HARPENDEN III : 1
HERTFORD II: 2
20.01.07

Harpenden 3s entertained high flying Hertford at The Brache on Saturday, hoping to gain their first league win of 2007. Simon Redford's men knew they'd be in for a tough time as Hertford, 2nd in the division were pushing for promotion. Harpenden were looking to put the disappointment of the points dropped against Luton behind them.

The home side started brightly, with Ali Holland being particularly influential in orchestrating some fluid attacking moves. James Bird also showed much menace down the right flank, especially on his still rather too occasional forays to the by line. Fraser Tant's introduction to the side gave the forward line more clout. Tant was unlucky not to convert a self-created chance after beautiful skill left the last defender in his wake.

Hertford gradually came into the game, with some very sharp attacks through the middle where their play went through one or two quick danger men. John Allen and his defence dealt with these threats well, and the half finished goalless.

Once again Harpenden started the second half brightly. Substitute Tom Preest found fellow replacement Ben O'Boyle in space on the right wing. O'Boyle used his skill and pace to get behind the defence and deliver an excellent cross into the danger area, the ball broke free to Preest at the top of the D, who had time to slot the ball into the far corner.

At 1-0 up the 3s should have tried to take the sting out of the game, however Hertford used their greater alacrity to increase the tempo and force the home side into mistakes across the pitch. Having needlessly conceded possession in midfield the defence was powerless to halt the run of Hertford's midfield maestro, who confidently advanced into the top of the D before unleashing a shot of some accuracy and venom past Allen.

Worse was to follow just 10 minutes later, when following a slick Hertford passing move, Redford could only up end a striker in the D, giving away a penalty flick, which was duly dispatched.

Harpenden kept attacking to the end, and certainly stretched their opponents perhaps more than both sides had anticipated. Preest went close with a reverse flick that was cleared off the line by a Hertford foot. The short corner awarded might well have been a flick on another day. Sadly it was not to be, and Redford's men had the scant reward of just 1 point to show from 140 minutes of excellent hockey since Christmas.

Match Report by Tom Preest

Scorers
1) Tom Preest