Harpenden Town bounce back to the top despite serious injury concern
Phil Smeaton, seen in action for Codicote last season, suffered a displaced ankle. Picture: KEVIN LINES - Credit: Archant
Harpenden Town got over the loss of their nine-game winning streak and a serious injury to Phil Smeaton by jumping back to the top of Spartan South Midlands League Division One.
Ben Warren scored twice as Harpenden Town beat Hillingdon Borough on Tuesday night. Picture: KEVIN LINES - Credit: Archant
The 2-0 win away to Hillingdon Borough, courtesy of two goals from Ben Warren, means they leapfrogged over Risborough Rangers.
The Buckinghamshire outfit had replaced Town at the top of the table following a 3-2 defeat to Broadfields United on Saturday.
Harps had to fight back in that game after two Harry Henley strikes had put United in front.
Mike Davies pulled one back before top-scorer Harry Hunt levelled matters up.
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But with the game in injury time Smeaton collpased to the ground with a sickening snap, an injury which later turned out to be a displaced bone in his ankle.
However, play continued and Josh Warren scored with the last kick of the game.
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Harps had also lost Charley Humberstone earlier and Hunt finished the 90 minutes despite an injured back.
Bur Harpenden regrouped for Tuesday night’s trip to London and Warren’s goals, both just before half-time, lightened the mood.
Manager Danny Plumb said: “The win was a good response to a big disappointment of losing our winning streak.
“I know we are top but it is still really early and our motto this season has been to take it one game at a time and let the table look after itself.”
On Smeaton’s injury, which will keep him until after Christmas, Plumb said: “I would have happily given up three points for Phil to avoid injury. He has been a key player in our recent success.”
Harpenden continue their run of away games with a visit to Arseley Town Reserves on Saturday.
