BLUEHARTS: 2
HARPENDEN: 3
02.09.06

Harpenden HC continued their impressive pre-season form with an encouraging win over ex-National League team, Blueharts 1st XI on Saturday.

This was never going to be an easy game, with Harpenden, promoted to Prem B just last season playing the side from Prem A. First indications were that this may have been a step too far with Blueharts scoring in the first 10 seconds of the match! A blue stick hadn’t touched the ball when the home sides shot hit the backboard but thankfully this served as a wake-up call.

Harpenden’s response to this early nightmare was impressive as they enjoyed long spells of controlled possession. They soon turned this into goals when a great move down the right hand side saw Dan Burgess cross and Paul Wise deflect the ball skilfully past the Blueharts keeper. Harpenden kept up the momentum during a superb 15 minute spell and shortly after Tom Kavanah was put clear through on goal and his assured strike nutmegged the opposition keeper to put Harpenden in the lead. 2-1 was turned into 3-1 before the half time whistle when Russell Timms made a timely challenge, broke from midfield and intelligently laid the ball on for Dan Burgess who was on hand to score with an easy tap in.

The second period saw Blueharts create some good chances but they were only able to make one of these count mid-way through the half. This was largely due to some confident performances in defence and midfield from Tom Bunbury, Paul Davison and Todd Baines to name but a few.

Harpenden can take great heart from this performance but know they must take this into the league season to ensure the hard work pays off.