Hertford VI 0 - 0 Berkhamsted V

Our first real point, and our first clean sheet. Much of the game was very Div 9, with both sides making plent of errors and lacking bite in front of goal, but when we tried we produced some lovely passages of play, moving the ball smartly across field and sweeping up the pitch in successive rapid passes. When we moved the ball quick and looked for easy passes, we looked good. When we tried to do too much on the ball, we usually lost momentum. Man of the Match goes to Dave Harding with a commanding display at centre back and some dynamic support for the forwards as well. He did get the ball into the net once but the umpire called against him. A 67th minute winner would have been sweet but a bit harsh on Berkhamsted who made plenty of pressure of their own. Apart from that, Tor got closest to a goal with an exquisite lifted flick on the angle which beat the keeper but just squeezed past the top corner, Chris Dean was inches off a cross on the far post and Rian drew a good save after a lightening attack down the left. Defence was scrappy, breathless and only occasionally well organised, but we always kept them short of space in the D and Nicholas tidied up their few real threats without any fuss. Tony Dean (Chris's dad) joined us for his first game in many a year, and quite looked the part amidst our experienced back four. We hope he will join us again! Andy Rawlings also made an unexpected but very welcome reappearance at the back of the diamond to give us a bit of maturity in midfield.

Lots of drive from Chris Duncan, electric pace from George, excellent use of width from Noah, and some lovely combinations between Rian and Tor kept the game sparkling for long stretches. We can get better, we will get better, but on the day we showed plenty of promise, plenty of heart and the right attitude that makes a well matched game of div 9 hockey such fun, whatever the result.