Kings Langley’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end as they were knocked out of the FA Cup following a 1-0 defeat at Basildon United.
A goal two minutes after the restart from substitute Ruben Bartlett-Antwi, who had only just entered the fray, was enough to send the hosts through on Saturday.
Both teams went into the Preliminary Round tie undefeated but the first half was scrappy, with few chances for either side.
Karl Kayembe went closest on the stroke of half time for the Bees.
It was the hosts who made the breakthrough shortly after the restart when Nadil Berri caused a mix-up in the Kings defence, letting Bartlett-Antwi slot home from 30 yards into an empty net.
Kings then grew into the game and Sam Murphy had two chances to equalise.
On 65 minutes he was put through on the right by a lofted pass which he hit on the volley, but the shot was wide of the post.
Fifteen minutes later, Kings’ best move of the match saw a Bradley Dixon-Smith cross headed down by Lance Williams to Sonny French who laid it off to Murphy. The skipper’s shot was good, but Basildon keeper George Marsh was equal to it and pushed the ball behind.
Marsh was called into action again to hold a free-kick from player-manager Jordan Parkes as Kings tried to get back on terms, but the Bees defence held firm to see their side through to the next round.
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