SSML Premier Division rivals London Colney and Hertford Town set to lock horns at the County Ground

London Colney manager Ryan Thompson has launched a stinging tirade against Hertford Town ahead tonight’s Hertfordshire Charity Shield final at the County Ground, Letchworth.

The South Spartan Midlands League sides will lock horns tonight with all guns blazing and manager Thompson’s vituperative barrage should stoke the flames of war even more.

“They are well known for diving and cheating, with their players writhing in agony,” said Thompson. “They are renowned for their indiscipline, they are a dirty team and every manager in the league knows it.”

Tempers flared when the two sides met just over a fortnight ago when Colney won 3-0 at Hertford and tensions could be at breaking point again for this final clash.

Six-time Shield winners Town had their match versus Oxhey Jets in December abandoned following a mass brawl and were charged by the FA and fined £150 – the Jets were awarded a 2-0 win.

Colney’s recent form is outstanding, losing just once in nine games in all competitions whereas the Blues have a solitary win in seven matches but Thompson said recent form will have no bearing on the game.

“It is very special to be in the final,” Thompson said. “It’s an important step for us in the season and it’s a great reward for the hard work these talented players have put in.”

Thompson’s side, boasting the meanest defence in the division, have romped to the final, scoring 12 goals in three games and conceding just once, while Hertford have steadily improved in each round.

Both sides will be at full strength, bar Blueboys absentee Danny Fitzgerald, for tonight’s fiery clash with Colney looking to win this trophy for the fourth time.