Blueharts the latest side to defeat Harpenden

Harpenden 0 Blueharts 5

HOCKEY: RETURNING to action after a snow enforced two week hiatus, Harpenden were unable to arrest their decline, suffering a comprehensive 5-0 defeat against league leaders Blueharts.

Harpenden started with the discipline and composure to compete at this level, and enjoyed extended period of possession, and even carved out a couple of half chances.

However, as the first half progressed the visitor’s came more into the game, and eventually scored their first, with a mazy dribble opening up the Harps defence for a tip in.

Harpenden tried to rally, but unsurprisingly for a side bereft of confidence, were unable to produce anything like their best form, as the game slipped away from them.

The second half was a similar story – Harpenden having patches of possession and earning several short corners, but never seriously threatening the Blueharts goal. The visitors on the other hand were able to soak up Harps efforts to then spring forward on the counter attack. With their quality up front they were able to convert these moments and ran out comfortable winners.

After the match a despondent Tom Bunbury said: “Bitterly disappointed, that performance takes us back to the beginning of the season. We have to retain the ball, and stop these needless turnovers. Then if we do lose possession we need to get back into our shape quickly to prevent these breakaway goals we keep leaking. The frustration is we know what the problem is, we know what we should be doing, but we just can’t join the dots.”

Harpenden are on the road this weekend with a classic six-pointer, as they take on fellow league strugglers Long Sutton.