Brentwood : 2
Harpenden: 0
20.10.07

Having not got the result Harps wanted last week, and with a home advantage there was a strong determination to play well and take the game to the unknown Essex side.  From the first whistle, Harps moved the ball around the pitch ably and soon pressured the oppositions 25.  However the Brentwood defence held fast and turned the play over and, with some excellent movement and running off the ball, tested the Harps midfield and defence.  Brentwood maintained good possession and soon won a short corner.  The shot was cleared but not well enough giving Brentwood another opportunity to take the lead.  The second strike was powerful and unfortunately for keeper Meade shaved millimeters past her kicker into the goal.  0-1 to the visitors.  A midfield battle then commenced up to the half time whistle with both sides working hard but neither able to capitalize.

Harps started the second half as the first; determined to up the tempo and get on the scoreboard.  Several short corners were won but not converted, the visitors keeper making some excellent saves. Brentwood got the ball moving swiftly around the back and into a strong attacking position catching Harps unaware and leaving the Harps defenders Slough and Jackson exposed. The duo absorbed the pressure well but unfortunately could not prevent another corner from being won.  The advantage was not converted but from a long corner a deflection off a Harps stick and quick maneuver from an attacker enabled them to play the raised ball down quickly and into the goal to bring the score to 0-2.  Harps did not give up and a sustained period of pressure saw them win a succession of short corners but much like the earlier minutes of the second half, the chances were not converted; thwarted by a tough defensive line and some outstanding saves by the keeper, bring the game’s end to a frustrating conclusion for the home side.