Kings Langley once again suffered the heartbreak of an injury-time equaliser to deny them maximum points following a hard-fought tussle at Stratford Town last night as their Southern League Premier Division clash ended 2-2.

Despite opening brightly with Dave Hutton going close in their first attack, Kings were behind as early as the second minute when a great strike from Ben Stephens put the hosts ahead.

The visitors responded well and were soon level when Ryan Plowright, who worked tirelessly throughout, deftly headed home a Hutton corner in the 12th minute.

Kings were now in the ascendancy and after a period of sustained pressure were soon ahead when Jerry Amoo cut in from the right and unleashed a fierce drive which beat the Town goalkeeper with the aid of a wicked deflection.

Stratford came back strongly though, and only a superb double save by Kings custodian Xavi Comas, denying the ever dangerous Mike Taylor, saw the visitors’ advantage maintained at the break.

The home side were quickly out of the blocks in the second half in a bid to restore parity, but to a man Kings worked unflaggingly to absorb the mounting pressure.

The introduction of substitute Justin Marsden gave the home side added impetus but Langley were proving resolute in defence and Comas dealt confidently with a procession of high balls into the box as the home side’s endeavours were becoming increasingly desperate.

Kings too had their moments and a smart interchange between Immanuelson Duku and Amoo saw the latter fire an opportunity just wide.

As the match ticked into added time, the visitors conceded a free-kick on the halfway line and the lofted delivery somehow eluded the Kings’ rearguard to find the grateful Marsden on hand to slip the ball home and break the hearts of Paul Hobbs’ men.

Kings remain in 19th place following the draw and return to action on Boxing Day when they make the short trip to Chesham United.

Kings Langley: Comas; Cox, Folarin, Johnson, Rodrigoe; Hitchcock (Kipeya 61), Plowright; Amoo, Hutton, Balogun (Swales 74); Duku. Sub not used: Munday.