Langley Run Riot in Deckchair Derby Day Demolition

Kings Langley secured a resounding 4-0 victory over local rivals Leverstock Green in what was dubbed the ‘Deckchair Derby’. Goals from Lawson, Burt and two goals for Bentley Assiedou confirmed a comfortable victory on a bitterly cold night at the Orbital Fasteners Stadium.

This win confirms a second win and clean sheet in three days, following Langley’s 3-0 victory over North Leigh on Saturday. It is an important result for both the confidence of the young side, whilst helping Kings to push up the table.

The game started as an end-to-end affair, with both teams looking to gain their grasp on the game. Kings looked to use the pace on the wings, with Leverstock Green pressing high up the pitch to force the hosts into mistakes. However, the deadlock was broken in the 15th minute after a delivery from James Towell was contested between Jonathan Lawson and Frankie Beckles. The duel resulted in the ball coming into the path of Bentley Assiedou, who was able to slide his effort into the back of the net.

The lead was almost doubled just two minutes later, as Juud Farrant was able to thread his pass down the left channel to Bradley Smith. He showed excellent footwork in cutting onto his right foot, although placing his effort narrowly over the crossbar.

The visitors began to show real intent to find a route back into the game, with some chances of their own. After an audacious free kick from Collins went wide of the post, Leverstock Green had some golden opportunities, with Collins and Seale’s headers lacking the power to find a way past Connolly in the Kings goal.

With it being a local derby, tempers began to flare following an incident by the corner flag, which saw Coach Jordan Parkes booked for his protests. However, it was Watford loanee Jonathan Lawson, who doubled the lead. A fantastic cross from Assiedou found Lawson with a free header from point blank range, making no mistake in extending the advantage before half time.

With half time giving Leverstock Green an opportunity to re-energise and find a way back into the game, any hopes of a quick start were wiped out with Kings scoring a third in the 47th minute. Henry Burt was played through on goal and showed excellent composure in finding the back of the net. This gave Kings an opportunity to slightly relax, whilst remaining disciplined in their approach to the second half.

The visitors looked to craft ways back into the game, pushing up the pitch and keeping the ball well. They continued to press high up the pitch and force Kings into making mistakes, whilst also looking to take a chance if it came. However, clear cut chances were limited for the away side, as the hosts remained disciplined and were able to clear the ball when required. The game management from Kings helped to take the sting out of the game, as they looked to keep hold of the ball as they went in search of a fourth.

In the 76th minute, the fourth goal was confirmed for the home side. Henry Dudley was able to secure possession from Leverstock Green in their defensive half, before sliding through Bentley Assiedou. After taking touches to steady himself, Assiedou drilled his effort across goal into the bottom left hand corner to confirm the rout.

The visitors continued to search for a consolation, and were close in doing so, with Baruwa’s cross-shot going narrowly past the post. However, the resolve of the Kings defence remained strong until the referee drew the encounter to a close, confirming a comfortable victory for Kings Langley.