RICKMANSWORTH: 3
HARPENDEN II: 5

23.09.06

The match started at a high tempo, with both Harpenden and Rickmansworth putting together some good passing hockey, but it was Harpenden who showed their cutting edge first. Following good work on the right by Paul Nash and Ali Hutson, Nigel Timms finished the move with a conviction that had been lacking on his previous outings these season. The effervescent club beancounter confirmed his return to goalscoring from minutes later, pouncing on a rebound to make the score 2-0. He would have had a hat-trick too, had he managed to aim another shot at the open goal rather than the midriff of a team-mate.

Although Harpenden were playing good attacking hockey, clever movement from the Rickmansworth strikers created a number of chances on the break and the lead was soon pegged back to 2-1. Undaunted, Harps swept back up to the other end, winning a penalty corner that was converted with a crashing drive from Winston Black. It was end to end stuff, and some sloppy work at the back let Rickmansworth in again to make it 3-2.

The first half drama didn't end there - a mesmeric no-look reverse pass from evergreen pocket-sized club supremo Nash slipped in the pacey Timms for a one-on-one with the newlywed Ricky custodian. Proving that marriage hadn't mellowed him, the keeper took out Timms and a penalty flick was the inevitable result. Up stepped flame-haired defensive stalwart Rob Arnsby, who nervelessly slotted the penalty into the top-left hand corner of the net.

The second half was a more measured affair, with Harpenden keeping their shape well and dominating possession. But the elusive Rickmansworth front men continued to pose a threat and it was not entirely unexpected when the score was pegged back to 4-3. Yet again, Harpenden responded to restore their two goal cushion, Harps skipper Pete Kneale quelling the home team's optimism as he glided through a ballwatching defense to slot what proved to be the final goal of the game.

An encouraging start then for the 2s, downing a side who bested them twice in the previous campaign and scoring five for the first time in several years. But a downbeat Paul Nash couselled caution. "I'm happy with the three points, but we'll keep our feet on the ground. It's a long season, and we have to take each match as it comes. No point getting carried away".

Flimmsy - Bags 2

Scorers
1. Nigel Timms
2. Nigel Timms
3. Winston Black
4. Rob Arnsby
5. Pete Kneale