Hertford 1s hold Blueharts to a draw

The eagerly anticipated 16/17 league season began with Hertford facing some tough away opposition. Newly relegated from Div 1N, Blueharts 1s started strong by winning a short corner in the first five minutes, but stalwart defending from the ever reliable back line of Brown, Bartram and Estherby, together with the new face Wilkins running out one, stopped the conversion.

Continued attacking play from Blueharts tested Hertford’s new starting line-up, forcing more short corners, but again the defence came good and athletic goalkeeping from new keeper Warnell kept them at bay. Hertford began to settle into their stride, some flawless tackles from Pallett and great intercepting play from the rest of the mid-field gave Berry a chance to test Blueharts with a one on one that was cleared by the keeper. In retaliation, Blueharts then countered, and a powerful shot hit the back board, only to be ruled out by the umpire.
Hertford held off a determined Bluehart’s side to keep it 0-0 at half time and they started the second half with more enthusiasm, and an increased confidence that lead to some great link up play between Evans, DeAgostini and Pallett in midfield.

The battle in the middle of the pitch continued with attacks from both sides being swept up by the respective defence until Blueharts broke the deadlock, picking up a rebound and firing it into Hertford’s goal. Hertford responded by equalising 1-1 with seven minutes to go. A quick free hit from Wilkins to Hawes out wide, was fired into Liz Berry who converted with a second attempt.

A tense six minutes ensued, with Hertford holding out for the draw against a relentless Blueharts side, shots were saved off the line by Estherby and more superb defending by man of the match Bartram maintained the scoreline. It may only be a point, but it was well deserved against tough opposition, by a team new to playing together. It shows great promise for the rest of the season.