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SATURDAY 10 MARCH 2007 - SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISON
BIGGLESWADE TOWN 0 HERTFORD TOWN 0
Hertford gave a start to Michael Bakare, Ashley McAloon and Luke Smith, and recalled Ryan Redford after his 3 match ban, in an effort to return to winning ways, but the changes did not work. Hertford were unable to break down a resolute home side, and their only noteworthy attempt on goal was an early lob from Kevin Cooper which struck the top of the crossbar.
Team: 1. Mark Virgo, 2. Ashley McAloon, 3. Pablo Ardiles, 4. Kevin Kilroy, 5. Glenn Draper, 6. Luke Smith, 7. Phil Goss, 8. Nicky Marsh, 9. Ryan Redford, 10. Kevin Cooper, 11. Michael Bakare. Subs: 14. Tony Neilson (for Smith, 83), 15. Leo Turner (for Bakare, 57), 16. Paul Taylor (for Marsh, 60).
There was a strong, cold, wind blowing diagonally across the pitch, and, although the playing surface as excellant, the wind spoiled attempts at passing to feet. Although most of the early play was in The Waders' half, it was the home side who had the best early chance, when Glenn Draper, playing against his former club, hacked away an effort from Dan Heron. When Hertford hit back and won a corner, Draper and Kevin Kilroy got in headers, but the danger was eventually cleared when 'keeper Aaron Springham gratefully grabbed the ball. Luke Smith got in a good shot following a free kick, but the ball flew wide of the post. Then Michael Bakare made a mess of a shot when centrally placed, and fired wildly over the bar. Hertford were doing most of the attacking, without looking like breaking down the solid home defence, until Kevin Cooper so nearly put the visitors ahead, when he lobbed the ball onto the crossbar and behind, from 20 yards. At the other end Dan Heron's dangerous cross was headed away by Glenn Draper and when the ball went to the other end, Ryan Redford got free for the first time, only for a defender to put the ball behind for a corner. Biggleswade's giant striker Jamie Steel, was causing difficulties, and a good turn and shot from him nearly brought them the opener.
Half Time: Biggleswade Town 0 Hertford Town 0
Neither side seemed able to keep the ball on the ground, and the wind continued to spoil passing moves. On 53 minutes, Hertford were awarded a free kick centrally when Neil Morgan was adjudged to have handled the ball outside the area, although he was clearly standing well inside the penalty area. The assistant referee appeared to indicate that the handling happened outside the area, although this looked unlikely. Kevin Kilroy took the resultant free kick, which cannoned off the wall to safety. A carbon copy free kick minutes later suffered the same fate. Hertford made changes, bringing on Leo Turner for Michael Bakare, who had struggled to make any impact on the game. Then Paul Taylor came on for the strangely subdued Nicky Marsh, who had been so outstanding in the previous game. On 70 minutes, Hertford's goal suffered an incredible escape, as Mark Virgo, assisted by several defenders, cleared three or four close range shots in rapid succession. From the corner, Mark Virgo made a fine save from Neil Morgan. Hertford made third substitution on 83 minutes, with Tony Neilson coming on for Luke Smith. There was little time for Neilson to make any impact as the visitors continued to press for the winner, without ever looking like doing so.
Final Score: Biggleswade Town 0 Hertford Town 0
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