HARPENDEN I: 0
OLD SOUTHENDIANS I: 1
9.10.04


Harpenden Mens 1s were just edged out in a tight encounter with Essex side Old Southendians in their East League encounter.

The game started with both sides looking for early goals. Southendians came close early on, when a strike from the top of the circle clattered against the cross bar. Harpenden soon replied with some excellent interplay down the right side from new boy Mark Wakeling and Todd Baines who slipped the ball across to Peter Kneale who went close from 10 metres out.

Harpenden played a solid defensive game. The new partnership at the back between David Jeffrey and Graham Smith looked strong again with the two players stifling the Southendian attacks. Alan Clark was inspired in goal for the super blues, pulling off a fantastic save from a Southendian penalty corner just before the half time break.

The second half started much the same as the first, with attacking play from the outset. Harpenden took the game to Southendian with early onslaughts on the goal from Russ Timms and Niall Blackwell. The pressure appeared to be nearing a result. Consistent pressure from the blues, led to a Hutson strike at goal. The ball appeared to strike a defenders foot en route to the goal, however, somehow the decision resulted in a 16yd hit out to Southendian. Soon after, Hutson had a goal disallowed by the umpire for a foul prior to what the blues finally thought was the breakthrough. It was becoming clear it just wasn't Harpenden's day.

Southendians seemed to react to the pressure from the blues with their own renewed attacking play. Clark continued his early form from the first half. He made a catalogue of great saves to keep the blues in the hunt for the points, including an intuitive reaction save from only a couple of yards out. However, the man of the match was unable to save the team in the final minute. The ball was lost in midfield and a Southendian attack followed down the right hand side of the blues. The opposition forward picked up the ball with only the keeper to beat and slotted the ball home to steal all three points. Harps attempted to bounce back instantly but there was simply not enough time left. The match lost, and the blues disappointed. But if Harpenden continue this form, points will not be far away.

Report by Mike Emes

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