Kings Langley suffer early FA Trophy exit at Bury Town

Buoyed up by their previous two scintillating performances, confidence was high ahead of the first qualifying round tie and for the opening 15 minutes Kings weaved their trademark patterns of one-touch passing through midfield and had by far the best of possession. But Town were able to soak up the pressure and gradually, almost imperceptibly, the pendulum began to swing in favour of the home side.

Defences looked to be comfortable, despite the industry and artistry on display in midfield and attack, but suddenly real threats developed down the left flank of both sides through Town’s young winger Daniel Hammett and Kings’ raiding full-back Callum Adebiyi.

Both delivered a couple of quality crosses that were spurned, before the first real chance came as the half was ending. Mitchell Weiss was put through, but his touch was heavy, allowing Neil O’Sullivan to make a brave, blocking save.

The visitors had probably shaded a tight first half and opened in similar fashion when a pin-point Danny Hutchins free-kick was headed over by Stuart Deaton when well placed, a miss they were to regret minutes later when Town drew the vital first blood.

A Noel Atkins right-wing pulled back cross saw Bradley Barber given time and space to rifle a shot into the top left-hand corner via the underside of the bar and despite a Jack Stevens chance that went begging minutes later, Kings rarely looked like getting back on terms.

The in-form Weiss was clearly not operating at 100 per cent, but when he was clipped in the area when in full flight and the appeal was waived away, it was to be a prelude to the knockout Suffolk punch when a long throw was flicked on and Barber drove home his second to seal the tie.

Kings’ attacks produced goalmouth incident to the final whistle, but they couldn’t find a way through a solid defence on a day when they failed to produce their best.