Harpenden suffer shock Centenary Trophy exit

Herts Senior Centenary Trophy

Mill End 2 Harpenden Town 1

HARPENDEN Town were dumped out of the Herts Centenary Trophy on Saturday after a poor showing at Mill End.

Manager Bob Fowler took the decision to make changes to his team for the cup trip and it backfired with the County Premier side deserving to progress to the next round.

Fowler said: “It was a game that on paper we should have won, but anyone who has played the game will know that football isn’t always like that and the players didn’t get going at all today.

“There are no excuses with so many players having an off day but ultimately it was my decision and I will hold my hands up.”

The hosts went ahead with a cross that sailed over the head of helpless ‘keeper Jake McClean but Town replied almost immediately with a good finish by Mark Hitchcock.

Mill End restored their lead late on in the first half when poor marking left the home side’s number nine to volley in at the far post.

Town tried to pull it back in the second half but without really threatening the home ‘keeper and it was left Fowler to rue: “I am trying to find some positives but it is difficult. I thought Connor Maher had a good debut for an under 18 player and Adam Smith got another 30 minutes on his way back from injury but overall it was a poor day for us, but I wish Mill End luck in the next round. We have to try and draw a line under it and move onto Welwyn Garden City on Wednesday.”