tooting could handle. Pre-season results should be taken with context, but seven goals is a statement of intent.