Regent travelled to Hertfordshire to face Kings Langley in the FA Trophy through heavy rain showers which raised questions as to whether the tie would go ahead. As the officials walked out to inspect the pitch the sun came out, and a blue sky confirmed that the match would be going ahead.

Injuries forced changes in the line up with Charlie Turner in goal; new signing Zach Smith-Walter alongside Bennett, Boyland and Fraser-Robinson at the back; Byrne-Hewitt, Topley, Gilbert and the returning Charlie Durling in midfield and McDonald alongside Khris Oti up front. Crissel, Heron, Bastone and Barnett were on the bench.

In the warm up Kings Langley looked an experienced, well organised outfit with former Watford player Lloyd Doyley wearing the number 15 shirt and a fair number of players with National League South experience.

Regent kicked off and for the first 15 minutes matched their opponents in a very even game. Regent won a number of corners but without managing a significant attempt on goal.

Everything changed on 18 minutes when the ball was lost in midfield and Kings Langley made a quick breakaway down their left. A perfect cross found the unmarked centre forward who easily headed the ball into the corner of the net.

Once ahead Kings Langley were able to relax, pass the ball across the back four and take control of the game. A second goal looked likely and it came in a similar fashion on the half hour when the ball was again lost in midfield. This time the breakaway came down the right hand side.

Cadell Robinson was outnumbered and another good cross was put away at the far post on the second attempt by Saul Williams.

Regent came forward looking to get back in the game in the final 15 minutes with Lewis Byrne-Hewitt and Kane Gilbert moving forward, but were unable to hit the target and the Kings Langley ‘keeper was not tested.

Kings Langley came out for the second half determined to press home their advantage and Turner was forced into action as Regent were pressed back. After four minutes of the half Saul Williams got away again and turned inside the full back who was looking to prevent a cross.

Williams took the direct approach and scored a second from a tight angle.

At 3-0 down Regent were still trying to get back into the game but Kings Langley were determined to snuff out any threat and centre half Adebiyi was shown a yellow card after bringing down the tricky Byrne-Hewitt after 57 minutes.

Tom Austin brought on fresh legs as Bastone and Barnett replaced Oti and Durling after 63 minutes but immediately afterwards a big clearance from the ‘keeper was flicked on for Jack Wood to convert an easy chance to make it 4-0.

On 69 minutes James Crissel replaced Adam Topley and Cadell Robinson moved forward into midfield. In the 78th minute the loanee’s creativity opened up the home defence and after one shot was blocked Lewis Byrne-Hewitt put away the loose ball to get a goal back.

In the final ten minutes Regent matched their performance in the first period and looked much more threatening in the new formation with Lewis Byrne-Hewitt looking particularly dangerous.

The home keeper was finally put under pressure at one last corner but a foul was called. Even though Regent started to make space, the game eventually petered out with the home side content to get the result and progress to the next round.

Match Verdict
Regent were able to match their opponents in patches but simply were unable to put enough sustained pressure on the opposition goal to get into the game. For their part Kings Langley had too much experience and organisation to feel under threat and will be a tough challenge in the next round of the Trophy.