New Kings Langley manager Chris Cummins praised his side’s all-round performance after they thumped Southern League Premier Central leaders Rushall Olympic 4-0 to leave them in fine heart ahead of this weekend’s big FA Cup clash at Maidstone United.

Kings travel to Kent on Saturday with a place in the first round proper at stake and they can make the trip with confidence after an impressive first-half display laid the platform for a comprehensive victory.

A strong start from the hosts was rewarded by an early Gary Connolly goal and by half-time Langley were 3-0 ahead thanks to a Stevie Ward penalty and a Josh Coldicott-Stevens strike.

A strong defensive display ensured Rushall were restricted in their opportunities to try and get back into the game before substitute Louis Collier applied the gloss to the victory in injury time with a rasping drive.

Reflecting on picking up his first three points as Kings boss, Cummins said: “It was a difficult one because of the game coming up next week but I thought we started really, really well against a top of the league side.

“Some people will say they didn’t play well but I thought we stopped them playing. It’s always nice to win, the performance is a massive part of it and I thought we were stronger, had more quality, were more athletic and dominant all over the pitch.”

Cummins admitted the quality of the performance has given him some selection issues to ponder ahead of the Maidstone clash and he continued: “It is massive next week. If we can compete, if we can play anywhere near them then I think we’ve got half a chance.

“We’re going into it obviously as underdogs but there’s a great belief and great determination within the group and we’re confident at the moment. We’ll keep level-headed, we’ll pick ourselves up for the next game but I think we’ve got a got a great chance.”

The Kings manager is pleased his side do not have a midweek game before the fourth qualifying round tie because of the potential for injuries, although he does face a wait on the fitness of Lloyd Doyley.

The former Watford defender was forced off inside the opening 10 minutes with a leg muscle problem, having reverted to his usual right-back role following central defender Jorell Johnson’s return from a loan spell at Walton Casuals.

“I think it’s just tight,” Cummins responded when asked about Doyley’s injury. “It’s a difficult one because Lloyd’s done terrific at centre-half, but with JJ (Johnson) coming back and Callum [Adebiyi], we’ve got two outstanding centre-halves and Lloyd’s obviously played full-back all his career and he can still do that for us.

“It gives me a great option which allowed me to play Gary [Conolly] in midfield today. Gary’s obviously scored the goal to set us on our way and having to drop him back changed us a little bit, but it gives me loads of depth and options. But we’ll rest him (Doyley) up this week and hopefully he’ll be fit for Saturday.”

Meanwhile, Kings have been drawn away to Phoenix Sports in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

The tie is due to be played on Saturday, October 26.