The pre Cup tie report by the Maidstone United scout in attendance will give the National League side plenty to ponder as Kings comprehensively beat table toppers Rushall Olympic in manager Chris Cummins first League game in charge. .
Langley looked dangerous from the off and visiting keeper Jonathan Flatt made two brave saves at the feet of Mitchell Weiss in the opening two minutes. When the striker did beat Flatt scarcely a minute later, skipper Mitchell Clarke was on hand to clear the ball off the line. But the opening barrage finally reaped its reward when a visionary crossfield diagonal pass by Josh Coldicott-Stevens sent Stevie Ward away down the wing and his layback was hammered home by Gary Connolly, via a slight deflection. The loss of Lloyd Doyley two minutes later was a setback, but it gave a debut to newly signed Bradley Wadkins, with Gary Connolly reverting to right back. With the traffic virtually one-way, Kings extended their lead on the half hour when Weiss was the victim of a crude challenge in the box and Stevie Ward stepped up to convert the penalty. There was further punishment for Olympic before the break as a long forward ball from Callum Adebiyi was headed on by Kane Farrell to Mitchell Weis and his short pass to Joshua Coldicott-Stevens saw the midfielder make space with a couple of touches before driving the ball into the far top corner of the net.
The second half appeared to be a more even affair, but that was probably due as much to Kings’ game management as to the Pics no doubt scathing team talk and double halftime substitution. The Langley defence again looked solid, giving the visitors little encouragement and when Coldicott-Stevens sent Weiss racing clear on the counter attack, Flatt stood tall to block his first effort and was relieved to see the striker hit the post with the second attempt.
The footballing philosophy of Chris Cummins was apparent as Kings controlled the closing stages, knocking the ball about and denying Rushall possession, while a well-organized defence looked composed in heading towards a consecutive clean sheet. When they did up the pressure in stoppage time it was to devastating effect as Coldicott-Stevens and Farrell exchanged left side passes, slotted it to Weiss and his pass to Louie Collier enabled the teenage substitute to rifle home a twenty yard shot of stunning quality into the top corner of the goal.
It was a fitting finish to a superb all round team performance of the highest quality and send the fans home with belief in their hearts that the F A Cup journey can continue beyond next week at Maidstone.