WE EXIT HERTS SENIOR CUP

After a terrific 1-0 away win over Hadley back in October, courtesy of a Frankie Hercules header from a Jonah Howgego cross, we were rewarded with a glamorous home tie against Watford. Okay it was Watford’s under 21’s team (with a sprinkling of under 18’s) but it still offered us a chance of seeing some potential stars of the future.

There was plenty of young talent on view and it was enjoyable game particularly in the second half when the spectators were treated to 5 goals. We were missing a raft of regulars but it gave our supporters a chance to see Charlie Bradshaw and Owen Wilson from our Youth Team make their debuts in the First Team. It was also great to see Eli Hearn back with us albeit for just the Xmas break from university.

The first half was fairly even with few scoring opportunities with neither keeper being called into action much. The best chance fell to us in the 33rd minute when Eli Hearn headed over from close range a fine free kick from Lee Stobbs. Our guests enjoyed more possession but we defended well and it was goalless at the break. HT Score 0-0.

It only took 5 minutes into the second half for the visitors to break the ice when Josh Ameganyi parried a shot from Charlie Davis and James Collis was there to slot the ball home. Score 0-1.

But we came back strongly to equalise 10 minutes later. Frankie Hercules managed to beat the central defender in the air and flick the ball onto brother Max who calmly went through and lobbed the keeper. It was a great finish and brought us right back into the game. Score 1-1.

But parity lasted just 5 minutes with Zavier Massiah-Edwards finding the corner of the net with an accurate shot. Score 1-2.
We pushed hard for an equaliser and went mighty close in the 85th minute when Adam Sawyer whipped over a superb cross and Frankie Hercules powerful header went just over the bar. Then two minutes later following a corner the ball was cleared to Max Hercules who headed the ball back into the area where Harrison Cornick hooked it across goal to an unmarked Liam Smyth but his shot went wide of the target.

That proved to be our last chance with the Watford youngsters extending their lead to 3-1 in time added on when Laken Torres scored from a penalty then he added another goal a minute or so later to make the final score 1-4.

Congratulations to Watford on their victory and we wish them all the best in the next round when they play away at Hertford Town. A disappointing result for us especially as the final score doesn’t represent the fact that until time added on there was only one goal in it and the game was still close.

We now have a break over Xmas but have 2 cracking local derbies to look forward to after the festivities. Firstly we entertain Aylesbury Vale Dynamos at the Michael Anthony Stadium on Wednesday 27th December and then on Saturday 30th December we travel to Leverstock Green. Hopefully we will have some of our players back for those games

Team:

TA: Josh Ameganyi, Harry Jones, Harrison Cornick, Adam Sawyer, Joel Whitworth (Charlie Bradshaw 73), Lee Stobbs (Capt) (Liam Smyth 64), Eli Hearn, Harry Shepherd, Max Hercules, Frankie Hercules, Jonah Howgego (Owen Wilson 83).

W: Jonathan Macaulay, Alistair Gould, Triaist, Charlie Davis, George Abbott (Capt), Charlie Stallard, Dawid Hamiga, Aidan Coyne, Laken Torres, James Collins (Kristian Shevchenko 75), Zavier Massiah-Edwards. Subs Roraigh Browne, Victor Wachowicz, Ignancio Gardcia- Romero, Kash Odiase

Scorers:

TA: Max Hercules (60)

W: James Collins (49), Zavier Massiah-Edwards (65), Laken Torres (Pen90+1, 90+2)

Crowd: 205