Langley’s Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East campaign got off to a narrow defeat in their new home at Arbour Park with Abingdon United the visitors.
As many in the good-sized crowd in both stands still settled themselves in, it was 1-0 to Abingdon United. The lively Conor Ingram charging down the goalkeeper and heading home after 20 seconds.
This appeared to unsettle the home side and give Langley a few more nerves on opening nite at their new theatre of dreams.
Langley are a team with a relatively new history – and have been a Hellenic League side for just two seasons but at kick-off they paid tribute to club legend Peter Phillips Senior, holding a minutes applause in his memory.
Langley’s nerves continued and eventually they were 2-0 down after sloppy play giving the ball away. A surging run by Abingdon United’s standout player of first half, Jack Gaul who smashed home an unstoppable shot.
That seem to settle the home side though, Langley played some nice neat football started to build up good possession without troubling the Abingdon keeper.
The second half started almost as quickly as the first and almost straight away Abingdon’s ‘keeper had brought down an on-rushing Langley attacker to give away a penalty kick. With some in the crowd calling for a dismissal, the referee calmly produced a yellow. Langley captain Paolo Cicero scored from the spot and it was game on. The second half produced some nice football and the midfield battle continued with both captains tangling on several occasions.
Micky Mills was the calming voice needed to help Langley keep the discipline needed to give them a chance. Right to full time the game had moments with Abingdon nearly adding a third but for the Langley crossbar, last-ditch defending and a couple of brave saves by the Langley keeper.
Home substiture Ben White almost scored with his first touch, rising highest to send a header goalward which the ‘keeper somehow, diving backwards pushed over the bar for a corner.
White almost got on the end of another cross in front of the ‘keeper, but despite some good performances in second half it finished 2-1 to Abingdon. A few players stood out including both captains who controlled their sides well. Micky Mills calm performance stood out along with that of the referee.
Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East
- Wokingham & Emmbrook 5-0 AFC Aldermaston
- Langley 1-2 Abingdon United
The Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East table is here.
Tilehurst Charity Cup Final
- Burghfield 3-1 Emmer Green
A full list of all Saturday’s fixtures is available here.
