Langford level late to earn a draw

The strong wind blowing straight down the pitch was always going to make this a difficult afternoon for good football in the SSML Division One.

Langford started against the gale, and found it difficult to break out of their own half. Risborough made a number of half chances but were unable to trouble the home keeper.

Gradually both teams settled, Langford playing good football along the ground, Risborough opting for the longer ball approach. Reds’ number 7 David Tembua seemed to be involved in the best of the play making runs down the right flank then cutting in and shooting.

Then on 30 minutes, somewhat against the run of play, Risborough took a long wind assisted throw into the Langford penalty area, a poor defensive header saw the ball drop to Gerry Nicosia who headed Risborough ahead.

Langford continued to play good football with a five man move ending in a weak shot by Ryan Nicholl which was saved by Jack Brooker in the Risborough goal.

The visitors restarted the second half strongly against the wind. Gary Rymer broke free in a central position and hit the outside of a post with only the keeper to beat.

In the 54th minute a long Langford free kick fell to Jon Vooght who shot home from close in 1-1.

Two minutes later Risborough played their own long ball to Gerry Nicosia who made no mistake, shooting past the stranded Lawrence in the Langford goal 1-2.

Again David Tembua was tormenting Risborough left back Justin Gordon, causing the full back to trip him in the penalty area. Up stepped John Vooght who shot weakly to Brooker’s left. The keeper got down well to save and push the ball wide to safety.

Langford pinned Risborough back mounting attack after attack, but without really looking likely to score.

It was not until the 93rd minute when Nathan Mallett, the Reds’ top scorer, placed a shot into the top corner for a well-deserved equaliser 2-2.

Langford’s next match is away to high-flying Edgware Town on Saturday, February 13, 3pm kick-off.

Langford: Adam Lawrence, Owen Beale, Ross Scotney, Allie Jaward, Sean Murray, Ryan Nicholl, David Tembua, Stephen Brooks, John Vooght, Sean Monagle, Lee Pateman.

Subs: Nathan Mallett (used), Charles Lawson, Marco De Lauri, Salifu Samura.