When Andre McCollin hits form, Isthmian Premier defences simply cannot cope.

A hat-trick on Saturday left unlucky Lewes wondering how they’d contrived to lose a match 4-1 despite dominating the possession and the chances.

The Ks striker, all shuffling gait and intense frown, claimed the match-ball with a trademark turn, dash and low finish in the last minute of a lively encounter.

His first-half penalty had earlier brought the teams level after the league leaders trailed to a third-minute own goal from centre-back Matt Drage, who diverted a Lewes header past Rob Tolfrey.

 

McCollin’s direct running had Jay Lovett on the back foot until the Lewes defender was sent off for a second yellow on the hour.

But his outrageous second goal 10 minutes after the break remains in dispute.

The former Yeovil striker executed a bicycle kick in the box but his team-mate Drage was quick to claim the final touch on the line.

 

Assistant coach Martin Tyler refused to adjudicate: “Dragey came over during the game, there was an injury stoppage, and got a drink and said to us ‘you know it was my goal and it wouldn’t have gone in but for me

We should probably leave it to the manager to decide.”

If it is credited to McCollin, it will mean a tally of 14 goals before the end of November, and his second hat-trick of the season, putting him well on course to be the division’s leading scorer come May.

 

“We’ve had some outstanding forwards here in our time,” added Tyler, who also heaped praise McCollin’s partner upfront, Ryan Moss, who notched his 13th of the campaign with a calm left-foot shot after being put clean through.

“Bobby Traynor is a club legend, but we’ve never had a partnership like this I don’t think. [McCollin and Moss] are different but they complement each other and I think they’re learning more as each week goes by.”

 

But the away side, Reece Hall in particular, will regret missing two sitters at crucial times, as well as being denied by a brilliant Tolfrey save in the second period.

Ultimately, Kingstonian relied on biting midfield performances from Josh Casey and Tom Kavanagh and swift breaks through McCollin. It is a pattern that's proving to work.

Lewes, community owned and backed by impressive travelling support, still look likely playoff contenders. Ks, sitting top of the league, are aiming even higher.