Kings Langley’s unbeaten run in 2020 came to an end on Tuesday night as they suffered a 2-0 home defeat to St Albans City in the semi-finals of the Herts Senior Challenge Cup.

After a 12-game run without defeat since the turn of the year, the 13th game proved to be too much as goals from Rohdell Gordon and Munashe Sundire sent the National League South Saints through to the final to face Hemel Hempstead Town.

Despite a lively opening from Kings, it was the visitors who had the first chance of the game as Melvin Minter was called into action to tip a Harry Forster header around the post.

Minter was soon needed again to keep St Albans at bay as he firstly blocked Sam Merson’s effort with his feet and then showed bravery to go down at the feet of Jefferson Louie and prevent another potential goal.

Kings battled to turn the tide of the game and they did have the ball in the net midway through the first half after a good move involving Stevie Ward and Will Hoskins saw a well-taken goal ruled out for offside.

Not long after, Saints capitalised on that let-off and took the lead from the penalty spot. Although Minter had saved a penalty in the previous round, he was not equal to Gordon’s effort this time, despite guessing the right way.

The second half began with Merson being denied for the visitors, but Kings soon got into the flow of the game again and Hoskins was just inches away from levelling, but shot wide from Jordan Parkes’ through ball.

Despite the home side’s best efforts, St Albans were proving to be a threat on the break and they pretty much ensured their passage to the final after 68 minutes when Sundire made space for himself and fired a low effort past Minter.

Kings did have opportunities to make it a nervy finish for the away side, particularly when a poor clearance from Alex Tokarczyk fell to Roddy Collins who lofted narrowly over the bar.

It wasn’t to be, though, and Kings bowed out at the semi-final stage.

Next up for them is a return to league action away at Biggleswade Town this Saturday. Kick off is at 3pm.