| HARPENDEN
I: 0
ST NEOTS I: 2
24.09,05
Harpenden entertained St Neots on Saturday
drawing to a close their pre-season programme. After a successful
weekend in Eastbourne and victories against Cambridge Nomads and
Mill Hill, the Blues knew that St Neots from Prem B would provide
a stiff challenge.
The visitors took the game to Harpenden from the
off and were awarded several earlier short corners, these however
were dealt with well by a new Harpenden defensive unit which included
David Jones in only his second game in goal and Tom Bunbury and
David Jeffery who had both only landed at Heathrow from holidays
a matter of hours before the game.
As the first half continued Harpendens play improved
and a number of promising attacks were launched. St Neots however
continued to be a threat on the break utilising their pace upfront
with long passes and ariels out of defence. Harpenden however
ended the half all square with their opponents and after a positive
half time talk looked confidently towards pushing for the win.
The second half however continued in similar vein
to the first with St Neots forwards pressurising Harpendens defence
and the blues relying on quick counter attacks. One such attack
led to Harpendens best chance with Nigel Timms creating an opening
for himself after a mazy dribble through the D where he should
perhaps of done better with the finish.
St Neots deservedly took the lead when a penalty
stroke was awarded mid way through the half, keeper David Jones
however will consider himself unlucky to have been beaten by the
weak flick. As the game continued and Harpenden tried to shuffle
the team around and try some new combinations gaps began to develop.
A number of last gasp tackles were required to stop St Neots breaching
the defence and one such tackle saw Tom Bunbury sidelined with
a yellow card. In the end a well worked second goal saw Se Neots
secure the second goal which ensured a deserved victory for the
visitors.
Overall Harpenden can be pleased with a
tough workout and willing be looking to take forward the effort
shown into this weeks first league game with Harleston Magpies.
Report by Paul Davison
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