Victory over top-of-the-league Northwood on Monday lifted Kings Langley to seventh in Division One Central of the Southern League but joint-boss Ritchie Hanlon says no-one is getting carried away.

Kings bounced back from the disappointment of exiting the FA Cup on Saturday, 1-0 at the hands of Hanlon’s former side Rushden & Diamonds, with goals from Ollie Cox and Mitchell Weiss in the side's 2-0 win over Northwood.

But Hanlon has stressed the importance of remaining grounded.

“Ten points from 18 against some big teams is a good return,” he said. “It’s been quite a hard start when you look at it and we are still trying to suss this league out.

“The problem we have got is it’s a young squad. They are all good players but that brings inconsistencies. We need a couple of experienced players but that’s difficult because we don’t have any finances. We’re not a million miles away from being a good team at this level.”

He continued: “No-one is under any pressure. For all of us though, we want to do the best we possibly can. On our day I’m sure we can beat anyone in this league. But it’s doing it on a consistent basis.”

Scorer of the opener against the Woods was former Watford scholar Cox. The goal was the midfielder’s second in three matches.

Joint-boss Paul Hughes has been impressed with the 19-year-old’s contribution, but admits the step from Academy football to men’s is one which some struggle with.

He said: “I think you find with the former Academy players they don’t play with the intensity of the other lads but the thing is they learn very quickly because they are very bright.

“What Ollie has got is great quality and he has got real ability. He has scored two good goals lately; one from about 25 yards and the other getting in a good position to finish a move off.”

The ultimate aim is to help those young players move back up the football ladder, as with striker Weiss who has now completed a switch to National League South side Hemel Hempstead Town but will remain on loan at Kings for the season.

“We would love to be able to help these players but it's down to the player and that little bit of luck,” said Hughes.

“We let people know if there is someone worth looking at and with the contacts we have they are in a good place to advance their careers.”

In the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division, Sun Sports shared eight goals with Stotfold in a 4-4 thriller on Tuesday. On Saturday Paul Hobbs’ side had won 4-2 at Holmer Green.

Meanwhile, Oxhey Jets had lost 4-0 at home to Hadley on Saturday after a disastrous first half which saw them trail by three at the break.

Berkhamsted lost 3-1 at Barton Rovers in the FA Cup on Saturday, ending their involvement at the preliminary round stage.

They returned to form on Tuesday with a 5-1 win at Colney Heath to begin their Premier Division Cup defence.

Tring Athletic lost 1-0 at home to Leverstock Green in the Dudley Latham Memorial Cup on Tuesdayfollowing a 2-0 loss to Arlesey Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Levy lost out 3-2 at Broxbourne Borough in the league on Saturday.