Hertford VI 2 - 3 Southgate Tankards X

I told you last week we'd have to raise our game 70%, and we did. With a short corner count going 19 - 3 against us we can't really say we deserved a point, but we gave it a great shot against the champions elect and I can't ask for more.

We played deep and looked to trouble them on the break, and after we had absorbed heavy early pressure we began to create some threats, long balls working well up to Aodhan and Kash, well supported by Nick's pace. Chris Dean's persistence got us the first goal as he beat the keeper to a flick across goal from Kash. Southgate quickly equalised, but as half time approached we were beginning to hold the midfield and were looking good to restore our lead, until we got overcommitted and a soft goal on the break sendt us into the break one down. They scored their 3rd straight after, before we had settled at the back, but despite almost constant pressure aftre that we held our line and broke smartly when we could, Ian's pace repeatedly troubling Southgate's tiring veterans. With 10 to go we battled into their D and through a forest of sticks Chris again found the vital touch. Sadly ten minutes of breathless end to end play failed to produce any more clear chances.

Nick had probably his busiest game of the season, great work again fron the back 5 with Graham White leading from the front, good hard work from all the midfield, with Chris Dean and the forwards making good space and the passes coming accurate and early. Graham White just pips Chris for MotM. Champagne moment was defensive corner short number 14, as I and then Tony broke early and trooped up to half way, leaving Graham and Tony to chase the ball around the D until Nick nonchalantly brushed the flicked shot wide of the post.

Can we play this well next week please?