Match Preview – Wealdstone vs Kings Langley – FA Cup 1QR at The Vale 14 Sep

Wealdstone welcome Kings Langley to The Vale on Saturday for an historic FA Cup First Qualifying Round clash kick-off 3.00pm

The match will mark the first time the Stones have ever met the Hertfordshire outfit, and they’ll be looking to add progression in the FA Cup to a great start to the league campaign.

Don’t be fooled by our visitors’ minnow status though, Kings currently sit unbeaten in sixth in Division One of the Spartan South Midlands League, with at least two games in hand over most teams.

Kings Langley did, however, lose in their most recent outing, suffering a 3-1 defeat at home to Colney Heath in the FA Vase. Gary Connolly struck a late consolation for the hosts after three first-half goals in twelve minutes from their opponents.

Wealdstone conceded an agonising injury-time equaliser away to AFC Hornchurch on Tuesday night. Chris Moore notched his sixth goal of the season after just ten minutes, but Gordon Bartlett’s men were unable to see the game out, with Ade Yusuff’s deflected effort in the ninety-sixth minute ensuring a share of the spoils.

Stones supporters should be wary of Kings forward Joe Gallagher, who leads the way with five goals to his name so far this season, while Jack Johnson has showcased his ability to regularly find the net from midfield.

Glen Little and Wes Parker are both doubts for the hosts after being withdrawn on Tuesday, with Jerome Okimo unlikely to have recovered from his injury . Josh Hill needs at least a further week to recover from concussion.

Despite the injured list, the Ryman Premier Division leaders naturally go into this tie as strong favourites, but don’t see it as a forgone conclusion. The early pace-setters will still have to be right on it from the first whistle against a Kings Langley side that clearly aren’t too used to losing.

It’s incredible that two clubs with 241 years of history between them, and separated by less than 15 miles, should meet for the first time this weekend, there you have it – the magic of the FA Cup before a ball is kicked.

Match day admission on Saturday is £10 Adults, £5 Concessions & £2 Under 16’s. Being the FA Cup it is ALL pay

By Matt Desai