They could have had the game wrapped up by half-time, but Aldershot left it well into the second half before securing the points against Kingstonian on Saturday.

Kingstonian, sadly in receivership after their relegation from the Conference and a shadow of the side that twice won the FA Trophy under Geoff Chapple, battled on after conceding an early goal, but finally cracked under intense pressure in the last 20 minutes.

Continuing their strong home form, Aldershot were quick out of the starting-blocks in a crunching encounter on a boggy Recreation Ground.

After just two minutes, a superb Stafford Browne header struck the bar and he followed up with a strong shot just wide of goal.

Clearly rattled, Kingstonian fell behind on five minutes. The lightning fast Mark Graham crossed from the left and Grant Payne tucked the ball neatly into the corner.

Graham, whom manager George Borg later praised as being "different class", deservedly claimed the man of the match award.

Lee Protheroe then set up the sharp Payne whose attempt hit the upright, leaving the K's dazed and confused.

But the home side, although having the lion's share of chances and possession, failed to capitalise.

Browne forced a fine save from veteran goalkeeper Lance Key, a former Sheffield Wednesday man, who had a very busy afternoon.

But Kingstonian had their moments and only a vital defensive header on the line from Owen Coll prevented an equaliser.

Frustration grew in the Aldershot camp as the scoreline continued to defy the balance of play, and the K's even enjoyed a better spell leading up to half-time.

Adam Parker, back after a lengthy suspension, made a bright start to the second half, shooting just wide of the target.

Sensing their luck might be in, Kingstonian rallied again and forced the home side on the back foot.

A fearsome strike from Greg Ball forced an alert Gareth Howells to make an athletic save and he had to deal with another good effort from substitute Jon Leacock.

Aldershot dug deep for the right response, stepped up the pressure again and, on 73 minutes, a high-flying Browne latched on to a sweet Protheroe free-kick to claim the second goal.

Parker, who narrowly made selection after twisting his back in training, claimed his first Aldershot goal to wrap up procedings on 81 minutes.

He collected a fine cross from Graham, who had caused the K's trouble all afternoon, and gleefully slotted home.

A relieved George Borg said: "We could have been four up at half-time – we just didn't take our chances.

"We need to be a lot more ruthless. A one-goal advantage at any level like we had coming into the second half, is just not enough."

Aldershot: Howells, Coll, Chewins, Kirby, Townley, Adedeji, Graham, Protheroe, Browne, Payne, Parker. Subs (all used 81 mins): Watson, Nutter, Forrester

Kingstonian: Key, Mead, Jones, Barnsby, Hustwick, Alimi, Clarke, Bolt, Ball, Sadler, Wingfield. Subs: (used) Leacock, Green

Attendance: 2,276

Referee: AJ Webb