Harpenden Town’s start to life in the Spartan South Midlands League was almost perfect – until a late goal on Tuesday denied them a second victory.

They were leading 1-0 at home to Hoddesdon Town until a goalmouth scramble three minutes from time brought the visitors level.

They actually topped the table before the game after a hugely-impressive 6-2 win over Hadley on Saturday and would have still been there had they hung on against The Lilywhites.

But manager Danny Plumb is still delighted at the way his side have started the campaign.

He said: “It is always disappointing to be 1-0 up with a few minutes to go but to get four points from two games after being promoted you have got to be happy.

“We could have done with a bit of luck going our way [against Hoddesdon] and need more sharpness. So we will focus on getting sharper and keep training hard.

“It shows we can compete at the higher level.

“The players were really pleased after some disappointing cup games and there was a great atmosphere in the changing rooms.

“I want us to be really competitive and see where it takes us and that is all I can ask but I am really enjoying it.”

Both goalkeepers shone midweek in what was a fantastic attacking game which could have easily seen six goals.

As it was Harpenden’s only goal came on half-time when James Ewington picked up a pass on the left, moved inside beating three players and shot into the corner.

Connor Sansom had turned away the intital effort for Hoddesdon’s equaliser but Harps couldn’t fully clear and the ball was bundled home.

But if the goalkeepers were the stars on Tuesday, the honours went to central defender Dwanyne Duncan on Saturday with a hat-trick of headed goals.

Plumb said: “Dwayne had a sensational game and was good defensively but to score three times with the head was outstanding.”

David Keenleyside added the fourth before Ewington and Jake Anthony, a new signing from St Albans City’s youth team, completed the scoring.

Harpenden now face Edgware Town at Rothamsted Park on Saturday before going to London Tigers on Tuesday.