Striker set for lengthy spell on sidelines

HARPENDEN Town will have to do without the services of Aaron Clarke for a considerable time after the striker injured his ankle ligaments in Town’s super 3-1 win over third place Sun Postal Sports.

The striker picked up the injury challenging for a ball on the touchline with Clarke ending up in a heap off the field. An ambulance was sent for and boss Ryan Thompson confirmed it was a severe injury.

“Aaron Clarke landed awkwardly on his ankle and we heard a crack,” he told the Herts Advertiser.

“We called an ambulance and it’s come back that he’s done his ligaments.”

Town have moved to fill the void left by Clarke’s injury by snapping up former Park Street Village striker Matty Newman.

“We got Matty Newman signed on last night and hopefully that’ll plug the gap left by Aaron,” added Thompson.

Town had reacted well to going a goal down before substitute Harry Vaughan levelled things up collecting Jimmy Warner’s superb cross field pass and chipping the goalkeeper.

Matt Day put Town ahead losing his marker to score from a set piece before Vaughan wrapped things up with his second and Town’s third.

“Last night we were down to the bare bones and it was a nervy one but it was a cracking game and we caused them lots of problems,” said Thompson.

“It was a brilliant performance.”

Tuesday nigth’s victory helped Town banish the memory of a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Crawley Green on Saturday.

“Saturday was disappointing,” admitted Thompson.

“We played alright and created a few chances but neither ‘keeper has had much to do.

The first half we played some good football but the second half we decided to go a bit longer.

“Not long after half time we went 1-0 down, we haven’t closed matey down and he’s given Lordy (Matt Lord) no chance.”

Town remain second in Division One and will be looking to keep up with league leaders Berkhamsted when they take on Welwyn Garden City on Saturday.

Thompson continued: “We’re going to Welwyn on Saturday and if we play like we did last night on Saturday and for the rest of the season then we’ll be right up there.”