GOALLESS DRAW BREAKS SEQUENCE

Langford finally broke their home points duck for this season and broke a run of nine successive League defeats that stretched back to February this year. Five changes to the Reds starting line up that surrendered the points to Royston Town last Tuesday night.

Ryan Jackson made the starting line up for the first time in over a season as the Reds saw injury and suspension reduce their player availability significantly. All players gave their all against a London Colney team that had humbled the then League leaders, Harefield United, 1-0 in midweek.

Despite a complete lack of goals the game was an entertaining one as both teams strived to break the deadlock and grab the three points on offer. For the home side an early build up involving Dave Drury and Gareth Grant saw Mark Barnes square the ball back for Lee Pateman but the Langford forward failed to hit the target. Steve Flain then tested Dan Eely with an effort that the Reds custodian saved. Mark Barnes was twice clear with only the visitors’ keeper to beat but was wide with first effort and fired the second over the bar. Dave Parkinson the Blueboys goal scoring hero from the midweek victory over Harefield so nearly broke through as brought down a left wing cross on his thigh before unleashing a vicious volley just over Eely’s crossbar. The young Reds keeper then denied Parkinson again to keep the game goal less. Yellow cards for Ryan Jackson and Blueboys’ Jermaine Dailey before half time.

The second half was a tight affair with defenses on top. Steve Flain coming closest to giving the Blueboys the points while Robert Groves had the Reds best effort but only found the side netting.

At the end of the game both sides endeavours warranted a point apiece, a fair result for the effort put in. Ryan Jackson, Wayne Smith and Gareth Grant all warrant a special mention for their performances this afternoon.

Manager Roy Boon was pleased with the teams overall effort and hoped that this afternoon’s result will spur the side on to winning ways again.

A rest from League on Tuesday night with trip to Colney Heath in the SSML Premier Division Cup. The following Saturday a visit to a fast improving Tring Athletic for League action and an attempt to emulate last season’s 2-0 win at the Tring’s Grass Roots Stadium. 

Langford; Dan Eely; Adam Pitcairn; Dave Drury (John Coley); Shayne Willett; Ryan Jackson; Danny Bennett; Wayne Smith; Gareth Grant (Joe Delasalle); Mark Barnes (Sam Gittings); Lee Pateman, Robert Groves

London Colney; tba