Hertford VI 1 - 2 Letchworth V

As in September, we were undone by a couple of early pieces of clinical finishing by a Letchworth team with a good blend of youth and experience and few weak spots.

With Matt White and Rian Weston back with us, we had more pace and flexibility than some weeks, but still heavy on veteran defenders. Graham Locker got the promotion to midfield again. However, we started the first half sluggishly, not competing for or keeping possession and running most of our play straight into their well organised centre midfield. As the half went on we began to find a few openings on the break, Daryl getting us closest with a storming run to the by-line and a classic pull back which Richard couldn’t quite control with an open goal before him. However, we still struggled to get the ball out of defence and ended the half defending a succession of short corners, and were happy keep it to 2 – 0 at the break.

In the second half, for the first time since Christmas, we played to our potential, moving the ball wide at every opportunity, playing crisp one-twos up the flanks and mixing in some nicely angled balls for Daryl to chase. At the back we responded to Letchworth’s varied and dynamic attacking formations with alert and fluid positioning, whilst a hard working midfield got back early and broke up any attempts to build sustained pressure.

The only thing that was missing was the goals. Numerous forays into their D failed to produce the decisive final touch, a couple of short corner strikes went just wide, and when Graham White finally lashed home a follow up strike from another short, it was the last stroke of the game.

We’re getting there…..just need to do it for 70 minutes next time