Langford win on freezing night at Arlesey

A late pitch inspection confirmed give in the pitch, even with temperatures falling, and the SSML Division One match was correctly declared on.

Langford kicked off and immediately went on the attack. This set the tone for the game, which moved from end to end with very open football being played.

Arlesey had the first meaningful shot, which was saved by Adam Lawrence in the Reds goal. Then Nathan Mallett hit Arlesey’s bar with a shot, and Stephen Brooks shot wide.

This pattern continued until the 45th minute when Nathan Mallett ran onto a long Adam Lawrence clearance and shot past the Alfie Hickman in the Arlesey goal 0-1.

The second half started in the same vein, but we did not have to wait long for a goal. Three minutes in Craig Packham drew Arlesey level with a fine run and shot 1-1.

Langford responded almost immediately and within a minute had restored their one goal advantage, when Stephen Brooks ran through the Arlesey defence and shot home.

As the temperature dropped further, the tempo of the game rose, with end to end football, but with few good scoring chances being made, and none being taken.

Langford: Adam Lawrence, Ryan Nicholl, Dean Walton, Ross Scotney, Angus Stewart, Sean Murray, David Tembua, Stephen Brooks, Nathan Mallett, Matt kenneford, Sean Monagle.

Subs: Marco De Lauri, Lee Pateman (used), Sam Evans (used), Alex Baker.