Kingston University first team captain Mike McKenna led his team into Wednesday’s game hoping to improve on a disappointing start to the season.

The early exchanges revealed that the game was set to be a close encounter as the midfield battle allowed for few chances in the first half and it took until the 44^th minute for the deadlock to be broken.

Kingston attacked quickly from a Brighton corner and as Leith Aldoori pressed forward the Brighton defence was stretched, and with a low cross he found Captain Mike McKenna who slotted calmly home.

This lead lasted only a matter of seconds as Brighton restored parity with a wonderful strike from their left winger, Dave Watts, firing home from 25yards to take the game into half-time all square.

The second half began with Kingston in the ascendancy, forcing two early corners which drew impressive saves from the Brighton keeper. With Aldoori being a persistent threat down the left Kingston continued to create chances but were unable to capitalise on the early second half pressure.

This inability to convert their dominance into a definite lead proved costly for Kingston as late in the second half Mick Livings headed home a corner to give Brighton the lead which they held till the end.

Mike McKenna commented: “The lads didn’t want to battle and just wanted to play pretty football.”

He issued a rallying call to his team demanding they prove their full commitment in next week’s home game against UCL 2nds.

Kingston are curently fourth in the South Eastern Conference 3B.