WE MISS OUT ON HISTORIC MOMENT

After lifting the Herts Charity Shield in the previous two years we had the chance (we believe) to be the first Club to win this prestigious trophy, which was established in 1919, for three consecutive years. However, it was not to be as our opponents played well and ran out deserved winners.

The game was played at the Herts F A county ground in Letchworth in front of a decent crowd of supporters from both clubs. We certainly got off to a dreadful start by conceding goals in the 7th and 14th minute. The first came about after we lost the ball on the half way line and our opponents took full advantage release Rhys Monaghan who rounded Dan Gould and coolly slotted the ball home from a tight angle. Score 0-1.

Goal number two came 7 minutes later when we failed to clear a long kick from keeper Calum Barnes and it was Monaghan again who latched onto the ball and produced a smart lob over Dan Gould. Score 0-2.

It was a big wake up call for us and at last we started to play and put our opponents under some pressure. In the 21st minute a long throw from Max Hercules fell to Jack Harvey and his close-range header produced a terrific reaction save from Calum Barnes.

The situation was now looking more positive and in the 31st minute we pulled a vital goal back when James Kimber played the ball out wide to Jack Havey and his cross to the far post picked out Harry Jones and his header looped over the keeper into the far corner of the net. Score 1-2.

A few minutes later, again from a Max long throw, we went close to an equaliser when the ball arrived at the feet of Dylan Whitelock and his shot brought an instant reflex save from the keeper. We were finishing the half strongly but had a lucky escape in the 45th minute when Jamie Pors-Fazakerley beat Dan Gould to long ball but shot wide of the empty goal.

So after very slow start we got ourselves back into the game with just a one goal deficit at half time. HT Score 1-2.

Our opponents again started strongly from the restart whilst we struggled to get into the game but in the 56th minute we were handed a life line when referee controversially awarded us a penalty for a foul on Blake Argent. Greg Deer stepped up to level the scores from the penalty spot. Score 2-2.

Earlier Max had cracked a terrific shot just over and Balke Argent went even closer in the 64th minute when he curled a magnificent shot towards goal which the keeper did well to tip round the post.

In the 67th minute Baldock were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position and although Dan Gould did well to make a save the ball fell to Rhys Monaghan who slot home from close range for his hat-trick. Score 2-3.

We pushed forward and Dylan Whitelock did score after the goalie spilled a shot from Max Hercules but the goal was disallowed for offside. We made a number of changes but were unable to level the scores again and Baldock ran out deserved winners. FT Score 2-3.

A very disappointing performance and result and a lost opportunity to make a bit of history, but well to Baldock Town.

We now have just one game left and that’s a home league match against Harpenden Town on Saturday. There is nothing at stake for either side but it would be nice to round the season off with a win. To celebrate our last match we are holding a Family Day with discounted entry for families and free coaching sessions on the pitch for the kids so why not come along and have a fun afternoon.

Team

Dan Gould, Liam Mann, James Kimber (Noah Butler 76), Greg Deer, Dylan Fitzpatrick (Mason Clarke 62), Jack Harvey (Capt) (Harry Shepherd 68), Blake Argent, Harry Beaumont (Frankie Hercules 68), Max Hercules, Harry Jones (Bailey Osborne 76), Dylan Whitelock.

Scorers

TA: Harry Jones (31), Greg Deer (pen 56)

BT: Rhys Monaghan (7, 14, 67)

Crowd: Not Known