Kings Langley were keen to take the positives after another useful pre-season run out, despite losing 3-1 to AFC Dunstable in mid-week.

Lee Stobbs’ cross-cum-shot 10 minutes into the second half had temporarily cancelled out BJ Christie’s fourth-minute opener.

But two goals in as many minutes from Dunstable’s Joel Norris and Sam McCelland gave the Southern League outfit the victory at the expense of Steve Conroy’s side.

They had enjoyed better fortunes on Saturday though, running out 4-1 winners at Biggleswade United, and will conclude their pre-season programme at home to Berkhamsted on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

Sun Sports will step up their preparations ahead of the new Herts Senior County League Premier Division campaign with three friendlies scheduled over the next week.

They face matches against Croxley Green Community Centre at Queens’ School on Saturday (3pm), followed by a trip to Harpenden Town’s Development side on Tuesday (6.15pm) and a home match versus Bishop’s Stortford Swifts on Saturday, August 11 (3pm).

Northwood suffered a first pre-season setback as manager Dean Barker’s return to former club Cockfosters ended in a heavy 6-2 loss on Saturday – the Woods’ first defeat in a pre-season fixture since 2015, a run of 22 matches.

Both of Northwood’s goals came courtesy of Ben Pattie who took his tally to four for pre-season.

Pattie then netted another brace on Tuesday as the Woods responded in style by beating AFC Hayes 4-1 at Merchant Taylors’ School. Rhys Shirley-Clarke and Jerome Slew were also on target.

Northwood host Aylesbury United on Saturday. Kick-off is 3pm at Chestnut Avenue.

Bovingdon notched up a pair of impressive victories against higher opposition after beating Dunstable Town 3-2 on Thursday of last week before dispatching Berkhamsted 1-0 at Green Lane on Saturday.

The Spartan South Midlands Division Two new boys’ 2018/19 season gets underway on Saturday with a home game against Old Bradwell United, kick-off 3pm.

Berkhamsted, meanwhile, were on the receiving end of another narrow loss as Steve Bateman’s side went down 1-0 to Hayes & Yeading United on Tuesday.

Tring Athletic’s quest to go the entirety of pre-season unbeaten was dashed after they suffered a heavy 4-1 reverse at the hands of AFC Dunstable on Saturday.

Athletic were 3-0 down after just half-an-hour before former Berkhamsted striker Ashton Campbell netted what proved to be a consolation.

They had a winning start to competitive action, however, beating Hatfield Town 3-0 in the first round of the Herts Charity Shield on Tuesday. A brace from Kieran Turner and a debut strike from Billie Basari secured the win.

Tring kick-off their Spartan South Midlands campaign at home to Baldock Town on Saturday. Kick-off is 3pm.

Leverstock Green cruised to a comprehensive 5-1 win over Broadfields United at Pancake Lane on Saturday.

Another brace from Alex Witham, one from Jonny Miller and Chris Blunden with two concluded their friendly schedule in style.

On Saturday they begin their Spartan South Midlands campaign away to London Colney in a 3pm kick-off.