Mistakes, Chances & Plenty of Goals

Hertford went into the final game of the season up against already relegated Old Loughtonians. Having secured a memorable win against high flying St Albans the week before, the question regarding relegation was not within their own hands and they knew a win would secure their place in Div 1S for next season. Anything less than a win and they could be reliant on old time rivals Broxbourne to get something against Bury St Edmunds.

The squad were very much settled from the previous week with additions of Matt Burgess and James Willoughby, with the latter replacing injured vice captain Elliot Barling. The game had a sense of nervousness surrounding it with the game getting off to a cagey start and against the run of play Old Loughts found themselves ahead. Coach Nick Downer had spoken about ‘aggressive’ defending but that had clearly not sunk in as the opposition forward was able to turn and fire past Tom Smith in goal, 1-0 to the hosts.

This was the wake up call the Stags needed as they began to up their game and found themselves level once again thanks to a James Rollins goal assisted by Gary ‘100 club’ Brown. Despite the leveller Hertford once again suffered from some end of season defending when James Willoughby was unfortunate to see his slide pass picked by an Old Loughts forward who was able to find a bit of pace and get into the D to finish off nicely for 2-1 before the break.

After a stern talking to at half-time and many of the team still unsure about the Broxbourne score it was full steam ahead for Hertford knowing they had to get the next goal in the game, and get that goal they did. Gary Brown added to his goal tally for the season. Some nice link up from across the pitch ended with a square ball from Archie Akers for Brown to slap in.

The Stags eventually found themselves ahead thanks to a short corner routine which was slipped left to Nick Downer who flicked at goal and found Gary Brown at the back post who ramp shotted it into the roof of the net.

Despite finding the lead Hertford could not retain the advantage and found themselves back at 3-3 thanks to a penalty corner which was flicked poorly at goal and found itself slipping underneath Tom Smith for a trademark cat flap goal. Old Loughtonians then sealed the game with another open play goal to leave Hertford on the brink of relegation.

Thankfully rivals Broxbourne did them a favour and sneaked past Bury St Edmunds 3-2 at Mill Lane to save Hertfords season.

Overall a bag of mixed results saw Hertford finish 8th on 26 points this season and will be looking forwards to a well deserved summer break.

Man of the Match: Gary Brown