Hertford Mens 1s bounced back from last week's 6-0 loss by imparting the same scoreline over Hertfordshire rivals Letchworth on Saturday. A full strength squad was named but late withdrawals from Stan Power and a no-show from Mike Hawes put young player Jonny Goodson into the starting XI at centre back with veteran Adrian Crawley. Hertford lined up in an attacking formation and took control of the match from the push back. A number of counter attacks and short corners proved fruitless until Welsh international Gav Elliott drove the ball into the D for Ben Cooper to execute a smart deflection past the keeper. The goal was even more important as it showed that Elliott had recovered from his self-inflicted fall in the warm-up.

Hertford doubled the scoreline immediately after half time, with a number of the team playing free flowing hockey from a AJ Crawley aerial. Will Harris received the aerial, moving it onto fellow attackers to then score from Mike Branford's assist, with a simple tap in.

Mike Branford was the provider again for Harris in a similar fashion. Mike Branford's mazy run found Harris hugging the goal line, for another simple touch to take the score to 3-0.

Joel Forrester took the game to 4-0 after Ian Dunnett won a short corner from a dubious fall in the area. Forrester's first shot was saved but the follow up deceived the keeper and a Hertford win was looking safe. Harris completed his hat trick in trademark fashion. The defence turned the ball over and Harris and brother James dashed down the field with the ball. James beat the defenders and keeper to pass to headband-totting Will to tap in.

Darren Norman completed the scoring with Hertford's 6th goal. Nick Downer's fierce shot hit the keeper in the face but Norman still had work to do to put the ball away, which he did with the skill of a seasoned forward. Beating 2 defenders, Norman beat a third defender the rifle the ball past the still dazed keeper.

The game was not over though as Letchworth seized on their limited opportunities in attack. Ian Pledger, back from humanitarian work in Europe, slid out to take the ball and legs away from their centre forward before having his biggest test when Elliot was deemed to foul on the line and a penalty stroke was given. Pledger kept calm and saved his second stroke this year.

Elliott teased the Letchworth forward with a wayward pass at the end of the game, but Hertford held on to keep the first clean sheet of the season thanks to great work from the defence. A seventh goal was close in the final seconds but James Harris could not emulate his younger brother's prowess of scoring inches from the goal. Notable performance from Goodson whose composure looked on par with fellow centre back Crawley whilst being 30 years younger.

Hertford next take on Potters Bar at home on Saturday 18th October.