Tale of two halves as sending off spoils wonderful opening period for Harpenden Town

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

The two sides are among the chasing pack behind Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division leaders Colney Heath and a goal from Sean McMonagle was a just reward for a dominating performance prior to the break.

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

But the game turned on a penalty decision in the second half and the ensuing melee saw Desmond sent back to the changing rooms.

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

That was converted and a second meant Harps slip to fifth in the table, two points behind their visitors and 16 behind second placed Tring Athletic.

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Speaking on Twitter interim head coach Micky Nathan said: "Tough result today. Thought some of the football we played was outstanding.

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

"A mad moment from our keeper killed us but he apologised and we move on together."

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

That first period saw Harps move the ball from back to front with pace and purpose, looking to hit willing runners such as George Robinson.

Harpenden Town's interim head coach Micky Nathan. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Their best effort before the goal was from a Harpenden corner that was met at close range by Tarik Dallas at the back post.

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Unfortunately he couldn't keep his header down.

Harpenden Town's interim head coach Micky Nathan. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

The goal itself came after a Bobby Dance shot was parried, McMonagle reacted quickest and after pushing it round the keeper he was able to slot it home.

Harpenden Town's interim head coach Micky Nathan. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

The hosts had more chances after that but they couldn't add to their slim advantage and when they were caught off guard by a through ball in the second half, their day started to unravel.

Harpenden Town's interim head coach Micky Nathan. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Defender Joel Nketia manfully took on the goalkeeping duties following Desmond's departure but he was powerless to prevent Newport from grabbing a winner in the latter stages.

Josh Crawley scores the winning goal for Newport Pagnell. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Harpenden went to Baldock Town on Wednesday night after HertsAdSport went to press with Saturday seeing them away to FA Vase quarter-finalists Leighton Town.

Josh Crawley scores the winning goal for Newport Pagnell. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Those games will see them use new signing James Todd for the first time, the prolific frontman in the Herts Ad Sunday League signing from SSML Division Two side Codicote.

George Robinson in action for Harpenden Town. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Harpenden Town fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Newport Pagnell Town in the Spartan South Midlands League. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Harpenden Town goalkeeper Alex Desmond is sent off. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Sean McMonagle celebrates his goal. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Sean McMonagle celebrates his goal. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Sean McMonagle celebrates his goal. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Sean McMonagle celebrates his goal. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Sean McMonagle opens the scoring for Harpenden Town. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Sean McMonagle follows up a Bobby Dance shot and rounds the keeper. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)

Bobby Dance has a shot for Harpenden Town. Picture: JAMES LATTER (Image: Archant)