The Herts Charity Shield
Harpenden Town FC 1 -0 St Margaretsbury
With this being the first game of the season proper (after so many
friendlies) many were interested to see just how the teams would
perform. The visitors were clear favourites being the Premier League
side, but came to The Town knowing that at this stage of the season
nothing can be taken for granted.
With the visitors playing five in the middle in the first half
and playing the ball around well, they enjoyed the lion's share
of possession but lacked penetration against a well organized defence.
In fact it was Harpenden who looked to threaten on the break, and
the home side should have taken the lead when new striker Taiffe
lobbed the out rushing St Margaretsbury keeper only to miss the
outside of the post by a foot. Whilst St M were continually probing
to find a way through the Harpenden defence they were let down to
often by a poor final ball and although the approach play was pretty
they began to get more and more frustrated and this manifested itself
with a number of offside deacons after the frustrated front players
started making runs too early.
Harpenden took the lead when a great ball over the top of the defence
from Adam Smith created confusion between the away side's keeper
and central defenders and Taiffe was on hand to calmly slot the
ball home from 15 yards out. Just before half time the visitors
had a goal ruled out and despite protests ( the players was a good
2 yards off) the goal was struck off and the half time whistle left
Harpenden one up.
The second half was similar to the first except that St Margaretsburyopted
for a more conventional 4-4-2 line up to get more forward width
into the game and Harpenden continued to be organized and keep their
shape, whilst counterattacking when the opportunity arose. The clearest
chances actually fell to Harpenden, but they either over played
or were thwarted by brave defending whilst St Margaretsbury's players
forced a stunning save from the Harpenden keeper to keep the scores
level. Despite continual pressure in the last 15 minutes and a number
of close shaves St Margaretsbury failed to find the goal that would
taker the tie to extra time and Harpenden's resilience and determination
was rewarded with a satisfying win against expectations.
Steve Cornwell was delighted with his team after the game and felt
that such a good win would be the springboard for a great season.
