Harpenden Town falter after a 3-2 loss at home to Risborough Rangers.

Despite taking an early lead through a cheeky Henry Jones backheel, Harpenden Town lost their first game at Rothamsted park leaving Harpenden Coach, Michael Nathan, frustrated.

The game started quiet as both teams lacked quality going forward, however a brilliant Charlie Smith pass over the top to Danny Webb, his shot across goal is saved and an improvised backheel by Henry Jones gave Harps the lead with their first chance.

Risborough grew into the game, as Harpenden goalkeeper George Nicol, who made his debut for the season, denied Harry Stratton’s close range attempt from a cutback cross.

Risborough got their reward, as Jordan Ajanlekoko was played through, a loopy pass to the back post that he slots home to draw the team’s level.

They nearly made it two in two minutes, as Elliot Buchanan put it in the back of the net for Risborough, only to be flagged offside.

Harpenden pushed to get back in front as Isiah cutback to Danny Webb, but his shot is straight at the Risborough keeper Ben Bridle-Card, shortly after, Charlie Smith had his freekick flash just over the wall followed up by a third chance as Tom Silford is played through, but he hits it straight at the keeper.

However, despite the chances going to Harpenden, it was Risborough who led at the break with Harry Stratton rounding the Harps keeper to make it 2-1 on the counter.

Harpenden stuck back in the first minute of the second half, Charlie Smith playing Danny Webb through, who audaciously chipped the keeper to make it 2-2, making it his 4th goal in two games.

Unfortunately, Harpenden couldn’t keep the game equal as only 5 minutes later, Jordan Ajanlekoko scoring his second goal of the game, a wide-open volley from just inside the box.

Harpenden tried to get back into the game, however the game seemed to cool down with chances becoming a rarity after such an open start.

George Nicol, the stand in goalkeeper for Harpenden made a terrific triple save towards the end of the game, saving from three different players as Harpenden pushed players forward to try and score an equaliser.

Harpenden got one last chance, Danny Webb finding himself free in the box, but he heads his attempt over and the game ended 3-2 as Harpenden lost their first league game of the season.

In reaction to the defeat, Harpenden coach Micky Nathan was upset by the respect shown by the side but was happy with his team’s attitude.

“We didn’t start the game great”

“We showed them a little too much respect”

“Credit to Risborough, I said to the boys they will be our toughest test yet”

“I can’t ask for any more from the team- they ran themselves into the ground”

“We could’ve scored at the end but that’s football”

When asked about how the team will improve Micky Nathan said the team will regroup and that injuries have made this challenging.

“We have about a full starting eleven out injured right now”

“The motto is always the same, we don’t get to high when we win and don’t get too low when we lose”

“You could see the unity in the fact that the players were all disappointed by the loss”

“We will dust ourselves down, train right on Thursday and prepare for Crawley Green this Saturday”