Kings Langley joint-boss Ritchie Hanlon has stressed the importance of not going into games at a higher level expecting to win every week.

Winning has become a habit for a team which has won back-to-back promotions to reach Division One Central of the Southern League – the club’s highest standing in the non-league pyramid.

But Kings suffered something of a reality check after opening the new campaign with a draw against St Ives Town and a defeat to Beaconsfield SYCOB.

That all changed this week, though, with a 2-1 home win over Egham Town on Tuesday building on a 3-2 success at Chalfont St Peter on Saturday – results which push Hanlon and Paul Hughes’ side up to eighth in the table.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Royston Town, Hanlon said: “You can’t go into every game thinking you are going to win like last year.

“You are playing very good teams at this level and you have to be on it for the entire game. The boys were determined to get the three points.

“There are good players being paid good money and you get what you pay for. Those players do go for the entire 95 minutes plus and in the league below, with respect, if you went two or three-nil up there were a few teams who would give up.”

A six-point week began with an entertaining win over Chalfont in which Kings secured their first three points courtesy of a stunning 65-yard free-kick from Danny May.

The 26-year-old began his career at Northampton Town and turned out in the Football League before spending six years with Hemel Hempstead Town.

May’s goal, an audacious punt from a set piece after spotting Saints keeper Brendan Hazlett off his line, ensured maximum points in spectacular fashion for Kings.

Hanlon was quick to praise the Watford-born defender, who has been utilised in a new role to great effect since his summer switch from Vauxhall Road.

He said: “We have been playing him in the holding midfield role because the two boys in front of him – former Hornets Alex Campana and Ollie Cox – are not that kind of [niggly] player.

“Ashley Lewis is suspended for another two games and we need those experienced heads in the meantime,” explained Hanlon. “We had to add that to our team because playing against those who have done a bit in football, we need a bit in behind those flair players.”

Another player who could be bound for Hemel Hempstead is striker Mitchell Weiss , who scored one and made another as Kings came back to beat Egham 2-1 on Tuesday evening at Gaywood Park.

However, contrary to premature reports elsewhere the deal is not complete. But Hanlon will be only too pleased to see one of his charges make the step up to a higher level.

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He said: “He has upped his game in the last two matches which has helped us because we were not so good up front.

“We take great satisfaction from producing players. As we go up the leagues, if we can, there will come a time where these boys become too good for us and then you have to work on producing others because we have not got the money other clubs have got.

“We have to take our time with the younger lads but when they pay off it is very rewarding.”

Kings made the worst possible start against Egham after a through ball found striker Brendan Matthew, who slotted past goalkeeper Rob Partington on his debut.

However, the hosts showed the same grit and perseverance as they had at the weekend and it paid off when Weiss added to his tally after netting the second goal for Kings against Chalfont at the weekend.

The equaliser put Kings in control of the match and they took the lead in the 65th minute, Weiss this time turning provider as his low cross was met Campana, who tucked into the far corner of the net.

Reflecting on the win, Hanlon said: “We went 1-0 down early on but it was never in doubt because we were by far the better team.

“Their goalkeeper’s performance was one of the best I have seen at this level. It could have been a far different scoreline had it not been for him. We are just happy to get on the march.”