Harpenden Town net top eight finish

Town end season with draw

BOSS Ryan Thompson admitted there was some disappointment in the Harpenden Town camp despite the club enjoying one of its best seasons in recent years.

The Town boss had targeted a top five finish in Division One this term but had to settle for seventh and Thompson says injuries and missed penalties were ultimately what cost his side.

“Penalties have been a bit of an issue for us this season,” Thompson told the Herts Advertiser.

“We’ve missed six penalties this year all of which would have turned draws into victories.

“The injuries we’ve picked up throughout the season have hurt us and I think if we could have stayed clear of those we might have finished a bit higher up. There weren’t many points between us and the two sides above but the top four stormed away with it to be fair.”

Jimmy Hill’s goal had put Town ahead against Wodson Park on Saturday but the visitors pegged Town back courtesy of a hotly disputed penalty.

Thompson’s side did have a chance to end their season with a victory when they were awarded a penalty of their own but Dave Keenlyside’s spot kick was saved and although Aaron Clarke tucked away the rebound it was chalked off for encroachment.

“It’s been an enjoyable season but it’s been tough,” added Thompson.

“The attitude and work rate of the lads has been immense and to still have something (fifth place) to play for in the final few weeks when most teams’ seasons were over was pleasing.”