Stevie Ward added his name to Kings Langley folklore when he scored arguably the most important goal in the club’s history, netting what proved to be a 27th winner as Paul Hobbs’ men secured Southern League Premier Division survival with a 1-0 victory over now relegated Cirencester Town.

Kings’ win five days earlier had effectively dispatched Hayes & Yeading to join Cinderford Town in the drop and although Cambridge City kept pace with Kings with a victory, their inferior goal difference sees them fill the fourth unwanted spot.

Kings’ only change from the 2-0 win at Hayes was the return of Ollie Cox in place of the injured Ryan Plowright in midfield as both sides made a nervous start on Saturday in front of a Gaywood Park record crowd of 645.

Town’s James Mortimore-Jones had a sixth-minute shot held by Xavi Comas and Danny Gudger was just wide ten minutes later.

The hosts saw Ward and Jorell Johnson go close before the moment of destiny arrived, as Lewis Toomey’s first-time pass set Jerry Amoo free down the left. His speed and trickery were too much for the defender as he cut in along the byline and a low cross was perfect for Ward to net from close range at the far post, cueing ecstatic celebrations from the home contingent.

Visiting striker Alan Griffin had a shot on the turn well held by Comas before the break, but the second half was a scrappy affair, virtually devoid of incident, as Kings were confident that Cirencester would be unable to breach a defence that was on its way to recording its fourth consecutive clean sheet in a run in of six games undefeated.

The east stand was vociferous in its continuous support as an almost party atmosphere enveloped the ground and with news of Cambridge’s 3-0 lead, Cirencester knew that their race was run.

The final whistle saw some emotional scenes as management team and players were submerged by junior supporters and others reflected on the magnitude of the achievement of survival against the odds in a turbulent campaign.

Owing to a united committee, management team and players, with support from the youth part of the club, it turned out to be another unforgettable season following three successive promotions.

Kings Langley: Comas; Pattison, Tring, Johnson, Balogun; Hitchcock; Ward (Turner 82), Stobbs, Cox (Coldicott-Stevens 67), Amoo (Connolly 90); Toomey. Subs not used: Waldren and Gosling.