As the season heads into the final few weeks the number of important fixtures increases. Tuesday evening was a prime example of that, as two of the top five in the Spartan Premier League went head to head in rural Buckinghamshire. Hosts Winslow United started the evening in second spot, two points adrift of Haringey Borough, but with two games in hand. Consequently, a win would see them climb to the apex of the league. Fifth placed Kings Langley, there visitors, sat a further eight points behind United and had already played a game more. They held a five point advantage in the final play-off spot but Cockfosters, in sixth, had four games in hand. A win for Langley would see them leapfrog Risborough Rangers and Biggleswade United, into third spot, depending upon Risborough's result at Dunstable Town. Winslow were looking to do the double over their promotion rivals after winning 1-0 in the reverse fixture, thanks to an Aaron King goal, in a game that saw Langley's Louie Collier see red.
Thankfully Winslow make the teams available on a large whiteboard near the gate, so there was no need to track down the match officials to get a photo of the team sheets. That was probably just as well because, upon arriving, I discovered that kick-off had been put back to 8pm because of the late arrival of one of the official.
Thankfully Winslow make the teams available on a large whiteboard near the gate, so there was no need to track down the match officials to get a photo of the team sheets. That was probably just as well because, upon arriving, I discovered that kick-off had been put back to 8pm because of the late arrival of one of the official.
Aaron King scores from the spot When we did get under way, on the stroke of 8pm, Kings Langley began the game attacking the clubhouse end of the ground.
The game started at a frenetic pace with both sides playing at 100 mph. Winslow were the first to threaten when Harry Scott got on the end of a long ball up the left, cut inside and flashed a shot past the near post. Shortly afterwards Jack Smith burst up the right side before delivering a superb ball across the face of the 6-yard box, inches too far ahead of Ty Deacon. At the other end Bernard Christie managed to get a foot to a Joe Dearman free-kick but couldn't keep a difficult effort down.
Three minutes later, however, Langley got their noses in front. A ball into the home box was only cleared as far as Jordon Frederick, who sent a low volley arrowing past Alfie Mumford's right hand. 0-1.
The visitors led for just two minutes though. Winslow responded brilliantly, winning a free-kick on the right flank. The ball was delivered towards the far post where Charlie Attwell met it with a bullet header. 1-1
The action continued unabated. Four minutes after levelling, Winslow found themselves behind again. A long throw caused the problems and when the home side couldn't clear properly Isiah Hilaire was on hand to drill the ball past Mumford. 1-2
The game continued at a frantic pace with both sides trying to get the ball forward at the earliest opportunity, even though the long ball game wasn't proving to be particularly fruitful. Some of the play put me in mind of Eddie Waring's rugby league commentary, talking about the up and under and the Garryowen (named after a rugby club not a player). However, the no nonsense approach from both teams was very entertaining to watch. Certainly a lot better then the dire international friendly that was being shown in the bar, that's for sure.
The next goal opportunity came in the 39th minute when Charlie John struck one from distance that didn't trouble Mumford. Up the other end, Scott's deflect shot looped up, but not over, Charlie Crowley
Still leading 2-1 Langley almost scored an extraordinary third in the 45th minute when an attempted clearance was driven straight at Harry Dudley. Whether it struck him or he deliberately put his head in the way only he will know but, whatever the case, the ball flew towards Mumford's left-hand corner, forcing the keeper to dive full-length to push it away.
Two minutes into added time, with the pace not showing any signs of slowing, Ovington appeared to pull back Deacon as he was attempting to break clear on goal, some 40 yards from goal. The home side wanted a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity but, after consultation with his assistant, the referee signalled a free-kick to Langley for offside against Deacon. Two minutes later, however, Winslow had a golden opportunity to go in level when Aaron King pushed the ball past his marker before tumbling over an outstretched leg in the box. Penalty! King took the kick himself, sending Crowley the wrong way. 2-2
HT Winslow United 2 Kings Langley 2. A furiously frantic first-half. Very competitive and very direct. Great entertainment for the neutral, but it certainly couldn't be classed as subtle football. To be honest, the gathered crowd had already had their £8's worth in the first 45 minutes. The second half was going to be a bonus.
The game started at a frenetic pace with both sides playing at 100 mph. Winslow were the first to threaten when Harry Scott got on the end of a long ball up the left, cut inside and flashed a shot past the near post. Shortly afterwards Jack Smith burst up the right side before delivering a superb ball across the face of the 6-yard box, inches too far ahead of Ty Deacon. At the other end Bernard Christie managed to get a foot to a Joe Dearman free-kick but couldn't keep a difficult effort down.
Three minutes later, however, Langley got their noses in front. A ball into the home box was only cleared as far as Jordon Frederick, who sent a low volley arrowing past Alfie Mumford's right hand. 0-1.
The visitors led for just two minutes though. Winslow responded brilliantly, winning a free-kick on the right flank. The ball was delivered towards the far post where Charlie Attwell met it with a bullet header. 1-1
The action continued unabated. Four minutes after levelling, Winslow found themselves behind again. A long throw caused the problems and when the home side couldn't clear properly Isiah Hilaire was on hand to drill the ball past Mumford. 1-2
The game continued at a frantic pace with both sides trying to get the ball forward at the earliest opportunity, even though the long ball game wasn't proving to be particularly fruitful. Some of the play put me in mind of Eddie Waring's rugby league commentary, talking about the up and under and the Garryowen (named after a rugby club not a player). However, the no nonsense approach from both teams was very entertaining to watch. Certainly a lot better then the dire international friendly that was being shown in the bar, that's for sure.
The next goal opportunity came in the 39th minute when Charlie John struck one from distance that didn't trouble Mumford. Up the other end, Scott's deflect shot looped up, but not over, Charlie Crowley
Still leading 2-1 Langley almost scored an extraordinary third in the 45th minute when an attempted clearance was driven straight at Harry Dudley. Whether it struck him or he deliberately put his head in the way only he will know but, whatever the case, the ball flew towards Mumford's left-hand corner, forcing the keeper to dive full-length to push it away.
Two minutes into added time, with the pace not showing any signs of slowing, Ovington appeared to pull back Deacon as he was attempting to break clear on goal, some 40 yards from goal. The home side wanted a red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity but, after consultation with his assistant, the referee signalled a free-kick to Langley for offside against Deacon. Two minutes later, however, Winslow had a golden opportunity to go in level when Aaron King pushed the ball past his marker before tumbling over an outstretched leg in the box. Penalty! King took the kick himself, sending Crowley the wrong way. 2-2
HT Winslow United 2 Kings Langley 2. A furiously frantic first-half. Very competitive and very direct. Great entertainment for the neutral, but it certainly couldn't be classed as subtle football. To be honest, the gathered crowd had already had their £8's worth in the first 45 minutes. The second half was going to be a bonus.
Harry Scott hit the bar with a late penalty Credit to the fitness levels of both teams, because the second half began with just as much pace as the first. 100 mile and hour football at its best. Winslow, in particular, started the half like a train. Aaron King tested Crowley with a volley, before a mistake at the back gifted Ty Deacon a clear run on goal which he fired over the top. Just past the hour a left-wing corner found skipper Ryan Freshwater at the back post and his looping header had to be turned over the bar by Crowley.
For the first time in the game, one team had gained the upper edge for longer than a minute or two, as Winslow ramped up the pressure on the Kings Langley goal. Then, with just over 20 minutes remaining, the pressure paid off. A corner from the left was met by Ethan Flanagan who saw his header blocked. However, Ryan Freshwater was there to force the ball over the line. 3-2
Finding themselves behind for the first time, could Langley respond? As it happened, it was Winslow who went on to generate more chances. George Kerr's 80th minute screamer was probably deserving of a goal, but skimmed the roof of the net. Then, into added time, Winslow were awarded a penalty and Jamie Ovington saw a second yellow. However, Harry Scott couldn't apply the icing, smashing his spot-kick against the bar.
A small reprieve for Langley, but there was not enough time remaining for them to take advantage and find an equaliser.
FT Winslow United 3 Kings Langley 2. Potentially a massive win for Winslow as they take over at the summit, with a game in hand on second placed Haringey Borough. Kings Langley remain in the last play-off spot, but are only two points clear of Cockfosters, who have four games in hand. The teams meet on the final day of the season.
Coming up, Winslow have an Easter local derby at 14th placed Aylesbury Vale Dynamos. The sides drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture. Kings Langley, meanwhile, make the short journey over to Harpenden Town, who currently occupy 9th position. Langley won the reverse game 1-0.
Winslow United: Mumford, Smith, Attwell, Flanagan, Freshwater(c), Valentine, Goss, Kerr, Deacon, King, Scott. Subs: Stratton, C.Rowe, Wooley, J.Rowe, Herdman-Smith
Kings Langley: Crowley, Fitzgerald, Toomey, Abraham, Ovington, Johnson, Hillaire, Fredericks, Christie, Turner(c), Dearman. Subs: Green, Forde, Dudley, Collier, Coulson
Ground Number: Re-Visit
Att: 172
Entrance: £8.00
Programme: £1.00
For the first time in the game, one team had gained the upper edge for longer than a minute or two, as Winslow ramped up the pressure on the Kings Langley goal. Then, with just over 20 minutes remaining, the pressure paid off. A corner from the left was met by Ethan Flanagan who saw his header blocked. However, Ryan Freshwater was there to force the ball over the line. 3-2
Finding themselves behind for the first time, could Langley respond? As it happened, it was Winslow who went on to generate more chances. George Kerr's 80th minute screamer was probably deserving of a goal, but skimmed the roof of the net. Then, into added time, Winslow were awarded a penalty and Jamie Ovington saw a second yellow. However, Harry Scott couldn't apply the icing, smashing his spot-kick against the bar.
A small reprieve for Langley, but there was not enough time remaining for them to take advantage and find an equaliser.
FT Winslow United 3 Kings Langley 2. Potentially a massive win for Winslow as they take over at the summit, with a game in hand on second placed Haringey Borough. Kings Langley remain in the last play-off spot, but are only two points clear of Cockfosters, who have four games in hand. The teams meet on the final day of the season.
Coming up, Winslow have an Easter local derby at 14th placed Aylesbury Vale Dynamos. The sides drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture. Kings Langley, meanwhile, make the short journey over to Harpenden Town, who currently occupy 9th position. Langley won the reverse game 1-0.
Winslow United: Mumford, Smith, Attwell, Flanagan, Freshwater(c), Valentine, Goss, Kerr, Deacon, King, Scott. Subs: Stratton, C.Rowe, Wooley, J.Rowe, Herdman-Smith
Kings Langley: Crowley, Fitzgerald, Toomey, Abraham, Ovington, Johnson, Hillaire, Fredericks, Christie, Turner(c), Dearman. Subs: Green, Forde, Dudley, Collier, Coulson
Ground Number: Re-Visit
Att: 172
Entrance: £8.00
Programme: £1.00
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