Matt Drage came in from the cold to solve Kingstonian’s injury crisis in some style to earn a place in the FA Cup third qualifying round on Monday.

Drage starred at full back in place of injured Aaron Goode as Ks came from behind three times to eventually beat Romford 5-3 thanks to an extra-time brace from Andre McCollin.

Assistant boss Graham Harper had been wary of the effects an FA Cup run could have have on his side’s promotion hopes and his fears proved founded in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at the Ryman Division One North outfit.

Ks lost the services of Rob Tolfrey (concussion), Goode (knee), Andre McCollin (thigh) and influential midfielder Steve Laidler (dead leg) during that game, which saw veteran former Hampton & Richmond Borough keeper Matt Lovett pressed into action.

Drage, a virtual ever-present last term under Alan Dowson, had not started a match since a 2-1 win at Leatherhead on August 20, but came back to be his side's star man on Monday with his second half equaliser forcing an extra 30 minutes action at Kingsmeadow.

And Williams will hope that form continues when Leiston visit in the Ryman Premier League on Saturday.

“I’ve had a chat with Matt [Drage]," said Williams on Monday.

“He has got bags of ability and that showed against Romford.

“At times he was the best player on the pitch and I am delighted for him.”

He added: “We’re counting the fit bodies over the next couple of days.

“We are a bit thin on the ground, but that does mean there are opportunities for other people.

“Aaron [Goode] has jarred his knee again so will be out for a while, but Rob [Tolfrey] should be OK for Saturday and, hopefully, we’ll get one other back before the weekend."

McCollin was fit enough to feature in Monday’s win and it was his double that was eventually enough to secure a third qualifying round clash with either Eastbourne Borough or Enfield Town.

Elvis Hammond, Drage and Nathaniel Pinney all scored to set-up McCollin’s moment of glory and, while Williams was less than impressed with his team’s performance, he admitted their never-say-die attitude had saved the day.

“First half we lacked a bit of desire in both boxes,” he added.

“I thought we were a bit flat and lacked tempo, but in the end we came through.

“They bounced back, stuck to gether and showed their character.”