Kings Langley joint-boss Ritchie Hanlon was unable to oversee an FA Cup victory against former club AFC Rushden & Diamonds on Saturday, going down 1-0.

The preliminary round tie between the two holds special significance for the 37-year-old, who spent two spells with the original club before they folded in 2011 amid serious money troubles and made 70 appearances for the club.

An absorbing cup tie between to Southern League Division One Central sides came down to a few seconds of inspiration when Rushden's Sam Brown flung a long throw into the near post and Dan Quigley reacted first to score the game's only goal.

Visitors Rushden started the brighter of the two sides at Gaywood Park but could not test Ant Ladyman in Kings' goal.

It was Hanlon and Paul Hughes' side who had the first chance of net, former Watford scholar Ollie Cox shooting wide from 20 yards before Gary Connolly went closer still on the turn.

Rushden saw a header from Tommy Berwick disallowed for handball after 30 minutes before another headed effort went astray.

The best chance of the half belonged to Connolly, the Kings man miscuing his effort.

Kings began the second period brightly with Alex Campana sending in a teasing cross which just needed a touch to give the hosts the lead. Danny Hutchins saw a ferocious shot then blocked.

However, the home side were made to pay for their failure to take their chances as Rushden went up the other end and took the lead through Quiqley after ten second-half minutes.

A Stuart Deaton header was the closest Kings came to forcing a replay. Matt Finlay in the Rushden goal was so well protected he was not called on to make a save of note. Ladyman on the other hand, was not called into action until eight minutes before the end.