SSML Premier Division - Tuesday 16th August 2011

Match Report by Matt Harris

Hertford Town were left to rue a soft penalty that had manager Scott O’Donoghue fuming at the final whistle as the referee apologised for the decision that left the Blues chasing the game for 84 minutes.

After a disappointing 3-1 defeat at home to Tring last Saturday, O’Donoghue brought in Michael Casey and Lee Roberts to the starting XI as Hertford began the game brightly. In the early exchanges, both sides were struggling to keep the ball under control on an awkward pitch and after six minutes, a long throw from Leverstock Green’s captain Lee Bircham came across the box and seemed to bounce up towards Pablo Ardiles’ arm. Amidst incredulous Hertford players, the referee pointed to the spot and although keeper Lee Robinson guessed the right way, Bircham’s powerful penalty beat him low to his right.

The Blues responded well and with Casey forming a good understanding with Dave Hunt, the powerhouse midfield began to dominate possession. After ten minutes, the chance for an early equaliser came as Roberts sent over a low cross that just eluded the head of the diving Hunt. Although Leverstock had chances of their own, Hertford’s were the more clear cut and five minutes later, centre half Jack Lawrence headed just over from a Chet Johnson corner.

The away side were by now restricted to long range efforts but just before half time they had the chance to double their lead when Lewis Pritchard beat Robinson with a low drive, only for Michael Cooper to clear off the line and into the arms of his grateful keeper.

Half Time: Hertford Town 0 - 1 Leverstock Green

Hertford started the second half brightly and after 55 minutes, a cross from Roberts caused problems in the away defence and in the scramble that followed, the ball was cleared from just under the Leverstock crossbar. Hertford continued to dominate possession but couldn’t convert that dominance into clearer chances. However, on 62 minutes, Mark Draper came agonisingly close to levelling the scores when his glancing header came off the post and towards safety.

On 72 minutes, O’Donoghue introduced Owen Beale and Joe Kelly for Johnson and Ardiles but it was the introduction of Leverstock Green’s industrious number 12 Paul Insley that gave the away side more impetus and they became dangerous on the counter attack as Hertford continued to press.

With Lawrence coming forward at every opportunity, Tom Wade came on for Casey to form a three man attack and shortly after, another flashpoint arrived as a long punt upfield was chased down by Lee Roberts. As Roberts challenged for the ball, he appeared to be taken out by both goalkeeper and defender but as all eyes turned to the referee, he signalled for a corner instead.

There was still time for Dave Hunt to send a glancing header onto the roof of the net before the final whistle blew, leaving Hertford without a point from their opening two games.

After the match Scott O’Donoghue said,
“Ultimately, a weak penalty decision for which the referee has apologised has cost us at least a draw from this match."

“Overall the team showed all the desire and passion that I could ask from them and it’s a travesty that we haven’t come away with a point at the very least.”

Full Time: Hertford Town 0 - 1 Leverstock Green

Hertford Line-Up
1. Robinson. 2. Cooper. 3. Gordon. 4. Casey. 5. Nathan (c). 6. Lawrence. 7. Hunt. 8. Ardiles. 9. Draper. 10. Roberts. 11. Johnson.

Subs Used: Kelly (for Johnson 72), Beale (for Ardiles 72), Wade (for Casey 80)

Photos © 2011 Dan Sinclair - First Half
Natalina Verta - Second Half
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