After missing out on a Play Off place both teams only had pride to play for with a final position of 7th in the Premier Division table up for grabs which we managed to secure with a late Frankie Hercules goal.

Our guests got off to a dream start when some pretty poor defensive play by us resulted in our opponents leading scorer Elijah Grant poking the ball past Jake Alley in the 4th minute for his 23rd goal of the season. Score 0-1.

It was not the start we wanted but we should have drawn level midway through the half when a couple of corners caused havoc in the Sawbridgeworth defence but we just could not get the ball in the net although supporters nearby felt the ball had crossed the goal line.

But we were not to be denied and in the 26th minute we drew level following a fine move started by a Greg Deer clearance header to Jack Harvey who linked up with Dylan Whitelock, Harry Beaumont and Harry Jones with the latter’s cross into the box picking out Max Hercules whose shot was helped into the net by a deflection off Blake Argent. Score 1-1.

Blake nearly doubled his tally 12 minutes later when Max picked out his run into the box but the teenager lofted his shot just wide. With half time looming we finally took a deserved lead with another Greg Deer header instigating the move involving Mason Clark, Max Hercules and Dylan Whitelock whose shot was blocked by the keeper but Dylan had the awareness to tap the ball to Harry Jones to convert from close quarters. Score 2-1.

During added time Mason Clarke broke away down the left and his cross picked out Harry Beaumont whose effort went very close. So after a poor start we recovered well to go in at half time with a deserved lead. HT Score 2-1.

The second half got off to a fairly even start although we did have a shout for a penalty for a foul on Max Hercules around the hour mark but the Referee waved away our appeals.

We could have wrapped the game up in the 73rd minute when following a good move the resulting cross from Harry Jones found Dylan Whitelock who from close range was unable to convert the chance.

With just a slim one goal lead there was always the danger that our opponents would grab an equaliser although we had defended well and Jake Alley in goal was hardly called upon to make any serious saves.

Three minutes into time added on we finally put the game to bed from a free kick. With the visitors expecting a cross into their area Frankie Hercules surprised the opposition with a shot from around 25 yards which the keeper was unable to keep out. After missing a lot of the season it was great to see Frankie back in action and on the score sheet again. FT Score 3-1.

The win saw us stay above Sawbridgeworth in 7th place with just one League game left on Saturday with Harpenden Town the visitors. The result of that game will make no difference to our final League position but it would be great to finish on a winning note.

But before then we have the Herts Charity Shield final on Wednesday against Baldock Town at the County Ground in Letchworth. It would be terrific to end the season with a Trophy so come along and give the players plenty of support.

Team

Jake Alley, Michael Olulode, James Kimber, Greg Deer, Mason Clarke, Jack Harvey (Capt) (Frankie Hercules 69), Blake Argent (Olly Pope 76), Harry Beaumont, Max Hercules (Dexter Purter 85), Harry Jones (Bailey Osborne 76), Dylan Whitelock. Sub not used: Liam Mann.

Scorers

TA: Blake Argent (26), Harry Jones (45), Frankie Hercules (90+3)

ST: Elijah Grant (4)

Crowd: 205

Man of the Match Michael Ololude chosen by Alex and Tring Tornados U7