WHERE THERE’S A WILL THERE’S A WAY

Kings continued their impressive New Year’s unbeaten run against a Stratford side currently placed too close to the bottom three for their own comfort, but they were made to work hard for this win and ultimately it was a first half goal by ex-Watford striker Will Hoskins that settled the afternoon’s performance. Lloyd Doyley joined Gary Connolly and Stevie Ward on the injury list, giving an opportunity for former Hitchin Town right back Alex Anderson, but otherwise, the team was unchanged. Following their play-off position last season, Stratford have had their problems finding a settled side and Kynan Isaac was the sole survivor from the matchday squad when these two teams last met in mid-August.

The first chance fell to the home side in the thirteenth minute when Will Hoskins slid in at full length to meet a Mitchell Weiss cross, only to see the ball and his body shave the wrong side of the far post. As Kings continued to pose the questions, Callum Adebiyi thundered a volley from a Harry Crawford centre just over the bar, but a rare slip in the Langley defence presented Muhammad Sebbeh with an opportunity to hit a stinging shot from the edge of the box that was met by a spectacular flying save from Melvin Minter as he finger-tipped the ball round the post.

The approach play of both sides was good, but defences ruled until Kings were awarded a free kick on the right. Jordan Parkes delivered the cross, Callum Adebiyi headed it back across goal and Will Hoskins found the yard of space he needed in a crowded box to smash the ball high into the net from close range. The striker was to be denied a second on the verge of the break by a good save from James Pardington, but Town came out for the second half in a more determined frame of mind and a snapshot from their hitman Dan Sweeney showed their intent. Town keeper Pardington produced his own spectacular save when Roddy Collins hit an accurate volley from outside the box and then the Parkes party trick had him scrambling back to avoid embarrassment. Kings approach play was as good as last week’s, but ironically they found the basement boys defence a far harder nut to crack than the league leaders and they were almost made to pay with seven minutes to play.
Reece Flanagan won the ball on the Town right and sent over a peach of a cross to the almost unmarked substitute Leam Howards, but his close range header was wide of the post. Kings ensured that there were no similar moments and completed the win they deserved, but certainly had to work for.

Next up we host Barwell on Saturday 1st February. For the latest odds on the match, make sure you visit BetVictor

T&C's apply. Club officials and players are not permitted to bet on any football matter world wide18+|Begambleaware.org Please Gamble Responsibly