Prospects of the Kingstonians.
Those enthusiasts who looked forward to the opening of the season and expected a sequence of matches won on the strength of the amalgamation of the two senior clubs of Kingston are feeling somewhat chagrined at the record of the Kingstonians to date. The result so far: Southall 2-4, Wimbledon 2-2, Luton Clarence 2-4, is perhaps not a flattering record. But, while recognising the necessity of making every effort to improve on this form, the committee are by no means despondent.

Even to those ardent supporters who demand that Kingston should hold its own from the outset, it must be patent that it was expecting a great deal of a team that commenced to organise for the season at a time when most other clubs had completed their arrangements. It must be borne in mind that the amalgamation of Kingston and Old Kingstonians was one of committees rather than teams. Neither club had attempted to run a team since the end of 1914, and the teams representing the club now have included about three members of the old clubs.

Unfortunately, it was decided to run a sports meeting on August Bank Holiday, and although it resulted in many compliments being paid to the executive on its management, its main result was to divert all the energy and enthusiasm of the members from what was of vital importance- the building up of a team and getting them forward in condition and training.

On the other hand, each of the opposing teams has managed to continue operations during the war period, and had not only their organisation intact, but had largely their teams ready for a start, or at any rate a foundation on which to build. But even with these disadvantages operating both ways against the local team, there is still some ray of hope. It is no small thing, to accomplish against such teams as Southall, Wimbledon and Luton Clarence, to score twice in each game, and against the latter team on Saturday quite a number of corner kicks were forced, which shows that some pressure was put on the defence to keep their goal from falling.

Critics of the team or the management should also consider that teams which are holding their own in the Athenian League must have a fairly good standing in amateur football circles, and can usually hold their own with any other amateur organisation, and the football played is above the standard played by Kingston teams in previous seasons. One result of the amalgamation which was quite expected has already been achieved- that is the support accorded to the team at both home matches. Upwards of a thousand spectators have attended each game, and it is fully expected that their number will he equalled or even surpassed to-day, when the visitors will be West Norwood. This team had the choice of ground in the draw for the first round of the English Cup, but as their own ground is not available the game will be played on the Richmond road enclosure.

About eight years ago Kingston met West Norwood in the Amateur Cup on the Thorpe-road ground, and despite the reputation of the visitors and the presence in their team of T. T. Fitchie, the amateur international, Kingston obtained a 1-0 victory.
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With the records of the Kingstonians such a result this week may seem improbable, but, with a strengthened team, earnest effort on the part of the players to take the field in better condition to stay the full time, and the encouragement of a good crowd, it is by no means impossible. Kingston teams in the past have been proverbially difficult to overcome in Cup ties.

The committee of management fully realise the necessity for securing a team that will win matches, and they are untiring in their efforts to this end. It may take a few weeks and the loss of a few more League points. but they are confident of providing good sport.
All the games to date have been played in a good sporting spirit, and the good losing team will eventually turn out a good winning team.