The Fairytale of Creasey Park...

Rovers arrived at Creasey Park looking to get their first win since the 20th October, which was a 3-1 victory at Thame.

Manager Tony Joyce made two changes from the defeat to Bromsgrove Sporting, with Izale McLeod and George Boland making way for Hateley Mercer and new recruit Jordan Wright.

The game came to life in the early stages, with the hosts breaking the deadlock through number 9 BJ Christie in the 7th minute. Rovers cheaply lost possession in the middle of the park, and a simple ball over the top fed the front man to slot past Carl Knox. 1-0

The early goal sparked Rovers into life and it only took 8 minutes to reply. A corner from Ben Shepherd landed at the feet of Alfie Powell whose effort was cleared off the line; the resulting scramble led to the ball falling to Josh Crawley to power home from 10 yards. 1-1.

Kempston were in the ascendancy and turned it around mid-way through the first half. A loose clearnace from the OD's number 1 Luke Daley fell to the feet of Nathan Tshikuna, who took a touch and found the back of the net from 50 yards, what a goal! 1-2

Rovers couldn't hold on to the lead however, and 9 minutes before the break AFC equalised from the penalty spot. Daniel Akubuine was adjudged to have pushed a Dunstable player in the box. Newman Carney stepped up and sent Carl Knox the wrong way. 2-2

SECOND HALF

Kempston started the second half well, and won a penalty in the 49th minute through Ben Acquaye, The winger beating the AFC keeper to the ball and getting brought down. Ben Shepherd stepped up, only for his spot kick to be saved.
Rovers were having the lion's share of possession, but failing to show anything for it. The hosts took a 3-2 lead on the 63rd minute, Martel Powell travelling with the ball and firing in off the post from 20 yards. 3-2

The minutes passed, Rovers making changes regularly with Harlem Sambu, George Boland and Scott Joseph all entering the action. The match looked to be getting away from Kempston, however in the 89th minute a couple of sliced clearances resulted in a third penalty being given, this time for handball. Nathan Tshikuna took responsibility this time and leveled the scores heading into injury time. 3-3

5 added minutes were indicated, with all the pressure coming from the boys in yellow. The ball was sent into the box and headed clear, captain Shane Bush showed great determination to get to the second ball where he beat two players, fired at goal where his shot was saved. The resulting rebound fell to the feet of Ben Acquaye who took a touch then fired underneath Daley to put The Walnuts in front. Wild scenes erupted after the goal, all outfield players, substitutes, coaching staff and even fans getting involved in the celebrations. You could see the relief and passion from everyone. 3-4

Rovers climb up to 17th, and look forward to two home games in three days, starting with Kidlington on Boxing Day. We wish all Kempston fans a very Merry Christmas, and look forward to seeing you at Hillgrounds over the next week, your support would be greatly appreciated.