Harpenden Hockey Club’s men’s 1sts down-turn in form continued with a 6-2 loss to Broxbourne at Woollams.

The loss was Harpenden’s third straight and sees them drop to fifth in Division 2S of the East League.

The sign that Harpenden were in for a bad day arrived early when Broxbourne scored from their first adventure into the final third. A through ball evaded Harpenden sticks and was smashed home by the striker from six yards out.

Harpenden quickly equalised as Matt Evans passed to Reece Baker-Kiff, who eluded one defender, advanced into the D and struck a powerful, low shot. The keeper saved well, but was unlucky to see the rebound bounce off a defensive stick and across the goal line. With both sides throwing numbers forward, chances came at both ends. A well-worked short corner routine was converted at close range to give Broxbourne a 2-1 lead before Harpenden levelled from a similar set piece, Baker-Kiff beating the keeper to his right.

Harpenden fell away badly in the second half. Ten minutes in Broxbourne scored the goal of the game. A quick break down the right resulted in a cross driven towards the flick spot where the forward deflected the ball into the goal.

The hosts were forced to commit men forward in an effort to salvage something from the game but they were hit three more times as Broxbourne ran out comfortable winners.

On Saturday, Harpenden take on a Bedford team that has not lost at home this season.