HARPENDEN I: 1
LETCHWORTH I: 4
20.11.04

Harpenden went down to their second defeat in as many weeks in their league fixture with fellow promotion seekers Letchworth.

Harps started the game brightly with much of the early possession. The ball was being spread well with excellent build up play through the midfield. The Blues pressure nearly paid off after 15 minutes with a good move down the right hand side involving full back Matt Horn and right midfielder Mark Wakeling. The ball was then played across the circle to find Mike Emes in space. He hurried the shot only to put the ball wide. The Harps attacks continued to get results in a number of penalty corners. However, they just couldn't capitalise on them, with Matt Horn seeing a drag flick turned away by the Letchworth keeper.

Letchworth then worked their way back into the game. A brief flurry into the Harpenden 25, resulted in the ball finding a Letchworth forward in front of goal keeper, Alan Clark, one on one. Clark rushed the forward committing early only for the opposition forward to cooly lift the ball into the empty net. Letchworth were revitalised by the goal and turned the tables on the Blues, enjoying most of the possession into half time. Shortly before the whistle, a sloppy pass from defence to midfield was intercepted by a Letchworth attacker, who slotted the ball home to go into the break 2-0 up.

Harpenden came out all guns blazing trying to get back in the game. The persistence seemed to be paying off with a number of good attacks, however, the final ball seemed to be lacking. It just didn't seem to be Harpenden's day. Half way through the final period, another Blues attack found Ali Hutson in an advanced position on the right hand side. He squared the ball across the goal only for fellow forward Russ Timms to be bundled over by a Letchworth defender. A penalty stroke ensued, which was duly put away by skipper Mike Emes to halve the deficit. The Blues were right back in it.

The home team continued to bombard the Letchworth half, dominating possession and creating openings up front. But again, the failings of the final ball and the lack of patience in the opposition half meant Harpenden could not get the equaliser. Instead, on a break by Letchworth, a mistake by Clark gave possession to the opposition forwards who took full advantage and reinstated their 2-goal advantage. Battered Harpenden then conceded a forth a minute before time. Final result, 4-1 down.

The Blues will be looking to get their early season form back on track with a win against Blueharts who they meet this week at home.

Al Clarke points the finger of blame