Video: Kingson excels in Blackpool debut

Published on: 28 September 2010

Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson excelled in his first game for English side Blackpool on Monday night when the reserves faced their Arsenal counterparts.

The Seasiders were thrashed 3-0 by Arsenal but the Black Stars shot-stopper conceded none of the goals as he was substituted before the late goals from the Gunners.

Kingson's performance during the game must have given the Blackpool coaching team the hope that he can effectively play in the Premier League when given the chance.

Watch Kingson's performance

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The Gunners were dull in the first half but Emmanuel-Thomas took a touch 20 yards from goal and unleashed a fearsome, rising drive that had Kingson at full-stretch.

After a subdued first-half display, Arsenal began the second in sprightly fashion.

Firstly, Conor Henderson stung the palms of Kingson, from fully 35 yards from goal, and just seconds later Chuks Aneke pulled the trigger from the edge of the area, but the Ghanaian international did well, saving low down to his right.

With a quarter of an hour gone, Benik Afobe went close with a deflected effort, shortly before Craig Eastmond tested the Seasider's stopper with a drive, 18 yards form goal.

The home side's pressure was beginning to tell and the visitors had Kingson to thank, again, for keeping the scores level.

Carney played a dangerous pass across his own six-yard box, only for Kingson to save the Australian's blushes with a timely clearance at the feet of Aneke.

And with the game 65 minutes old, Afobe produced three mesmeric step-overs, followed by a fierce left-foot drive.

But with Kingson beaten, the ball flew narrowly past the right-hand post.

Having endured a busy, but impressive first start, the World Cup star was replaced by rookie Mark Halstead on 68 minutes who conceded all the three goals.

was due back in Africa today after a whistle-stop journey to Blackpool – and then back to Ghana for more international duty.

Kingson, who helped Ghana get to the last eight of the World Cup in South Africa in the summer, joined Blackpool before the close of the transfer window last month.

He only recently secured his work permit to play in England after he moved as a free agent.

The deal to link up with Blackpool is subject to clearance from the FA and Premier League.

The Accra-born stopper has a wealth of international experience, but his appearances in the English Premier League have been restricted to a handful of matches for Wigan and Birmingham.

Kingson was Ghana's first choice at the World Cup finals as the team known as the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals, only to lose to Uruguay on penalties.

He has signed a one-year contract with an option for a further 12 months.

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