Molten Spartan South Midlands Premier Division Colney Heath 2 Welwyn Garden City 1 GOALS from Aaron Clarke and Richard Howard ensured Colney Heath maintained their good form with a derby win at home to Welwyn Garden City on Saturday.

Molten Spartan South Midlands Premier Division

Colney Heath 2 Welwyn Garden City 1

GOALS from Aaron Clarke and Richard Howard ensured Colney Heath maintained their good form with a derby win at home to Welwyn Garden City on Saturday.

The Magpies had to come from behind to extend their impressive form to just one defeat in seven matches.

Joint managers Scott Lacey and Wesley Awad felt their side underperformed in a scrappy first half. Former Welwyn player Carl Ashton provided the only real moment of spark for the Magpies when he got around the back of the Welwyn defence to net but celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.

Welwyn took advantage when midfielder Matt McArdle planted a shot into the top corner from 30 yards out. Lacey said: "I didn't like the atmosphere before the game and I did say that to the players. It was a bit too laid back and they were taking the attitude they would just win and not have to earn the right to win. I was proved right because although we dominated the first half, we didn't play well. We played well within ourselves and didn't show any quality."

At half time the management duo introduced Jake Parratt, back from injury, from the bench and after a verbal dressing down the Magpies came out determined to turn the match around.

Lively forward Aaron Clarke continued his excellent recent form when he rose highest at the back post to bury a set piece, superbly delivered by Ashton.

The Magpies completed their comeback victory when Richard Howard showed pace and strength to shrug off a defender and smashed the ball home for 2-1. Lacey said: "Young Aaron scored his second goal in three games and then who else but Richie Howard showed pure strength to get one-on-one with the 'keeper and he smashed the ball in."

Lacey praised the back four for their resilience during the first 45 minutes when his side were struggling to find their fluency. He said: "When we weren't showing any quality we had to dig in and the back four did that. This was something we maybe had to learn because when we started we set up with a 4-3-3 and had a total attack policy. We conceded too many but now we have found the right balance.

"Greg Deacon and Neil Jordan have formed an outstanding central midfield partnership and they give security to the defence while Greg also gives us that attacking option."

The Magpies face a tough test at Kentish Town on Saturday and will be hoping to make it a triple celebration as director of football Craig Johnstone gets married and also celebrates his birthday. Lacey said: "We wish Craig and his wife to be Caroline all the best.