HARPENDEN III: 4
BLUEHARTS IV: 3
23.02.2008

Produced in the middle decade of the Nineteenth century, artist Ford Maddox Brown’s famous piece entitled simply “Work”; perfectly captures the painter’s desire to depict the energy and effervescence of the Industrial Revolution as a force for the common good. The efficient and high tempo nature of Harpenden 3rd XI’s performance last Saturday, could have seen any number of white shirted artisans take their place amid Brown’s pictorial recordings of workman going effectively about their tasks, only with sticks in this case replacing shovels.

The threes have shown excellent form since January, taking five wins from six games. However they have not really successfully tested themselves against any of their direct rivals in the upper echelons of the table. The visit of Blueharts changed that, and Harpenden passed with flying colours. Regular skipper Pete Evans had a week off, although vice captain Andy Lunn ably filled his unusually small astros.

Harpenden started the quicker of the two sides, with Ryan “Ginola” Ely dispossessing an opponent moments after the push back. Ely’s sensible pass found Adam Cole in space on the left hand side. The young midfielder putting aside the distractions of an unfamiliar position and playing without a gum-shield, skilfully advanced before providing an excellent cross for Andy Barradell. The striker created space for himself with a deft first touch before finishing with some aplomb, planting a reverse stick flick into the far corner, which following on from last week’s back-board oasis, moves him tantalisingly close to the verdant valleys of the goal glut.

Talking of deserts, Harpenden’s second goal came from an even more rarefied source. A good move down the right hand side resulted in a cross being played invitingly into the D. The ball could have fallen to any number of white shirted players, but came to the stick of Jon Pagan. Not exactly renowned for his clinical approach in these situations, Pagan admirably kept his cool before placing a fine shot into the bottom corner, to score a collector’s item first goal for the third XI.

The 2-0 score line may suggest that Harpenden were coasting, the reality was very different. Between the goals Blueharts showed what an excellent side they are, attacking with an élan that tested the backline to the limit. Neil Liles and Geoff Gould put in excellent displays in central defence, well assisted by Martin Pugh, Dave Munton and when required (and not executing stick tackles in more advanced areas of the pitch) James Bird. The main plaudits however must go to goal-keeper Neil Smyth, who has played wonderfully well since his return to the threes, and made a number of crucial saves on Saturday morning. However, not even Smyth could do anything about Blueharts’ opener, which came from a stunning reverse stick first time flick after a well struck cross.

Harpenden led 2-1 at half time. Lunn rallied his troops rather like a Victorian mill owner demanding a higher yield of cotton, and got an immediate return. Tom Preest found some space on the right hand side, as Cole made a fantastic run, ghosting into the top of the D. Cole then calmly collected the through pass and with one brilliant touch took the ball away from the attendant goalkeeper and defender, before turning to finish into an empty net.

The goal was to prove to be Harpenden’s high water mark for some time, as the threes felt the full impact of the visitors as an attacking force. Blueharts took the game to the home side and won a number of short corners, eventually something had to give and a well-worked move saw a goal being scored after a clever deflection in front of the keeper.

Harpenden continued to look dangerous on the break, Stuart Berry’s contribution standing out as he played with the sort of renewed tenacity guaranteed to produce swoons at the Boots cash and wrap counter. However the home side failed to add to their score, and thus left themselves vulnerable to an equaliser. This duly came from yet another short corner, the award of which Harpenden rather brought upon themselves after failing to clear the ball. Preest was particularly culpable in this regard, showing advanced rabbit like tendencies as the headlights bore down upon him, and proving beyond doubt that a strikers place is elsewhere.

At 3-3 the game could have gone either way, and perhaps a draw would have been the fairest result. However, the threes gave it one last throw of the dice and a good delivery from the left wing saw the ball strike a defensive foot for the award of a short corner. Pagan controlled the injection and worked the ball right for Lunn in some space. The skipper showed great composure in working an opening, and then played an excellent pass to Preest at the far post, who was able to squeeze in a shot for the winner.

An excellent 4-3 victory sets up Harpenden’s involvement in the business end of the season, surely Ford Maddox Brown would approve. However, there are tough challenges to come, as set to return skipper Pete Evans said,

“Did Lunny get the team sheet signed and ring the result in………………?”

Report by Tom Preest.

Team: Neil Smyth, Martin Pugh, Neil Liles, Geoff Gould, David Munton, Andy Lunn, James Bird, Adam Cole, Joe Pagan, Andy Barradell, Ryan Ely, Tom Preest, Stuart Berry

Scorers
1) Andy Barradell
2) Joe Pagan
3) Adam Cole
4) Tom Preest