Hertford see off Bar in tense encounter

Hertford knew that the opposition which stood before them would be difficult to breakdown, and with a much changed side they wondered how quickly they would gel and be the dominant force as in the previous weeks. The game began in a very cagey manor which Potters Bar having the bulk of possession and Hertford having to absorb each attack that came along. Hertford's main goal threat looked likely to come from a counter attack and as the half went on, the chances for the reds grew with short corners and openings in the D becoming more frequent. Clive Insole had the best of the opportunities for Hertford however Archie Akers and Luke Kennedy could have grabbed the first goal had their arms been a bit longer when trying to connect with a flash ball across the front of the goal.

The first half finished with neither team being able to break the deadlock and with a motivational team talk from future 1st team Captain Ian Dunnett restored the faith as Hertford felt they could push on a grab what would surely be the crucial goal in the game. The second half began in a much more even fashion with both teams having chance after chance. Thomas Smith was required in the Hertford goal to make some top class saves and likewise down the other end of the pitch, new recruit Andy Yates had several opportunities cleared at the last second by the Potters Bar defence.

10 minutes into the second half and Hertford finally got the breakthrough goal thanks to a fine finish from youngster Luke Kennedy at the back post after some fine work from Andy Yates down the left hand side of the D. Hertford soon capitalised on this much needed goal and grabbed their second from Archie Akers, who up until this point had struggled to keep the ball on the end of his stick...

The third and final goal came in the style known as 'Route 1 Hockey'. Gavin Elliott took a 16 and fired the ball (kindly) at waste height for Ian Dunnett to pick Beautifully, control, beat 1 player, and slot the ball through for Russell Adlam to lift over the keeper with 1 touch and finish calmly to put the game well beyond Bars reach.

The win puts Hertford on the Maximum 12 points from 4 games, 3 above Cheshunt who have a game in hand.
Hertford face their closest rivals Broxbourne next Wednesday and will be seeking revenge from their 5-2 defeat in the league back in March.

Man of the Match: Thomas Smith