Kingstonian’s eighth defeat in nine league games was greeted with sighs rather than boos on Saturday, perhaps a sign that the season has run its course, writes Taimour Lay.

“That’s the worst performance I’ve ever been involved with”, fumed manager Dean Brennan after watching a 2-1 reverse to relegation-threatened Wingate & Finchley.

“We’ve got to change a lot things at this football club and one of those things is mentality. When we come to work, we have to work extremely hard. No disrespect to the opposition but they are where they are for a reason.

"But who’s worked harder today? Wingate. Who’s won the game? Wingate. Who’s got all the ability in the world but no reliability? Kingstonian.”

Brennan, who has sought to dismantle Leigh Dynan’s squad, did not hold back on where the club finds itself. “I thought it was a rubbish game to watch”, he continued. “I feel sorry for the supporters to have to come to watch that.

"It’s going to take a little bit longer than I thought. We have to get ready for next season. I think it was a crazy dream to think we could make the playoffs after everything that’s happened this year. My job is to recruit a team who can get us in a title race next season. A lot of people work their socks off behind the scenes and we need to give them success. That’s my job.”

Wingate arrived second from bottom but soon took the lead, Charlie Cole planting a header past Rob Tolfrey in the 12th minute.

That sparked something of a revival by K’s, who had Delano Sam-Yorke toiling to create some space upfront, albeit he was unable to contribute a final touch.

Winger Rhys Murrell-Williamson looked likeliest to cause problems and it was he who cut inside just before half-time and fired a shot that flew through the hands of Wingate keeper Shane Gore.

On Young Carers Day, as part of the club’s partnership with Kingston Carers Network, that equaliser at least gave the unusually vibrant main stand – featuring a 5ft teddy bear in red and white hoops - something to cheer.

The second period, unfortunately, drifted into inconsequence until Tanasheh Abrahams scored a sensational winner from 25 yards with a quarter of an hour remaining.

K’s now languish in 14th place in the Bostik Premier with only a Surrey Senior Cup quarter-final at Met Police to look forward to.

There will be a Meet the Manager evening with Dean Brennan on Friday 8 March at King George’s Field from 7.30pm.