DEREHAM : 5
HARPENDEN: 1
17.11.2007

After receiving comprehensive defeats in the last couple of weeks Harpenden regrouped this week to put out a promising, if not successful performance. Playing away at Dereham, the team decided to take the minibus for the long trip to install a sense of camaraderie before the game.

And indeed, they came out all guns blazing and looked very competitive for the first 15 minutes. They were unlucky to concede first after withstanding bouts of pressure from the home side but at this stage the game was still in the balance. The returning Russell Timms made an impact as soon as he came on for Harpenden and his eagerness to get back into the fray was soon felt by the opposition.

The away team then conceded a second goal which was followed by 2 sucker punches before half-time. Keri Sharma almost pulled one back before the break but was denied by the home keeper after some excellent work from Kevin Moxham down the left. Despite the 4-0 score-line Harpenden did not give up the fight in the second half and showed signs of some great hockey. In fact, chances went begging which could have made this a very close encounter. Dave Burns looked particularly impressive in a refreshed Harpenden front line. As it was Keri Sharma was the only Harps player to hit the back of the net. He struck superbly on his reverse stick after being put through by Dan Burgess. Despite the defeat Harpenden can feel satisfied that the hockey is getting better.

Report by Daniel Burgess

Scorers
1) Keri Sharma