HARPENDEN IV: 0
ROYSTON IV: 0
27.10.2007

After another heavy defeat last week, Harpenden were eager to get back into action and start to build some consistency.
Nigel Timms came along intending to drop off some kit before the game, but ended up playing in goal and did a very good job, keeping only the second clean sheet of the season for IVs.

With 3 other players also new to the squad, Steve Holmes starting at left back and Steven and Dave Salvesen starting on the bench, and Paul Clements moved from left midfield into an unfamiliar centre back position, some may have thought Harpenden would struggle as a team. How wrong they'd be!

Royston won the toss and decided to take the second half push back, so it fell to the returning Mike Edmond to start the game. From the off, Royston put the pressure on but couldn't work an opening. After about 5 minutes, Royston seemed to tire and Harpenden started to pass the ball around them, winning a couple of short corners in the process, but they failed to convert them into goals. A lack of attacking intent from Royston allowed the Harpenden full backs to push forward and support the wingers, creating more space to get crosses in but Edmond and youngster Matt Duffy couldn't get on the end of them. Having failed to get on the scoresheet in the first half, the half time teamtalk was just to continue playing the way we were and keep passing the ball around.

The second half started well with good passing all round and Dan Michalik making some good runs down the right wing, putting in some good crosses. A half of few clear-cut chances followed, with the 3 or 4 good chances very well saved by the Royston keeper. A run of 3 straight short corners towards the end of the game gave Harpenden hope, but they all came to nothing. A 4th short corner followed shortly after but this was cleared and Royston played route one hockey, resulting in a short corner of their own. Harpenden were praying it didn't go in and were relieved to see it roll wide of the post. Seconds later the final whistle blew, and the point keeps Harpenden mid-table.

Man of the Match: Dan Michalik

Scorers