Heavy defeat for Kings Langley Ladies sees manager Nield depart the club

The heavy 11-4 defeat also led to the resignation of manager Andy Nield, with Chris Walker taking over in his place.

Kings had started brightly with Rachael Lee’s pass teeing up Danielle McMullan to give them the lead on three minutes.

However, the visitors’ experience and ruthlessness up front saw them reply seven times before the break.

Kings captain Kim Nield then set Nicole Barrett up to reduce the arrears just before half-time.

That lead was chipped into on 57 minutes when Barrett was felled in the visitors penalty area; the same player stepping to expertly steer the ball low into the far corner.

This seemed to sting the visitors into action, however, as they added another four goals in 15 minutes – with only keeper Abbie Tarsey’s heroics keeping the score down.

Barrett completed her hat-trick on 82 minutes to leave the home side thinking what might have been.

Following the game, the club announced that manager Nield has stepped down from all managerial and coaching commitments with immediate effect.

Nield who was a co-founder of KLLFC said: “I feel I have taken the team as far as I can, and it needs a new approach.”

In charge of that new approach is Walker – a fellow co-founder who has been at the club in coaching and administrative capacities.

‘I am excited by this opportunity to move the club onwards,” said Walker. “It is sad to lose Andy after his years of commitment to the club, and I personally wish to thank him for his time and efforts during his tenure.”

Walker’s first match in charge will be the County Cup second round tie this Sunday against Bedwell Rangers, which is being played at Kings Langley FC’s Gaywood Park ground.

“This is simply a massive game to the club,” said Walker. “It is also our first ever time in the second round of the County Cup so the ladies should be applauded for their efforts so far.

“In addition, the years of hard work and toil have reaped a significant reward in being able to play this game at Gaywood Park – the home of Kings Langley FC.

“I know the team are excited at this prospect and we encourage you to back the ladies and lend them your support”.