Kings Langley fell to a fourth loss in a row as Steve Heath’s first game back in charge of his old side saw them defeated 1-0 by Barton Rovers at The Orbital Fasteners Stadium.
Facing high-flying opposition third in Division One Central of the Southern League, in the midst of a tough stretch of form and with a new management team having only had one training session in which to introduce their ideas was never going to be easy, but the hosts competed well and were left frustrated by Albie Hall’s 66th-minute header.
Isaac Pedro in conversation with the new boss. (Image: Micah Ricketts (M Rich Photography)) The first 45 minutes belonged to Barton but the hosts held on and resisted anything that Jermaine Hall’s side were able to offer.
Just as Kings were beginning to grab a foothold in the match, establishing some control early in the second period, they conceded what would prove to be the decisive goal in an agonising way, with Adi Connolly unable to keep out Hall’s tame effort.
It was a mistake by the keeper in an otherwise impressive display as he produced some fine saves to repel Barton talisman Taylor Rhiney and was a huge part of Kings’ resistance.
Also impressive was Ekow Coker, making his first start at the back since signing from Bedford Town, and there were certainly positives for Heath to build on as he gets to know his new squad.
Adi Connolly holds on to the ball in a packed penalty area. (Image: Micah Ricketts (M Rich Photography)) Having taken charge following the departure of Jordan Parkes, Heath’s first starting XI saw Henry Burt deployed as the lone striker, meaning the youngster has now featured in defence, midfield and attack at various stages throughout this campaign.
Elsewhere, both Juud Farrant and James Towell began in more advanced roles than they’ve been used to, with Kieran Gauthier and Deago Dunbar-Bonnie the full-backs.
The first goalmouth action of note came in the eighth minute; Towell did very well to float a cross into the box and Burt turned his header onto the crossbar, via a deflection.
Kings were nearly their own worst enemies soon after when Connolly’s poor drop kick set prolific forward Rhiney in on goal, but he could only fire wide.
Rhiney was uncharacteristically wasteful early on, and saw another good chance palmed away by Connolly moments later.
The striker also found the Kings stopper in the way twice more later in the half, neither to know the offside flag was to be raised on both occasions as Connolly stretched his body acrobatically to protect his goal.
The Kings wall is set at a Barton free-kick. (Image: Micah Ricketts (M Rich Photography)) Barton were testing their opponents aerially, with a bombardment of corners and long throws, but the additional height of Coker and some strong goalkeeping were proving useful in defying them.
The home side came close with a set piece of their own on the half-hour mark, as Towell’s enticing delivery narrowly evaded the far post and the onrushing Dudley, who couldn’t get the decisive touch needed to force home.
The home side had more joy going forward early in the second period, breaking past the Barton defence on a couple of occasions, only to lack the composure to fashion an attempt on goal.
They were certainly growing into the ascendancy, only to fall behind in the 66th minute.
The ball made a rare second-half entry into the Kings box and Hall headed it, seemingly innocuously, into the path of Connolly. However, the Kings keeper misjudged the flight of the ball, perhaps taking his eye off it, and he parried into his own net, gifting Barton the lead.
Bentley Assiedou was introduced soon after as Heath’s men looked for a route back into the match.
A defensive lapse nearly afforded Farrant a chance but his shot sailed over the bar.
Youngsters George Cain and Rhys Farquharson-Leigh also entered from the bench, alongside Ben Stallard, but it was Connolly who was forced into action to prevent Matt Moloney doubling the lead with ten minutes to play.
The visitors were managing the game well, but the addition of seven minutes gave Kings hope.
The closest they could come, however, was a shot from Declan Phillips that flew well over.
