SAT 2 SEPT 2006 - SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
HERTFORD TOWN 1 HOLMER GREEN 1

After the two wins at Tring and Chalfont St Peter, this home game gave the Blues the chance to put together three consecutive wins for the first time since November 2004. Adrian Robinson had to cry off with an injury just before the game, but Nicky Marsh passed a late fitness test to retain his place on the right of midfield. New boy John Barker took Robinson's place, and 'keeper Mark Virgo took over the captain's armband for the first time.
Team: 1. Mark Virgo; 2. Mark Teasdale, 3. Tom Neill, 4. John Barker, 5. Matt Watts, 6. Jamie Nicholson, 7. Nicky Marsh, 8. Leo Turner, 9. Ryan Redford, 10. Robbie Syrett, 11. Lee Roberts. Subs Used: 12. Kevin Cooper (for Nicholson, 72), 14. Pablo Ardiles (for Neill, 45), 15. Paul Dodd (for Marsh, 65).

The strong wind and bumpy pich more or less guaranteed a poor game, and that was pretty much what we got. Holmer Green arrived with only one substitute and looked there for the taking, after their 7-0 thrashing by Edgware. However, things didn't work out like that, and at the end no-one could begrudge them their point.

Holmer Green threatened first in a low key start when Matt Watts had to make a timely challenge to thwart the visitors. Mark Teasdale cleared an 8th minute Holmer Green corner before Hertford mounted their first real attack on 10 minutes. Matt Watts launched a free kick from just inside his own half and found Ryan Redford. The in-form striker turned quickly but saw his firm 25 yard shot fly just wide of the post. On 20 minutes, a fine flowing move involving Robbie Syrett and Lee Roberts led to Leo Turner 's shot being blocked for a corner. As the visitors hit back, Mark Virgo pulled off a stunning point blank save from Luke Foulkes.
Holmer Green should have taken the lead on 28 minutes when Dan Stone was inches away from heading home a corner. The home faithful were relieved when the Blues took a 40th minute lead. A Lee Roberts free kick was parried to MATT WATTS and the centre half poked the ball home gleefully.
Robbie Syrett nearly doubled the lead when he let fly from 25 yards, but wasn't quite right with his aim, but then, with two minutes of added time played, Mark Teasdale had to head off the line as Holmer Green really pressed for a leveller.

Half Time: Hertford Town 1 Holmer Green 0

Hertford made a half time change when Tom Neill was withdrawn in favour of Pablo Ardiles. Home coach Don Nicholson, a qualified referee, took over from one of the assistant referees, who was inable to resume after the break because of injury. Visiting 'keeper Dave Clark was played into trouble by a backpass and Robbie Syrett charged down his kick, only to fire straight back at him. Immediately Holmer Green attacked and left back Alex Hesmer went close with a good 25 yard strike. Holmer Green's right winger Steve Miles was getting lots of the ball but his strikers were letting him down with their finishing. On 65 minutes Holmer Green's Simon Pouller fouled Ryan Redford near the bye line out on the left, and when Lee Roberts floated over the free kick, Matt Watts saw his goalbound effort blocked. Then came the best move of the match when Pablo Ardiles combined with Lee Roberts to attack down the left, and provide Ryan Redford the opportunity to shoot. Howeer, his snap-shot was blocked by 'keeper Clark.
Hertford made a 65th minute substitution when Paul Dodd came on for Nicky Marsh. Holmer Green replied by sending on Karol Derewenko for Alex Hemer. Hertford finally sent on Kevin Cooper for Jamie Nicholson with 20 minutes left, with Robbie Syrett being withdrawn into midfield. Cooper combined well with Ryan Redford but there was no end product and it looked like Hertford would have to hang on for a 1-0 win. Holmer Green had other ideas though, and Dan Ripley netted only to see the referee disallow the effort for offside. It really looked now that the Blues would get the points, but moment of inattention cost them two when a free kick was conceded 25 yards out. The kick found the head of unmarked DAN STONE, who glanced his header past Mark Virgo for an 86th minute equaliser.

Final Score: Hertford Town 1 Holmer Green 1