Chalfont defeated in the League and Premier Division Cup Final spot confirmed

IT’S been another good week for all concerned at Colney Heath.

The Magpies maintained their position as the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division’s form team with a crushing victory against league leaders Chalfont St Peter and then followed that up with a 5-1 mauling of Hillingdon Borough to secure their place in the Premier Division Cup final.

Goals from Dave Corran, Jamie Eames and Carl Ashton condemned Chalfont to their heaviest defeat since 2008 – when the Magpies won 3-0 at Meadow Hill – and extended Heath’s run to just one defeat in their last 15 games.

“Sometimes when you do this job, and it takes up a lot of your time, it’s not always like this so we are enjoying every single minute of this run,” boss Scott Lacey told the Herts Advertiser.

“I went on record last week saying we would win because I thought we would. I also thought it was time we believed we could compete with teams like Chalfont.

“The lads have got to take the credit, the squad is rotating itself with injuries and unavailability so all we have to do is motivate the players. “The lads have got a lot of belief in each other now too, especially in the defence, they feel we won’t concede.”

The Magpies’ manager paid tribute to the spirit in the squad and says the players have stepped up to the challenges presented to them.

“They all get on extremely well, they all celebrate their goals together and we’re embracing that,” said Lacey.

“It’s not often that you get 18 lads who all get on with each other but we have that.

“Lots of the players on this run have really stepped up, they’re looking after themselves and putting in the hard work.”

An Ian Cooper hat-trick inspired the Magpies to a comprehensive win over Hillingdon Borough on Tuesday night and with it a place in the Premier Division Cup Final.

Sean Brettell and Kevin Ashwood were also on target in the victory and with the club also still involved in the Challenge Trophy Lacey says the club’s target must be to make it two finals this season.

“We’ve got to be looking to make it two finals,” he said.

“The club deserves a bit of silverware. This is not down to individuals but team performances however we haven’t achieved anything yet.

“Our target now is to get to two cup finals and to finish runners up in the league. If we can achieve that it will be some success having just four years ago been involved in a relegation battle every season.”

“Sean Brettel was outstanding for us last night in place of Jamie Eames. He got the opening goal and he is a very bright prospect for the club.”