HARPENDEN I: 2
BLUEHARTS II: 0
20.11.04

Harpenden ended their losing run on Saturday with a fine victory over a talented Blueharts side.

Blueharts put Harpenden under pressure in the opening stages but whereas in previous weeks they have conceded goals, the Harpenden defence was able to contain any attacks. Sam Martyn defended faultlessly in a Man of the Match wining performance and Alan Clarke recovered well from a disappointing performance in goal the previous week to make two outstanding second half saves to maintain the Harpenden lead.

Harpenden played their way into the game and with a more patient passing game they were able to play large parts of the first period in the Blueharts half. The opening goal came when Michael Emes was impeded from behind when attempting to shoot at goal. A penalty stroke was awarded and it was Emes who stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way and score his second goal in two weeks.

The home side gained in confidence from this and as a result their play was far more convincing. Harpenden also looked dangerous at set plays and it was from a short corner that they got the second. Emes’ dangerous ball across the front of goal was deflected home by Matt Horn.

Blueharts were forced to chase the game in the second half and as a result pushed an extra man into the attacking line. This changed the pattern of the game, as although Blueharts were able to put more pressure on the Harpenden goal, they were also more vulnerable to the Harpenden break. Harpenden squandered many chances in the second half to stretch the lead, with Nigel Timms shooting just over the bar and by failing to convert from five short corner attempts.

Harpenden battled to the end to defend their lead, and came away from an excellent game played in the right spirit and overseen by two top class umpires with a well deserved three points.

Report by Matt Horn

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