A Bright Dawn- Kings Langley

[Faramir]

18.8.29 Southampton

An exciting opening match saw Kings Langley fight back for a 2-2 draw at St.Marys. Kings Langley struck for the lead at 10 minutes when Vladimir Bocanegra found Julio Cesar Garcia slipping past his marker and Garcia rammed a close-in shot past Illan Meslier. Southampton pegged Kings back at 12 minutes when Harvey Elliott laid off for an unmarked Cristian Medina to snap past Aaron Maguire. The match was very much an end-to-end affair and Southampton moved ahead at 61 minutes as Alexander Isak ran down a ball on the ball on byline and crossed back for Christos Tzolis to head past Maguire. Kings Langley kept pushing and were rewarded in the waning moments of the match as Callum Williams was able to pick out David Perez and Perez drilled a shot inside the near post past Meslier for the equalizer. Meslier was called on for a brilliant stop in injury time on an Elkan Baggott header to preserve the draw.

Southampton (2) Kings Langley (2) MOM- David Perez, Kings Langley

"Two defensive mistakes and they turned both into goals," groused Stewart.

"I was happy with our fightback. I would have loved all 3 points, but given where we were- I will settle for a point."

[Faramir]

25.8.29 Watford Televised Match

The telly audience saw a wonderful fightback by Kings Langley as they scored late to even the match 4-4 at Vicarage Road. Watford leapt on the visitors early as Julien Romero proved impossible to deal with for the Kings backline. Romero scored in the 20th minute on a cross from Ian Sparks and then the two repeated their connection three minutes later for a quick 2-0 lead. That became a 3-0 lead when Cagri Vasar headed a Lloyd Kelly free kick past Aaron Maguire. Kings Langley finally showed signs of life as Vladimir Bocanegra crossed for a simple finish by Julio Cesar Garcia to make the halftime lead 3-1. The home side moved three goals ahead in the opening moments of the second half when Freddie Woodman's goal kick saw Romero win a header duel with Tim Thevis and he completed his hat-trick. Kings started their fightback with Tolgahan Sahin crossing for David Perez to head past Woodman. Garcia made it a brace at 70 minutes on a pass from Perez and then completed his hat-trick and the 3 goal comeback as he took away an errant pass between defenders and raced in to chip past Woodman at 83 minutes. 

Watford (4) Kings Langley (4) POM- Julio Cesar Garcia, Kings Langley

"Great effort in the fightback, but we still have backline issues to sort," observed Stewart.

"We knew the early going was going to be like this. I still believe we will get them worked out."

[Faramir]

28.8.29 Gillingham Carabao Cup 2nd Round

Kings Langley dominated visiting Gillingham but were only able to achieve a 1-0 win that moved them on to the 3rd Round of Carabao Cup. Gillingham keeper Rory Watson was dazzling in the scoreless first half as he made superb saves on Mahmoud Sankari, Flavio and Fabian Pacheco. In the second half the pressure finally paid off when Flavio sent a sharp cross in for Zvezdan Dakovic to volley past Watson for his 1st goal at Kings Langley. Gillingham's faint hopes dwindled to nothing when Aiden Morris received two yellow cards in 3 minutes and left the visitors with 10 men and no hope.

Kings Langley  (1) Gillingham (0) POM-Zvezdan Dakovic, Kings  Langley

"A really good effort all around," stated Havel

"Better finishing would have helped ease things, but it was a strong all around effort."

***

31.8.29 Deadline Day

"It may not be a popular move, but it was the right move to let Zach Awe move to Bordeaux," offered Havel.

"Well he was our Skipper..." chuckled Stewart.

"He was also down to 5th or 6th on the depth chart and he needed to play more to keep his spot on his National side. I couldn't deny him that chance when his contract was up anyway. 4.1 Million was  a fair offer."

"We have one coming in though?"

"Matias Jesus Barros from Boca Juniors for 10 Million. He is a quality right winger and will compete with Flavio to be the main alternative for Kevin Gutierrez."

"I take it the 10 million was release fee?"

"Yep. He is worth a lot more than that."

[Faramir]

1.9.29 Garcia Selected EPL Player of the Month and Young Player of the Month

Kings Langley wonderkid SC Julio Cesar Garcia collected double monthly honors as he beat out Erling Halland and Julien Romero for Player of the Month and fellow Kings wonderkid David Perez for Young Player of the Month. Garcia was understandably pleased at his awards and thanked Kings Langley Manager Mike Havel for having the belief in him and for his patience for Garcia's extended injury last season.

****

1.9.29 West Ham

Kings Langley weren't able to celebrate their inaugaral EPL match in their new stadium as they missed excellent opportunities in settling for a 1-1 draw against West Ham. Kings played well in the first half but trailed thanks to poor finishing. David Perez was able to round Alban Lafont but defender Gary Thornley was able to amazingly block Perez's shot at the open goal. Julio Cesar Garcia also hit the right post squarely with a shot that beat Lafont. Hammers took the lead at 43 minutes when Ollie Watkins fired a 30 yard shot off the underside of the crossbar past Aaron Maguire. Kings evened the match at 62 minutes when Garcia ripped a shot inside the far left post after a well-timed pass from Tolgahan Sahin. Kings Langley had chances to win the match in the late moments, but Lafont made key saves on Neco Williams and Elkan Baggott to preserve the draw.

Kings Langley (1) West Ham (1) POM- Julio Cesar Garcia, Kings Langley

"That was a match we should have won," sighed Havel.

"Agree with you. Bad breaks, an amazing play by Thornley and a wonder goal from Watkins and we are left with a draw."

"It may not have been a win, but it was an exciting way to open up our stadium."

[Faramir]

15.9.29 Leeds    

Kings Langley struggled to deal with a quick, determined Leeds but held out for a scoreless draw at Elland Road. Keeper Aaron Maguire was the main man for the visitors as he made three key saves in the first half to deny Nahuel Bustos, Largie Ramazani and Adam Parrish in one-on-duels as Leeds quick passing allowed them to penetrate the area. After an ineffectual first half, Kings showed a little offensive life in the second half as Ersin dove and palmed away a low shot from Tologhan Sahin. Kings Langley backline settled in the second half and provided more structure and support as Maguire continued to play well in earning Kings a point from a match when they were far from their best.

Leeds (0) Kings Langley (0) POM- Aaron Maguire, Kings Langley

"More than a little frustrating that we can't get a win," grumbled Stewart.

"I agree. But a road point when we didn't really deserve it works ok for now."
 

[Faramir]

23.9.29 Arsenal 

Arsenal proved much the better side as they dumped Kings Langley 3-1 at the Emirates. Despite intense pressure throughout the match, it was only the set piece brilliance of Martin Odegaard that proved decisive for the favored home side. Odegaard fired a 30 yard rocket the hit the underside of the bar for a 17th minute lead. The Gunners added to that lead at 29 minutes when Sebastian Walukiewicz was left unmarked to head an Odegaard corner past Aaron Maguire. Kings looked to be back in the match when Vladimir Bocanegra laid off a pass for Tologhan Sahin to whip past Aaron Ramsdale at 66 minutes, but Arsenal answered right back as Walukiewicz made it a brace moments later as he headed a free kick home. Ramsdale made timely saves on Julio Cesar Garcia and Bob Bell to keep Kings from getting closer to close out the win. 

Arsenal (3) Kings Langley (1) POM- Martin Odegaard, Arsenal

"We have a lot of work to do on set pieces," sighed Havel.

"That's not the only thing. We could not make simple passes to save our life. Our possession was crap due to that one area."

[Faramir]

26.9.29 Cardiff 3rd Round Carabao Cup

Kings Langley faltered after jumping to an early 2-0 lead and Facundo Reina dominated the Kings backline as his hat-trick led Cardiff to a 3-2 win at Cardiff City Stadium. Kings scored at 6 minutes when Agustin Lopez smashed home a 25 yard free kick. They made it 2-0 when Mahmoud Sankari scored his 1st goal at the club in heading home a Lopez corner. Cardiff answered back when Reina danced past the ineffectual marking of Franck Diallo to make it 2-1 at halftime. Reina made it a brace as neither Max Normann Williamsen and Diallo failed to react as Reina raced past them to score past Archie Mair to equalize at 60 minutes. Reina then added the match winner as he burst past a weak tackle attempt from Diallo and completed the hat-trick at 68 minutes. Will Jaaskelainen then celebrated over his former club with key saves on Tyrese Omotoye and Sankari in the waning moments.

Cardiff (3) Kings Langley (2) POM- Facundo Reina, Cardiff

"Franck Diallo is really frustrating me. He has the ability to be a starter here, but he just keep making silly mistakes that he shouldn't at this level," groused Havel.

"We let them back into the match with our poor passing again. They shouldn't have had the counter-attacks that led to the second half goals, but we gifted them both times."

[Faramir]

30.9.29 Leicester Televised Match

Kings Langley celebrated their first return to their new stadium in a month as they edged Leicester 2-1 for their first EPL win this season. Set pieces were the bane against Arsenal, but Kings used their set pieces to earn the win in their televised match. After a frenetic first half that saw keepers Aaron Maguire and Ibrahim in dazzling form to maintain a scoreless match, it was Kings Langley that broke through as Elkan Baggott headed a Vladimir Bocanegra corner past Ibrahim at 51 minutes. Bocanegra then provided another corner for Jalaal Saeed to power past Ibrahim for a 2-0 lead at 73 minutes. Leicester drew one back as Alberto Fernandes escaped Saeed's coverage and scored to ruin Maguire's clean sheet, but Kings held on for the much needed win.

Kings Langley (2) Leicester (1) POM- Vladimir Bocanegra, Kings Langley

"Finally!" exclaimed Havel.

"Been awhile coming. Also a nice return to home after a month on the road."

[Faramir]

6.10.29 West Brom

Struggling West Brom found no joy in their trip to Kings Langley Stadium as the Kings handed them a stinging 3-0 loss. Kings Langley struck early as Tolgahan Sahin slipped a pass through to Julio Cesar Garcia and Garcia snapped his shot past Luiz Junior in the 5th minute. west brom worked hard to equalize in the first half, but Aaron Maguire kept the visitors at bay as he stopped Louie Barry  and Bruno Tabata to keep Kings in the lead. Kings Langley jumped to a 2-0 lead as Garcia made it a brace off a leading pass from David Perez. Garcia completed his hat-trick when Kevin Gutierrez made a surging rightside run before crossing for Garcia to deflect home at 87 minutes.

Kings Langley (3) West Brom (0) POM- Julio Cesar Garcia, Kings Langley

"Julio dazzled today. He really showed his finishing touch," smiled Havel.

"It was nice to finally control the midfield today. Is this the changing approach for us?"

"Maybe. I thought we needed Agustin Lopez back in the middle."

[Faramir]

20.10.29 Manchester United    

Manchester United put on a show at Old Trafford as they dominated Kings Langley, but were only able to come away with a 2-0 win. Both goals came in the first half for ManU. Mason Greenwood took a deft pass from venerable Bruno Fernandes and made Weverton miss a tackle before sliding the ball under Archie Mair. Greenwood headed a Kylian Mbappe cross past Mair for his brace at 38 minutes. Kings Langley managed little offense in the match and Dean Henderson had an easy clean sheet. 

Manchester United (2) Kings Langley (0) POM- Mason Greenwood, Manchester United

"The scoreline wasn't too bad, for how much pressure we faced," obeserved Stewart.

"Credit Archie Mair for that. He was dazzling today and kept us in," agreeed Havel.

"We aren't getting much transition offense. More training I should think."

[Faramir]

26.10.29 Fulham Televised Match

Fulham had the better first half and Kings Langley had the better second half as Kings scored twice in the second half to edge Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage. Rayan Cherki got the home side off to a terrific start when he fired a thumping 30 yard blast into the upper right corner past Aaron Maguire. Maguire didn't allow the home side to further their lead as he stopped Miguel Angel Garza and Caetano. Kings Langley rallied thanks to a sensational match by Vladimir Bocanegra. Kings Langley equalized when Kevin Gutierrez's cross was missed by Teden Mengi and Bocanegra took full advantage slotting a shot past Marek Rodak at 53 minutes. Agustin Lopez sent a slick pass that put Bocanegra in free and he slotteed another shot inside the far right post for his brace. The Kings backline ably supported Aaron Maguire in closing out the close win. 

Fulham (1) Kings Langley (2) POM- Vladimir Bocanegra, Kings Langley

"Terrific effort by Vlad in a match we needed to win," offered Havel.

"We finally got solid backline play again. That goal from Cherki was a highlight reel variety."

[Faramir]

3.11.29 Everton

Strong backline play and brilliant keeping ruled the tilt between Kings Langley and 3rd place Everton as they battled to a scoreless draw at Kings Langley Stadium. Aaron Maguire and Jordan Pickford demonstrated early in the match that it would take something special to beat them and neither side showed the quality of finishing necessary for that to happen. Both backlines played superbly in support of their keepers and that quality meant there were precious few chances. Everton fouled heavily in keeping the greater pace of Kings Langley at bay. 

Kings Langley (0) Everton (0) POM- Ben Godfrey, Everton

"A strong effort but it would have been nice to steal a close win instead of another draw," stated Stewart.

"Now that we have the solid backline play we have needed- if we can just get bedded in offensively we might be able to suprise some clubs."
 

[Faramir]

10.11.29 Brentford Televised Match

Kings Langley sent their hoome faithful home happy as they fought back twice and then were able to net a late match winner in a 3-2 win. Brentford struck for the halftime lead as Andre Anderson laid a pass off for Andrew Toney to snap past Aaron Maguire at 21 minutes. Kings Langley equalized at halftime as Bruno Trautwein sent a searching pass that found Julio Cesar Garcia breaking in and Garcia slid his shot underneath a sprawling Akis Kabas. Brentford moved back in front at 50 minutes when Adson's corner was headed past Maguire by Japhet Tangana. Kings fought back to even again at 6 minutes when Jalaal Saeed headed Vladimir Bocanegra's corner in for his 1st Kings Langley goal. The match winner came at 79 minutes when Kevin Gutierrez blazed down the right and crossed from the byline back for Zvezdan Dakovic to flick past Kabas. Maguire preserved the win as he tipped a rising blast from Moises Caicedo over the bar in the waning moments.

Kings Langley (3) Brentford (2) POM-Zvezdan Dakovic, Kings Langley

"That is the kind of match that can really boost your season," commented a pleased Havel.

"We may be young as a side, but they are showing a lot of fight."

"It wasn't a perfect match, but the three points are very welcome."

***

19.11.29 News 

"Is it true?" asked Stewart.

"What." said Havel as he looked up from the report he was reviewing.

"That you turned down an interview for the Chelsea job."

"That is true. I had no wish to leave here to replace Pep Guardiola. We are on the cusp of great things here and I want to enjoy it."

***

24.11.29 Player News

Kings Langley will be without the services of young centerback Jalaal Saeed after the 19 year old Wonderkid was diagnosed with a sports hernia. Saeed is expected to be out 6 weeks with the injury.

[Faramir]

25.11.29 Bournemouth Televised Match

The surprise team of the Premier so far, Bournemouth, showed Kings Langley why they have been successful this season as they fought hard in an evenly played 1-1 draw at Eddie Howe Stadium. Bournemouth had the better of the opening play and Aaron Maguire was called on for a timely stop on Luiz Vazquez in the opening moments. Kings found their footing midway through the half and took the lead when Tolgahan Sahin clipped a pass through to Vladimir Bocanegra. Bocanegra, cutting in from the left wing chipped his shot past Mark Travers at 38 minutes. A costly mistake by Weverton as he misjudged a Travers goal kick and allowed Vazquez in free on Maguire to equalize at 41 minutes. Kings Langley squandered several good chances in the second half as Zvezdan Dakovic hit each post on open looks and Julio Cesar Garcia fired over the bar twice when in alone on Travers. Jeremy Doku gave Kings fits down the left flank and was denied a late match winner as he smashed his shot off the crossbar.

Bouremouth (1) Kings Langley (1) POM- Luis Vazquez, Bournemouth

"If we could just get our strikers going, we could be winning some of these draws," muttered Stewart.

"Bad luck for Dakovic. Julio couldn't put the ball on goal at all today- that disappointed me."

"Another costly mistake by Weverton."

"He has to play right now because of injuries, but yes he wasn't at his best again today."

[Faramir]

1.12.29 Wolves

Supersub Agustin Lopez came on in the second half and keyed Kings Langley's 2-0 victory over Wolves at Kings Langley Stadium. The first half featured little action as neither side had much luck at playing through the defense and a majority of the possession remained in the middle of the pitch. The introduction of Lopez keyed improved play from Kings Langley and Lopez picked out an unmarked Vladimir Bocanegra. Bocanegra blistered a rising shot past Luis Maximiano from 30 yards for the lead at 63 minutes. Kings clinched the win minutes later as Elkan Baggott rose above everyone to head a Lopez corner past Maximiano. Joe Gelhardt had the best opportunity for Wolves, but Aaron Maguire preserved the clean sheet with a terrific reaction save.

Kings Langley (2) Wolves (0) POM- Elkan Baggott, Kings Langley

"Agustin really boosted us today," offered Stewart.

"I may have to go back to him starting. Bob Bell hasn't played well in the middle and he isn't generating any offense. Having Lopez starting again would get our best set piece player in the match."

"I wish I had an idea on how to break David Perez's slump. He had three excellent chances again today, but just isn't finishing right now."

"I still have confidence in him and he will have plenty of chances with Julio Cesar Garcia missing the next couple months at least with his disc issue."

"Yeah, that sucked. We finish his new contract and the next day the disc issue in his back comes up. "

"I sent him to the Specialist. We need him fixed up correctly for the long term."

[Faramir]

5.12.29 Newcastle 

Newcastle took advantage of Kings Langley mistakes in dumping the visitors 3-1 at St.James Park. After a closely played portion of the first half, Newcastle took the lead when Nordi Mukiele crossed and Weverton lost Pedro Goncalves for Goncalves to volley the cross past Aaron Maguire. Kings Langley looked to even the match when David Perez made a delicate chip over Andre Onana, only to see an amazing last ditch clearance off the line by Merih Demiral. Early in the second half Tolgahan Sahin was whistled for holding Teun Koopmeiners in the area and Koopmeiners converted the penalty at 62 minutes. A bad break saw Joel Bagan's tackle knock the ball right to Gabriel Vidovic for a simple finish at 69 minutes. Kings finally scored at 70 minutes when Zvezdan Dakovic escaped marking to run on to a long pass from Kevin Gutierrez and slot it home. 

Newcastle (3) Kings Langley (1) POM- Gabriel Vidovic, Newcastle

"Not much luck at all and just silly mistakes," sighed Havel.

"I am pissed about Goncalves goal. He was offside and VAR just missed it."

"Can't do anything about it though. It was frustrating."

[Faramir]

8.12.29 Tottenham

Tottenham proved better at finishing as they edged Kings Langley 3-2 at Kings Langley Stadium. It was a quick 2-0 lead for the visitors. Sofyan Amrabat took advantage of Franck Diallo's slow reaction on pass up the middle as he sailed past him to score past Aaron Maguire. Kings Manager Mike Havel was furious with Referee Darren England as he whistled Junior Bah for a questionable foul in the area and Amrabat converted the penalty kick at 17 minutes to pad the lead. Kings Langley started their fight back when Mahmoud Sankari blistered a 25 yard free kick off the underside of the crossbar at 55 minutes. David Perez continued his snake-bit ways as he made another delicate chip over the keeper and it was again cleared off the line by Oliver Skipp. Perez was then stopped twice by Oscar Navone when put in free and was clearly frustrated. Elkan Baggott failed to mark Gilberto Erick Silva and Silva returned the two-goal lead at 68 minutes. Kings saw Sankari fire another shot off the post and finally drew a goal back in injury time as Bob Bell scored on a counter-attack, but too little, too late for home side.

Kings Langley (2) Tottenham (3) POM- Sofyan Amrabat, Tottenham

Havel whipped the clipboard at the wall, "F**cking Ref. 6 yellow cards and 18 fouls and a penalty while Sankari gets scythed down in the area and no call at all."

Stewart nodded, "It wasn't pretty but if our defenders play better we still get a result."

"True. Perez is just so unlucky right now. Second match in a row he should have had a goal with a great chip and it is cleared off the line again."

[Faramir]

15.12.29 Manchester City Televised Match

Manchester City used a spectacular performance from Erling Halland as they dumped Kings Langley 4-2 at Kings Langley Stadium to move top of the table. Kings took the lead early when David Perez finally broke his goal draught as he whisked home a shot after Vladimir Bocanegra headed a cross from Kevin Gutierrez down for him. Halland equalized at 27 minutes when he outmuscled Max Normann Williamsen to head home a cross from Mateo Marchini. For the second straight match Junior Bah was called for a questionable foul in the area and Halland made it a brace at 48 minutes. Halland made it a hat-trick when he flicked on a Jude Bellingham cross that eluded Aaron Maguire at 55 minutes. Halland turned provider when he picked out Bellingham motoring up the middle and Bellingham had a fine finish past Maguire. Perez then netted a brace to close out the scoring as he fired home a shot past Ederson at 78 minutes.

Kings Langley (2) Manchester City (4) POM- Erling Halland, Manchester City

Havel fumed, "Did our defense even listen to our pre-game instructions? I gave Max and Elkan one instruction- mark Halland, challenge Halland, tackle bloody Halland- do not let him beat us. Instead none of that happens."

"The entire backline- and Aaron Maguire- played poorly today and it doomed us."

"At least Perez is off the mark and looked back to normal today."
 

[Faramir]

I apologize to everyone who has enjoyed this story. I had to reset my PC and the story was lost (along with the saves), so to fast forward to the end.....

In our 10th season, Kings Langley won the Premier and Champions League to complete the Challenge (which was the planned ending of the story). I enjoyed posting the portion of the tale that is here and likely will be back with something else in the future.

All the best-- Faramir

[mark wilson27]

1 hour ago, Faramir said:

I apologize to everyone who has enjoyed this story. I had to reset my PC and the story was lost (along with the saves), so to fast forward to the end.....

In our 10th season, Kings Langley won the Premier and Champions League to complete the Challenge (which was the planned ending of the story). I enjoyed posting the portion of the tale that is here and likely will be back with something else in the future.

All the best-- Faramir

Nothing worse mate, happened a couple of times with me.

Hopefully we wont have to wait too long till a new Faramir story comes to the boards