AARON Clarke’s late penalty earned Harpenden Town a share of the spoils in their derby clash with St Albans City Reserves.

AARON Clarke’s late penalty earned Harpenden Town a share of the spoils in their derby clash with St Albans City Reserves.

Jimmy Warner opened the scoring for Town after the interval firing home from the edge of the box but Sean Shields’ deflected effort wrong-footed Matt Lord and levelled the scores.

Sam Barker gave City Reserves the lead for the first time in the contest with a wonderful goal but Clarke, pictured right, held his nerve to convert from the spot after he hasd been fouled in the box.

“It was good draw for us,” Town boss Ryan Thompson told the Herts Advertiser.

“They were a good side and included a few first team players like Rob Magwood.

“They were the better side first half but we restricted them to long range efforts.

“Yes they were the better footballing side but our lads did what we asked of them and we got a useful point out of it.

“The lads got what they deserved, we worked really hard. They moved the ball very quickly but in the last 15 minutes and kicking up the slope I felt we really got into it.”

Thompson was frustrated by Saturday’s performance as Town lost 3-2 to Bedford Town Reserves.

After going behind early on, Chris Gregory saw a twice-taken penalty saved both times. Clarke drew Town level with a header and Ant Burns grabbed a second but Bedford nicked two more goals of their own to steal all the points.

“I was livid with them,” Thompson admitted.

“We had a few players out but that was no excuse. The good thing was the lads bounced back last night. The performance (against St Albans) was the main thing and everything was there.”