Kings Langley 3–2 Wormley Rovers
Spartan South Midlands Premier Division – Matchday 1
Orbital Fasteners Stadium | Saturday 26 July 2025
Wormley Rovers were edged out on the opening day of the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division, narrowly losing 3–2 to Kings Langley in a competitive encounter at the Orbital Fasteners Stadium.
Despite controlling large spells and showing strong attacking intent, two quick-fire goals early in the second half left the visitors with too much to do — though a late goal from Offer sparked hope in a dramatic finale.
The Worms made a bright start at the Orbital Fasteners Stadium, enjoying much of the early possession and putting Kings Langley under pressure. Wormley’s front line showed signs of intent, with Darceville getting in behind on 8 minutes, only to be flagged offside.
Kings Langley struggled to clear their lines in the opening exchanges, but Wormley couldn’t capitalise. The match was briefly halted in the 11th minute after Matt Walsh required treatment following a firm challenge from Joe Fitzgerald — no foul was awarded.
Wormley looked the sharper side in midfield, and their first real chance came on 17 minutes when a free-kick from N. Mosanya found Offer at the back post, but the captain volleyed over. A further opening followed as Darceville beat his marker and drove into the box, only to see his final ball cut out.
Tensions rose on the touchline as manager Ryan Wade was shown a yellow card for dissent in the 27th minute. On the pitch, Wormley remained dangerous — Stevenson whipped in a dangerous cross that R. Mosanya brought down well, but his shot was straight at Nolan.
Kings Langley began to settle, with Towell and Collier seeing more of the ball, and they found a breakthrough just before half-time. After a lengthy stoppage due to a head injury to Ryan Hammond, the hosts struck with their first meaningful attack. A well-worked move down the right ended with Louie Collier converting from close range in the 45+2nd minute.
Moments later, Ironton sent a volley over the bar following another flowing move from the hosts, who went into the break with momentum.
Wormley came out with renewed purpose and levelled instantly. Within a minute of the restart, Andic lifted a pass over the top to Walsh, who flicked it into the path of Darceville. The forward lashed his shot past Nolan to make it 1–1.
The response from Kings Langley was swift. On 54 minutes, Collier and Turner combined down the right before setting up Connolly, who finished well to restore the lead. Just five minutes later, Connolly was brought down by Stevenson in the box, resulting in a yellow card and a penalty. Connolly stepped up and squeezed his spot-kick past Hammond to double the lead at 3–1.
Kings Langley made a double change on 60 minutes — Dudley and Doherty replacing Ironton and Green — followed by Beckwith replacing Potton (67’) and Peterson on for Turner (71’).
Wormley made a quadruple change in the 70th minute, with King, Philippou, Grant and Michael introduced in place of Stevenson, Andic, R. Mosanya and Walsh. The changes had a positive impact, with Philippou adding a creative spark and Tolley nearly setting up King with a clever flicked header.
Philippou went close twice — first with a driven effort that was saved well, and then with a shot that cleared the bar. He also nearly found the net from a quick free-kick, but Nolan again stood firm.
Wormley made their final substitution in the 85th minute, with Wappett replacing Haigh.
In stoppage time, Wormley pushed hard. Offer saw a looping header cleared off the line by Osborne in the 90+5th minute after a pinpoint free-kick from N. Mosanya. But in the 90+6th, Philippou’s corner caused chaos in the Kings Langley box, and Offer was on hand to tap home and reduce the deficit.
Despite the late goal, time ran out for a full comeback as the referee blew the final whistle moments later.
Goals:
Kings Langley: Collier (45+2’), Connolly (54’, 59’ pen)
Wormley Rovers: Darceville (46’), Offer (90+6’)
Starting XI Kings Langley: Nolan, Fitzgerald, Connolly, Osborne (C), Ovington, Green (60’ Doherty), Towell, Ironton (60’ Dudley), Turner (71’ Peterson), Potton (67’ Beckwith), Collier
Substitutes (used): Dudley, Doherty, Beckwith, Peterson
Substitutes (not used): Frater
Starting XI Wormley Rovers: Hammond, Stevenson (70’ King), Tolley, Silva, Haigh (85’ Wappett), Offer (C), Darceville, Andic (70’ Philippou), Walsh (70’ Michael), N. Mosanya, R. Mosanya (70’ Grant)
Substitutes (used): Wappett, Philippou, Grant, Michael, King
Wormley return to action this Tuesday looking to build on the positives of a committed and competitive opening-day performance.
