CAMBRIDGE CITY : 9
HARPENDEN: 1
10.11.2007

Another tough weekend for the Kingston Smith sponsored Harpenden men’s team as they travelled to Cambridge for their East League Premier A fixture. The team knew a big performance was required having lost to their hosts in a pre-season friendly and being in the midst of a losing streak after their good start to the season.

The game started well with both sides playing fast expansive hockey however Harpenden were to learn that the difference in this league is being clinical in front of goal. The Cambridge side looked well drilled, particularly with their short corner routine, and scored 4 unanswered goals in the first 35 minutes of which 3 came from short corner routines.

Given the score line the half time team talk remained positive as the whites feeling they could still be a force in the game. For periods of the game they had created chances and competed evenly with Cambridge they just had to take their chances. The hosts however started the second half the stronger side and three counter attack goals in 5 minutes took the game out Harpendens hands.

Midway through the half a quick break down the right flank saw middle field stalwart Paul Nash skilfully hold up the ball before releasing Paul Davison on a lightening overlapping run. Davison’s pinpoint cross found Danny Burgess unmarked and his touch left the hosts keeper red faced as Burgess squeezed it between his legs.

The remainder of the game was played out with both sides still playing attractive fast paced hockey and but Cambridge unfortunately scoring twice more. Whilst the scoreline showed another heavy defeat Harpenden will take heart from the discipline and character shown as they continued to battle and will need to show more of the same in the coming weeks.

Harpendens next game is away to Dereham on Saturday 17th November.

Report by Paul Davison

Scorers
1) Daniel Burgess