Another Decent Performance Goes Unrewarded

Hertford headed away to the OA pitch with knowledge of the strong Harpenden side having lost to them in a pre-season friendly 5-0 and conscious of the fact they had come down from the league above. Despite that, Hertford had a strong team out for the day and were confident in giving them a run for their money.

Hertford looked ferocious from the start and were by far the stronger team for the first 20 minutes. Harpenden had the first push back but on their attacks were no match for the Hertford defence of man of the match Lottie Butler, Teresa Bartrum, Nicky Estherby and Claire Rollins. Hertford passed the ball quickly and efficiently around the back and on the break gave the Harpenden side some real issues with their pace. The first goal came from Hertford within the first 20 minutes when captain Molly Pallett stole the ball from the Harpenden midfielder and sprinted towards the Harpenden D. A shot at goal was taken which was saved by the keeper and deflected out to Sian Foster outside. Foster then smashed the ball back into Pallett just inside the top of the D where she turned and struck on the spot with a great strike at goal. The keeper got a leg to it but the pace was too much and the ball deflected into the corner of the goal giving Hertford the lead.

The Harpenden side became very agitated at falling behind and it began to show. The Hertford midfield consisting of Sophie Rawlinson, Bev DeAgostini and Clare Hawes made it difficult for Harpenden to use the wings easily and it took them some time before they managed to earn themselves a short corner and from that converted a straight strike to make the score 1-1.

On a hot sunny day with only 1 sub Hertford began to feel the pressure in the second half and became increasingly frustrated with the questionable umpiring on the pitch. Despite battling continuously Harpenden managed to slot away another 3 goals leaving Hertford to head home with a 4-1 defeat.