| HARPENDEN:
4
UPMINSTER: 2
26.02.05
Harpenden
returned to second place in the league after a hard fought victory
over an attacking Upminster side.
The
first half went Harpenden’s way as they managed to score
two unanswered goals to set up a vital victory. The first goal
came from a short corner when Matt Horn’s shot was saved
but the rebound was tucked away by David Jeffrey. Harpenden scored
their second in the final seconds of the half. A quick move from
16 yard hit to back board in less than 10 seconds caught Upminster
unaware. Mark Wakeling found Nigel Timms with a long pass down
the line, Nigel Timms squared the ball to Ali Hutson in the D,
who scored with his first time shot to round off one of the moves
of the season.
Upminster
chased the game in the second half and were able to bring the
score back to 2-1. A cross from the right wing left everybody
but the umpire wondering if an Upminster player had got the scoring
touch in the D and the goal stood. Harpenden opened up a two goal
cushion from another short corner goal. This time Michael Emes’
shot at goal was saved and Matt Horn was there to slot the ball
home. Harpenden were forced to defend this lead but were unable
to hold out as Upminster scored a second. Another slight touch
from a ball struck into the D was enough to divert the ball past
keeper Alan Clarke.
There
was no fairytale ending though for Upminster as their need to
throw men forward gave Harpenden the space to score a fourth in
the final minutes. Paul Davison’s incisive run from Left
Midfield opened the pitch, and his pass found Lance Boyd Clarke,
he was able to commit the keeper and feed Russell Timms the cross
for an open goal. A fine goal rounded off a pleasing performance,
which keeps Harpenden well and truly in the promotion hunt.
Harpenden
travel to Letchworth on Saturday, and will be looking to get 3
points against the only team in the league that they are yet to
beat, and more importantly increase the gap between themselves
and the chasing teams in the hunt for second place.
Report by Matt Horn |
David
Jeffrey: Bagged the opener
|
