Mens 1st back to winning ways!!

[Pearly]

Having to follow the ladies 3's wonderful 'winning draw' performance only added to the considerable pressure the mens first team had put themselves under since the turn of the new year. Unlike previous weeks they came through with a hard fought 2-0 win over the always competitive Hertford.

Welwyn played really rather well for the opening 15-20 minutes, and then seemed to take their collective foot off of the gas until just before half time when the foot was re-applied. Some impressive all round performances were going to make choosing a man of the match more tricky than normal - Nathan already had Dick of the day in the bag. Skils, Essex Boy and Rob in midfield worked tirelessly, whilst Martin, Champers, PK, Kev and Ceri hustled and harried the oppo whenever they had the ball. Having been overworked the previous couple of weeks, it was nice for the defence to have a less hectic day, although James did take Mr Bee out rather nicely when clearing one of the rare Hertford attacks.

Still, it was 0-0 at half time, and the general feeling was that more of the same would be good and we should score. Some words of wisdom from Mr Edwards also helped.

Second half saw the umpire get involved possibly a little more than he had to - I personally did not see the Sky TV cameras myself, but with technology these days they could have had some really small ones on the floodlights....

Anyway Welwyn took the lead following a remarkably mazy run into the Hertford D from Martin, followed by a pinpoint cross that happened to find the Skipper who roofed it with the help of a deflection from the defender - I am assured it was going in anyhow.

Shortly afterwards, I think, it was 2-0. Apparently Rob returned the favour, passing to Martin to force the ball home from close range. Game over..???

It was time for the usual last 10 minutes panic, but thanks to some very good tackling from Andy Shore and Mr Bee, coupled with some very nice saves from short corners by Floz, nil did indeed win it!

On the plus side of things, I do not think that Champers had the chance to cock-up any one-on-ones with their keeper, and he made the pass of the day accross the pitch to the marauding right-back - yes I waited right until the end before mentioning myself, take note Harrison...

The Ladies 2's followed us with a 'winning draw', shame we could not have inspired a victory...

[Pete M]

Now you just need to win your remaining games and hope Bedford beats Stevenage and hope that Stevenage slip up, easy.