1st Team v Sun Postal Sports

No. 9    Saturday 6th September 2014.     Spartan South Midlands League – Premier Division
Kings Langley                   0
Sun Sports                        3  (Lewis 4 pen, Pooley 37, Fearon 83)
The early season unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt within three minutes as an attempted Jack Pattison header off the line struck his upper arm and Kings were handed the double whammy of a dismissal and a penalty, converted by Ashley Lewis. Such a start seemed to suck the life out the game for a while and there was little of note until the half hour mark, when Simeon Fearon slipped the defence but shot wide, Mitchell Weiss replied with a 25 yard shot tipped over by Ross Hampton and Benny Fiadzomor’s header was deflected onto the bar. However, minutes later, Nathan Pooley’s spectacular volley from a cross confirmed the seemingly inevitable and Sun went in with an interval two goal lead. Alex Campana had finished the half with a shot turned round by Hampton, but a drab second period flickered to life on the next half hour mark when the Ant Ladyman responded with a similar save from the lively Richard Peace. Weiss had a shot held by Hampton, but Kings efforts were spasmodic and it was left to Fearon to conclude the scoring when he outwitted a ponderous back three to fire home the third off the keeper’s legs. Analysis reflected on the difference a week makes in football, the physical demands of a midweek extra time loss and the psychological effect of a double setback so early in a match. We have seen teams adjust tactics, dig in and show grit and determination to overcome an early numerical disadvantage. Sadly, this was not one of those occasions, as home support suffered a joyless afternoon and were forced to concede local bragging rights for the fourth consecutive time.