Kings Langley were left shell-shocked as struggling Kentish Town fought back to claim all three points in a 2-1 win at the Middlesex Stadium.
Things looked to be going to plan for Kings as they swept into a tenth minute lead against second-bottom Town on Tuesday night.
Sam Warrell signalled his return after a two month lay-off with a sublime 25 yard pass to into the path of incoming winger Jack Johnson, who placed a short low cross to the feet of Adam Hallissey to net with ease.
A Jimmy Armstrong breakthrough was well blocked by Town keeper Ryan Moore and soon afterwards the striker seemed certain to double the advantage when played in by Johnson, but uncharacteristically put the ball past the post.
The visitors were to rue these misses as Town began to fashion their own chances, and the hosts bagged an equaliser as the Kings defence conceded a needless free-kick on the edge of the box that was dispatched by Glen Garner.
Kings had become increasingly sloppy and this continued in the second half – culminating with Ant Ladyman’s poor goal kick being latched on to by an unchallenged Lee Scott to put Town ahead.
Some urgency was finally instilled with a double substitution on 65 minutes, but while Kings had the possession, the standard of balls into the box was poor and the previously shaky Town defence now looked comfortable against a subdued attack.
All in all, it was a woeful performance from a Kings team now struggling to hold on to a top-six finish.