Kings Langley battle to hard earned draw at Northwood

Wood started at a furious pace and went ahead after three minutes when Sam Byfield found too much space on the left and slipped the ball home.

They continued to spray the ball round and were aided by a Langley back line that failed to learn its early lesson.

Alex Campana registered two attempts on goal, as did Northwood’s Nicholas and Murray, but Kings were holding on for the next half hour – their passing uncharacteristically sub-standard.

Then came a defining moment, as Ant Ladyman pulled off a superb save and inspired Kings to finish the half strongly; Campana bringing a flying save out of Berkley Laurencin.

The second half brought a growing realisation that the tie was far from beyond Kings, with Lee Burgoyne continuing to inspire his midfield.

Callum Adebiyi’s surging runs from defence were causing problems, and Nick Jackson was ever active in pulling the strings behind the front two.

Ladyman still had to thwart the opposition with two more outstanding saves, but Kings were competing well and eventually drew level with 15 minutes left on the clock.

Mitchell Weiss had seen his shot fly inches wide of the post, before a partially cleared corner fell to Ollie Cox and his 20-yard piledriver went in off the post.

With both sides going for a winner, it was the Kings number one who had the last word, denying Rob Hastings in the last minute to secure the draw.