Kings Langley considered themselves a little unlucky not to come away with at least a share of the spoils following a narrow 2-1 defeat at in-form Barton Rovers on Saturday.
The home side started the stronger in the Southern League Division One Central clash, with their penetrating long throws causing Kings some anxious moments early on, but the visitors settled and were soon causing the home defence problems of their own.
Bradley Smith, who again was industrious throughout, created Kings’ first opportunity when he made progress down the right and found Declan Phillips in space, but the midfielder’s first-time effort was just too high.
The game continued to be end to end with both teams creating half chances but generally finding defences quick to snuff out the danger.
That changed five minutes before the break when the menacing John Shamalo ran on to a superb cross field pass from Alfie Warman to blast the ball past Cian Moore with stunning velocity.
Kings responded almost immediately, with Jake Anthony and Phillips combining well to set up Smith, but again the shot was just over and the away side went into the break one goal down.
They started the second half with palpable attacking intensity and their approach paid almost immediate dividends when a slick five-man move saw Smith’s low cross confidently swept home by Phillips within four minutes of the restart.
Very quickly though, the hosts responded with their own attacking initiatives with the fleet footed Taylor Rhiney a regular threat down the left.
Only a brilliant goal line intervention from Charne Lemba prevented one of Rhiney’s crosses from having a successful outcome.
Kings, for their part, were setting up a number of opportunities but a lack of quality in the final execution was a regular feature in their play.
The vital breakthrough came for the home side with 20 minutes left when a swift counter-attack left Langley thin at the back and the unmarked Rhiney was on hand to drill the ball home to restore the hosts’ lead.
Once again, Kings responded well, with plenty of attacking endeavour and their efforts were duly rewarded with a golden opportunity when a desperate Barton defender handled in the box.
Tami Ogunnowo took responsibility for the penalty but his side-footed effort lacked conviction and veered wide of the post.
The huge let off saw Barton shut up shop and although Kings battled to the end and went close on more than one occasion, an equaliser proved elusive and they were left to ponder what might have been.
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