No Joy In Basement Battle

Saturday saw a bottom of the 2SW division clash between Hertford 1s and West Herts 2s.

West Herts started the match strong, with the same intention as Hertford, to go three points clear of the bottom of the table.
The persistent rain had created a fast pitch, and Hertford's midfield worked tirelessly to stall West Hert's build up play, with Mel Evans and Basil Wilkins tracking back to help the defence. Some superb goal keeping by Lianne Warnell and a well organised defensive short corner routine held them to 0-0 at half time.

A couple of solo efforts from Leah Wilkerson in the West Herts D gave Hertford some momentum and they won their first short corner. Unable to convert, Hertford continued their attack, but as they pushed higher up the pitch they were left exposed, and West Herts broke the deadlock with a counter attack.

Hertford's heads went down, and not long after their first goal West Herts scored a second from open play. This second goal seemed to ignite something in Hertford who then had their best spell of play. A deft touch from Evans set up Molly Pallett on a solo run into the D, only to have her shot denied by the keeper.

With ten minutes to go, Helen Owen came up with the moment of the match, a typical run down the right wing, beating her defender with speed, cutting in to take a strike from edge of the D, straight into the top corner.

Hertford were lifted, and continued to battle for the equaliser with man of the match Molly Pallett creating chances until the final whistle, but the team were unable to convert.

The defeat leaves Hertford still hunting for their first league win.