A youthful Kings Langley were taught a harsh lesson as Southern League Premier Divison basement side Cinderford Town claimed just a fourth win – and first away victory - of the season with a 1-0 triumph at Gaywood Park.

Paul Hobbs’ side still have a five-point cushion over the drop zone but this was a big opportunity missed against a team who had taken just one point out of a possible 48 on their travels prior to Saturday’s game.

Morning snow flurries had ceased by kick off on a bitterly cold afternoon, but Kings were scorched by the intensity of Cinderford’s quick fire start that saw them dominate the first 20 minutes.

Just 20 seconds had elapsed when Karnell Chambers had a shot just wide of the post and they went on to force four corners before Jarryd Welch saw his fierce shot tipped athletically over the bar by Xavi Comas.

Minutes later Jorell Johnson was clearing off the line and it was no surprise when Chambers slipped a through ball to Craig Norman and the striker beat the exposed Comas after 20 minutes.

The hosts were without the suspended Lewis Toomey and Mayo Balogun in addition to Jack Pattison (injured) and Ryan Plowright (unwell) and adjusted their formation after the goal, but still failed to gel, as too many players surrendered the ball cheaply or misplaced passes and not a chance of note had been created by the interval.

The pace of the visitors slowed as they began to visualise their first league victory on the road in 17 attempts and the introduction of Jerry Amoo on the left flank early in the second half at last injected some life into Kings.

A Kieran Turner run and cross resulted in an under pressure Steve Ward shooting just past the post and then Turner headed narrowly over.

Visiting keeper Cameron Clarke spilled an Ollie Cox long-range shot, recovering well despite close attention, but the creation of such chances were spasmodic and when Chambers and Norman combined again at the other end, Comas had to react quickly to prevent a deja vu moment.

Town’s defence of their lead was becoming more physical and Dean Hitchcock and Elliot Ford were both booked in a flare up, but their defence looked more than capable of holding off a Kings side that looked bereft of ideas and they were able to celebrate at the final whistle, ending a run of eight defeats and a draw since their last victory, which was against current table-toppers Chippenham Town, thus further demonstrating the unpredictable nature of football.

For Kings, whose average age on the day was just 21, it was a lesson as well as a deeply disappointing result and one they must hope will not define their season.

Kings Langley: Comas; Platt, Johnson, Connolly; Ward (Lavender 54), Turner, Hitchcock, Cox, Waldren; Duku (Cole 69), Verney (Amoo 48). Subs not used: Bush and Coldicott-Stevens.