A DRAW ON THE ROAD

Our last game before we tuck into our annual Xmas turkey dinner saw us come away with a hard-earned draw at Colney Heath. Our hosts had not enjoyed a great run of form recently but they had shown signs of improvement with draws in their 2 previous games and as our supporters will be well aware we seldom do well at The Recreation Ground having now only won 7 times in 28 visits so we knew we would be in for a very tough time.

We looked determined to rectify our previous poor record there by dominating the first 35 minutes or so but it turned into a game of two halves when the roles were reversed in the second half to the point where we were glad to come away with a draw.

We started so strongly and could have taken the lead in the 18th minute when a superb cross from Dylan Fitpatrik picked out Skipper Jack Harvey who is so good in the air and surprisingly he headed wide from close range.

A goal was on the cards and duly arrived in the 25th minute following a good move which resulted in Dylan Whitelock connecting with a cross from Eli Hearn which rebounded off a defender for an OG. Score 0-1.

Considering the amount of possession we enjoyed we should have had a more comfortable lead and as the half drew to a close The Magpies came to life and Freddie Burroughs was called upon to make a couple of good saves firstly saving a shot at the near post from Sachon Edwards and then tipping a well struck free kick from Will Andiyapan round the post. HT Score 0-1.

The second half saw the roles reversed with our opponents dominating the game as we were forced to defend. It came as no surprise when Magpies drew level in the 64th minute when Sub Jack McShane converted a corner. Score 1-1.

We managed to keep our opponents at bay and in the end come away with a satisfactory draw. FT Score 1-1.

It has to be said that this was not one of our better performances especially in the second half but it did extend our decent run of form with only 1 defeat from our last 6 league games.

It is interesting to note that in the final game before Xmas last year we lost 4-1 at home to Harpenden Town and were 7th in the table and then we went on to have a brilliant run until the end of the season. We are presently in 9th place there is not a lot of difference and so there is still hope we could still turn things around.

Our next games on Saturday 27 December sees us back at The Michael Anthony Stadium for a League game against Risborough Rangers but please note that the kick off time has been changed to 1pm.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone involved with the Club a very Merry Xmas.

TEAM,
TA: Freddie Burroughs, James Kimber, Dave O’Connor, Mason Clarke (Bailey Osborne 84), Harry Shepherd (Pablo Kalamaras 72), Jack Harvey (Capt), Luke Peerless (Greg Deer 66), Dylan Fitzpatrick, Eli Hearn (Blake Argent 60), Max Hercules, Dylan Whitelock (Noah Butler 66).

Scorers

CH: Jack McShane (64)

TA: Own Goal (25)

Crowd: 144