HARPENDEN II: 2
STEVENAGE I: 1
12.01.2008

Could it be, when in years to come, the old hands of HHC remember this as their moment, their time? Not since the halcyon days of Munton and Liles had such times been had. Had fate acted in their favour in this rescheduled match?

Harpenden suffered a disappointing, slightly disjointed end to the season and were undone in their last fixture by both a superior opponent, Rickmansworth, and some shocking weather. Harpenden IIs now faced a Stevenage team on that wintry January day, less blessed than usual with its skilful, dynamic players. Harpenden started well, orchestrating the game through their at once combative and yet fluent midfield duo of Kneale and Turner.

Indeed, the whole play was rather well balanced – Brind making his usual number of great saves supported by the solidity of G, the intelligence of Martyn. Moreover, Nash’s marauding right wing breaks from half-back began to penetrate the opposition defence, even outflanking them! As the ball was moved to the left, newcomer David Falk harried the opposition and made energetic runs.

And so Harpenden went ahead, Falk latching on to a right wing cross, one of a number from Tant, Blackwell and Timms. Harpenden oozed confidence and were playing intelligently. They were winning their tackles, were anticipating the play. Even a less than dynamic left back captured the mood – as another attacked was repelled, Waters intercepted the long clearance, leaving his marker, the Stevenage right wing. the Stevenage defence sat back, expecting a pass – a not unreasonable expectation. Waters continued into the D, raised his stick for a ridiculously long time, and still no-one intervened. Was this to be his time? Waters struck in the corner of the goal encapsulating what was a general feeling of disbelief on both sides with an ironic laugh. As he plodded back to the comfort of the defence, Martyn related an observation of Moses and the parting of the Red Sea.

Such allegories aside, the game continued, but there was a steely confidence in the side. The harsh realities of the coalface of 3SW abruptly returned moments later in the second half as an innocuous foul became a short corner and then a goal. However, there was no lack of faith, despite the awkward minutes left it was evident the result was theirs. Accuracies aside, it seems this may be the resurgence the team needs as it seeks to break free from div 3SW, an Homeric story indeed!!

Match report: David Waters

Scorers
1) David Falk
2) David Waters