Molten Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Harefield United 3 Colney Heath 0 COLNEY Heath played well for the first half before losing three goals to hosts Harefield United on Saturday in the Premier Division. Powerful striker Ashley Akiniah ca

Molten Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division

Harefield United 3 Colney Heath 0

COLNEY Heath played well for the first half before losing three goals to hosts Harefield United on Saturday in the Premier Division.

Powerful striker Ashley Akiniah came into the side for the Magpies, with Jake Parratt ruling himself out and Phil Jackman away in Thailand. Manager Craig Johnstone said: "Ashley is only 19 but he is 6ft 4in and has a very good touch. He has a lot of potential. Phil is still in Thailand and I am not expecting him back this season. Jake has decided to take a break because he is not enjoying his football. It is a shame because he had a great game recently and I felt he could push on from there."

Dean Parratt lined up behind the front two of Akiniah and Jamie Haze,l with Neil Jordan, Greg Deacon and Gary Simmons making up the midfield.

The Magpies started well and Dean Shuttleworth and Jordan combined to play in Deacon, who squared for Parratt but he took one touch too many and lost the chance.

Akiniah posed problems for the Harefield defenders and he got forward to shoot narrowly wide.

Heath goalkeeper Tom Blackman had little to do in the first period but, when called upon, he was ready to dive at the feet of Sean Sonner and smother the ball.

Before the break, Akiniah burst clear only to shoot over the crossbar from 18 yards when he could have taken the ball on.

Johnstone was happy at the break and felt his team could build on a lively show. He said: "We had controlled it and defended well for 45 minutes. We knew we would have to keep our concentration but that is my worry at the moment, we are not scoring goals. Ashley could raise his game another 10 or 15 per cent. He was against two of the best centre backs in the league but he made them look ordinary."

The second half was only 30 seconds old when the home side wrecked Johnstone's plans with a quick goal from Sonner, who finished clinically. Sonner then added a second four minutes later to put the hosts in complete command.

The Magpies responded and Hazel had a fine shot saved before Dean Parratt drilled a shot left footed which was cleared off the line.

Harefield added a third goal when they made the most of a counter attack and Ben Buckle scored on 82 minutes.

Colney Heath went to Biggleswade Town on Wednesday and Dean Parrett was expected to miss the trip after picking up a bad injury on Saturday. Dean Shuttleworth was also doubtful, with manager Johnstone standing by to step into the side. The Magpies host St Margaretsbury on Saturday and face a crunch clash away at Cockfosters on Tuesday.