5 days Ago
Heath returned to the club, who he previously managed from 2005 to 2009, at the end of February but has yet to taste victory, leaving Kings just four points above the Southern League South Central Division trap door. However, the Kings boss got his tactics spot on as the visitors set out to frustrate their free-scoring opponents on Saturday, losing only to a debateable penalty. “Since his arrival, Steve has had a positive influence across various aspects of the club, and we’ve been encouraged by the direction things are heading under his guidance,” a club statement read.
“There is a shared sense of purpose as we look ahead, and the club is fully behind Steve as he prepares for the challenges and opportunities the summer will bring." Chairman Darren Eliot commented: “Steve returned to the club with its best interests at heart, determined to put things right and collectively we are determined to do just that." Saturday’s game was played amidst a carnival atmosphere in front of almost 1,200 spectators with the vast majority anticipating the champions-elect to ease to a routine victory to secure the title.
However, it was testimony to the effectiveness of the visitors’ approach that Real’s only shot on target in the first period was the penalty that eventually won the match. Langley's co-ordinated efforts denied the home side any meaningful penetration but they still found the opportunity to make the occasional threatening foray themselves. In fact, Kings could have taken the lead when a wayward back pass fell to Edu Toiny-Pendred.
The young striker had been ploughing a lone furrow up front, but he quickly latched on to the opportunity and zeroed in on goal but his low drive was dragged just wide. That was as good as it got for Langley from an attacking perspective in the first period, but their primary concern of thwarting their opponents was working well. That was until just before half-time when Archie Jones wriggled his way into the box and invited the merest of contacts from skipper James Towell, but enough to convince the referee there was sufficient impediment to award a penalty.
Joe Evans despatched the kick with clinical efficiency to leave Kings in arrears at the break. They had to be more enterprising in the second period and Edu continued to be a handful to the home defence and was well supported from midfield. Inevitably, Kings’ quest for parity left greater scope for the home side to bring their attacking capabilities to bear and their lead could easily have been doubled when Josh Setchell cut in from the left and unleashed a tremendous drive that rattled the post.
Moments later, a brilliant one-handed save from Josh Bowler denied Jones as the home side sought to seal the result. Kings, although stretched, were holding firm and remaining in the game. Dec Phillips was conspicuous in prompting them forward, but opportunities for an equaliser proved elusive.
They battled to the end, but the final whistle heralded a championship triumph for the home side and ignited wild celebrations among their fans. In defeat, Kings could certainly take heart from a spirited display that ran the runaway champions so close. That same commitment and resolve is exactly what will be needed in the two crucial fixtures that remain, at home to Berkhamsted on Friday before Monday’s trip to Northwood.
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