Off of the back of last week’s draw with AFC Dunstable, it’s now four without a win for Jordan Parkes’ side, but with three of those four opponents featuring in the top five the results must be viewed with moderation.

Two points from that stretch may seem disappointing, but Kings can take consolation in the fact they have competed well in all fixtures and may think themselves unfortunate not to have picked up more points.

Surrendering leads against Welwyn Garden City and Berkhamsted FC will have been frustrating, while Saturday saw them come from behind to rescue a point at home to Dunstable.

A more ruthless edge is required, as Kings dominated for prolonged periods against the ODs but could not find the winner they deserved. Every point is useful but it’s wins that will really make the difference and Parkes will be hoping his side can go one further this weekend and get back on the victory train.

Bradley Smith continued his fine form with another goal - his sixth of the season leading his team’s ranks - and Lewis Duberry rewarded Parkes’ faith in trusting him from the start with a brilliant performance from midfield.

They will rue missed chances throughout a strong second half showing that could have seen them take the game away from their visitors and will hope to learn from their mistakes at the weekend.

Their hosts on Saturday, Barton Rovers, are riding the crest of a wave and find themselves in a rich vein of form. A tally of 10 points out of their last available 12 sees them lurking just outside the playoff places and they’ll be keen to keep the pressure on the teams above them with another good result over Kings.

Last time out, they thrashed Beaconsfield Town 3-0 behind a brace from John Shamalo and that followed a 0-0 draw at home to Kidlington.

They started the season poorly, losing three of their first four, but Jermaine Hall’s side seem to have kicked on and now look like real contenders to cause some trouble in the Southern League Division One Central this campaign.

The teams played out a pair of entertaining draws last year, with the match at Barton ending 3-3 after a Rayan Clarke brace, before the return fixture at The Orbital Fasteners Stadium finished 2-2.

With no top-flight action due to the international break, what better time to make the trip and support the boys? It’s just a short journey to Barton-le-Clay - MK45 4LQ - to take in some thrilling action and watch as Parkes and his team bid to get back to winning ways.

Article by Callum Humphrey