LETCHWORTH II: 1
HARPENDEN II: 1
21.10.06

With eight regulars missing on Saturday, Harpenden would have probably been happy with a point at Letchworth, were it not for the way they let their hosts get back in to the game.

Despite missing such illustrious players as skipper Pete Kneale, vice captain Steve Piercy, Dave Waters, Niall McAlister, Kev Moxham, Wayne McGuire, Ali Hutson and Niall McAlister, Harpenden had much the better of the first half. Particularly impressive was youngster Simon Evans, whose performance will be fed back to the skipper and demonstrated that he has a bright future for HHC. It was Evans at the heart of the flowing move that saw Harpenden take the lead, linking well with the equally impressive Ali Arnsby and Nigel Timms to put in former-and-acting-skipper Fraser Tant to break the deadlock. Timms' pace was a constant threat to Letchworth, sending him clean through on two occasions only to fire narrowly wide when more straightforward finished might have extended the lead.

Despite having the lion's share of first half possession, the blues were unable to extend their lead, and as the second half commenced, it was clear that the points were far from safe. Letchworth did all they could to secure a leveller, piling on the pressure, with Harpenden out-muscled in midfield and careless in possession. A fine interception in the D from Graham Smith looked to have secured some respite, although the umpire saw it differently and awarded a short corner. Harps' misery was compounded when the corner was converted, bringing Letchworth level.

Harpenden still had the best chance to win the game, with Timms again set clear and beating the keeper, only to see his shot slide agonisingly wide. Arnsby too had a great chance at the death but his effort was smothered by the Letchworth #1, and the final whistle was blown before the game could restart.

"I suppose on the balance of possession, a draw was the right result" said Smith. "That said, we had the better chances and on another day Timms would have had a hatrick. Maybe next week".

Ali Arnsby: Fine performance from the youngster