1st Team v Baldock Town

No. 29    Saturday 11th January 2014.     Spartan South Midlands League – Division 1
Kings Langley                  4 (Campana 26,78, Carter 27, Long 52)
Baldock Town                   1 (Harman 77)
With nine points separating the top eight, it was another keenly contested match as Kings Langley entertained Baldock Town. A cagy opening period saw Baldock skipper Bowskill put a free kick narrowly over and a Jack Johnson shot saved as chances were at a premium. But the game exploded into life in the 27th minute when Kings served up a double whammy, as first Alex Campana made space for himself to beat Nick Stilwell with a low shot and then turned provider with a wing run and pass to Tom Carter that enabled the wing back to net through a crowded box. The lively Connor Toomey was played in twice, only to be denied by Stilwell on both occasions, but Baldock look a well-organized side and had a header just wide as the interval approached. Seven minutes into the second half, Kings gave themselves a further buffer when Lee Burgoyne’s free kick saw Carter find Campana and his shot was blocked to fall to Ben Long, who drilled the rebound home.  Baldock continued to threaten and Ant Ladyman had to be on top form to save a header from a corner and tip over an Adam Furness shot on the run. However, he was powerless to prevent ace marksman Lee Harman’s  close range conversion of a low fizzing cross, but Kings hit back within a minute when a long ball was headed into the path of Alex Campana by Paul Insley and he made a difficult finish look easy. With the composure of skipper Gary Connolly and defenders Craig Preston, Dean Hitchcock and Callum Adebiyi belying the heaviness of the pitch, it was an impressive all round team performance as Kings moved up to third in an intriguing title race, as well as being presented with their third ‘Division 1 Team of the Month’ award of the season so far.