Storming Norman as Stags Smash Six to send St Albans Spiralling

Ben van Rooyen returned to the eleven following paternity leave, alongside fellow South African Greg Page, with James Rollins joining the squad for his first team debut.

It was an unseasonably warm day for late October, with the Simon Balle pitch proving a little slow and sticky, limiting the pace of play, but Hertford were intent on pressing high and keeping up their intensity.

Mike Branford's midfield mindset while playing at left-back encouraged him to venture forwards down the channel, earning a short corner when his penetrating cross was intentionally kicked behind by the goalkeeper.
A switched move from the resulting set piece saw good decision making from Luke Kennedy to pick his pass to Ian Dunnett who could only deflect the ball onto the post. Fortunately Ciaran Begg was on hand to tidy up and nudge the ball into the goal from close range for his first of the season.

It could have been two-nil minutes later as neat play down the left enabled Page to set Norman free, who took his time to find a pin-point cross to Kennedy at the back post, who - despite his lunge - could only guide the ball wide when it looked easier to score.

Hertford didn't have to wait long for another chance. This time Begg turned provider, skilfully wriggling down the right-side and along the baseline, pulling the ball back for Norman to latch on to and fire home.

The visitors did find their way into the match as Hertford made a few errors in controlling the ball and presented them with possession, but Simon Halfacre was in good form to snuff out forward passes, and Max Capaldi in the Hertford net, quick off his line to smother any shooting angle on two occasions.

It was three-nil before half time as more good work down the left and a speculative cross found its way to Kennedy near the penalty spot, whose deft control with his first touch and unselfish play with his second presented Norman with an open goal to sweep home and double his tally.

The visitors had obviously had some strong words said to them at half time as they started with purpose. Some direct play caught Hertford napping, and despite two chances to get the ball clear, Elliot Barling's mis-control gifted the ball to the St Albans forward who had a simple finish to make it 3-1.

Hertford needed to reassert themselves, and did, as the constant movement of the forwards was creating problems for St Albans' defence. van Rooyen came short to collect the ball and turned into space. With options on both sides he slipped the ball to Begg who, in a man-of-the-match performance - made no mistake with a composed finish.

Hertford weren't done yet. van Rooyen got in on the act to make it five, with Norman collecting the ball near the halfway line and flicking the pass through to van Rooyen with one defender to beat. van Rooyen jinked across the line of the last man and unleashed a powerful strike at the top of the circle, finding the far corner of the net, despite a glancing touch from the goalie.

Norman completed the scoring, and his hat-trick, with seven minutes to go in the encounter. Nick Downer - who had been tirelessly industrious in midfield for the whole match - weaved around the left side of the circle and crossed on his reverse stick. Norman led away from goal to create himself a yard of space, shooting on the turn to put the ball past the keeper's left foot.

The win keeps Hertford 2nd in division 3SW, three points behind leaders Berkhampstead. This weekend the Stags travel to eleventh placed Southgate Adelaide.

Hertford: Max Capaldi; Elliot Barling, Jamie O'Sullivan, Simon Halfacre, Mike Branford; Ian Dunnett, Nick Downer, Luke Kennedy; Ben van Rooyen, Ciaran Begg, Grag Page. Subs: James Rollins, Darren Norman.