Since they were defeated 1-0 on the opening day to Jordan Parkes’ side, The Greens have picked up just one point, a draw at home against Hertford Town, in a challenging first eight games.

Most recently, they went down 4-2 at the hands of Welwyn on Saturday with the game further evidence of the defensive troubles Tony Collins’ team are facing.

22 goals conceded in eight games, the third worst record across the league, will be of great concern to the side and has seen them fall to some heavy defeats, including a 5-0 loss at Thame United in late August.

It’s bound to be an area that Kings look to exploit, with new striker Jake Anthony looking for his first goal at the club after his debut on Saturday in the cup.

Winger Tami Ogunnowo also made his first start at the weekend and the pair will make up part of an attacking unit determined to make an impact, with recent business providing coach Parkes with plenty of options to utilise.

In Senior Herts Cup action on Saturday, Kings saw themselves pegged back after running out into a 2-0 lead against Tring, but ultimately found a way to progress, winning 3-2 on penalties.

They will take courage in the character shown in responding to the two late goals that complicated their task and will have been happy to get the job done eventually - all that matters in the early rounds of the competition.

Bradley Smith, on loan from Hemel Hempstead, scored his second goal of the season with a composed effort from the right hand edge of the penalty area and Lewis Duberry made it 2-0 from the spot; the first for him in a Kings shirt.

It looked like being a straightforward conclusion at that stage, but Tring had other ideas and Kings will no doubt have been frustrated to let their visitors back into the game.

Now, back in league action, they must erase that thought and focus on the positives of the win as they look to continue a solid start to their Southern League Division One Central campaign.

Four wins from seven games sees them sit comfortably in the top half of the table, with games in hand on those above them, and they will hope to build some positive momentum as they enter a busy stretch in the season.

They first face back-to-back home games, with Flackwell Heath the visitors after Kidlington on Tuesday, before a second consecutive two-game week sees them visit Stotfold and Aylesbury United.

The league is made up of tight margins so short blocks of games such as this will be crucial in determining the team’s fate come the end of the season. A spell of good performances could see them parachute up the standings, while a disappointing fortnight may have them looking over their shoulders.

A win on Saturday against Kidlington could be the springboard they need to push on in the upcoming fixtures, and Parkes will be looking to create a feel-good factor within the squad as soon as possible.

He, as well as the loyal Kings fanbase, will be looking for a convincing performance and an entertaining win against struggling Kidlington FC to begin an important period for the side.

Get down to The Orbital Fasteners Stadium to support the boys this weekend; kick off is at 3pm with tickets available at £10 per adult, £7 for a concession and just £2 for U18s.

Article by Callum Humphrey
Photo by Duncan Eames