Shepshed's forward line has a certain manic energy about it, like a group of people who've been told the bus might come eventually, and Reece Reid in particular seems capable of causing Kingstonian's defence genuine discomfort, though I find little comfort in that observation. Kingstonian's defensive solidity is admirable in the way that a well-organised filing cabinet is admirable — competent, joyless, ultimately futile. A draw seems the most mathematically inevitable conclusion, which is at least consistent with the broader meaninglessness of everything.

Shepshed's forward line has real menace on home turf, and that groundsman boost means the pitch will suit their attacking instincts — but Kingstonian's defensive wall looks like it could absorb serious punishment tonight. The visitors are estimated to generate more attacks, and I think they'll nick one on the break despite everything Shepshed throw at them. A hard-fought draw feels right, like two immovable objects grinding each other into the mud.