Harpenden Town gO back to back after a tense 5-2 win over PottOn United, thanks to a HenrY Jones hat-trick.

Harpenden Town get back to back wins after a tense 5-2 win over Potton United, thanks to a Henry Jones hat-trick.

Harpenden started slowly as Conor Freeman was forced into action early, making a save to deny former Harp Reece Crowter from opening the scoring, soon after the Harps were punished for their slow start, as Eddie Conolly slotted past Conor Freeman in a one-on-one situation to give Potton the lead early on.

Harpenden had a big chance to equalise when Henry Jones was brought down in the penalty area, however, Danny Webb saw his penalty saved is Sam Galatis guessed correctly.

Just three minutes later, Henry Jones was rewarded for his effort as he headed home from a corner to level the score at the half-hour mark.

Harpenden nearly went into the half ahead when Charlie Smith played a through ball to Danny Webb. Webb tried to round the keeper, but his shot was blocked he gathered the rebound and played a pass back to Henry Jones, but Jones blazed over, leaving the Harps level at the break.

In the second half, Potton retook the lead with a controversial goal when Devonte Simms goal looked to have a handball in the buildup but the officials denied Harpenden’s appeals leaving Town with a mountain to climb.

Harpenden showed character and responded quickly. Captain Ben Spaul headed in after Isiah Hillaire’s header from a Danny Webb cross struck the crossbar to level affairs.

The game remained tight until Henry Jones produced a screamer — receiving the ball outside the box before smashing it into the roof of the net to complete his brace.

Henry Jones wasn’t finished there, Picking up the ball between two centre-backs outside the box, he found space and fired into the top left corner to seal both the win and his hat-trick.

Harpenden Town rounded off a thrilling victory when Charlie Smith played a lovely trivela pass to Dylan Joyce, who delicately lifted the ball over the keeper to make it five.

After the game, Henry Jones was thrilled with the result.

“I’m absolutely buzzing, 100%.
I just hit and hoped, to be honest.

We should have had more goals in the first half,
but we won 5-2, so I can’t complain.”

Manager Lee Hawkes admitted it was a tough game but praised Henry Jones’s performance.

“We weren’t at our best today,
so we had to grind out a result.

Henry scored two unbelievable goals and won us the game,
so I’m delighted for him.”

Hawkes was also pleased with the team’s consistency.

“Everyone can beat everyone in this league.
We know teams around us will drop points,
so it’s about remaining as consistent as possible.”

Harpenden Town next play on Saturday, 6th September, away to Biggleswade United.