East Men s Premier A West Herts 0 St Albans 4 ST ALBANS Men took all three points in the derby against West Herts, running out 4-0 winners on a cold afternoon in Watford. Despite severe weather warnings during the week, and even snow flurries during the w

East Men's Premier A

West Herts 0 St Albans 4

ST ALBANS Men took all three points in the derby against West Herts, running out 4-0 winners on a cold afternoon in Watford.

Despite severe weather warnings during the week, and even snow flurries during the warm up, the game went ahead, although the cold weather seemed to affect both teams as the game started at a slow pace.

It was St Albans, however, who did have the better of the early exchanges. Some excellent work from midfielder Alan Miller earned the Tangerines two penalty corners, although the away side were unable to convert on either occasion.

St Albans did take the lead midway through the first half when some effective passing between captain Paul Cooper and coach Glenn Webster allowed the latter to pick out Stephen Hurworth on the far post, with the striker making no mistake from close range.

Despite this breakthrough, it took a smart save from the St Albans 'keeper Malcolm Yull to preserve his side's advantage into the half time break.

Both sides started the second half more positively knowing that the next goal would be crucial, and it was the league leaders who succeeded in doubling their lead.

After a good move forward Ed Cotter received the ball at the left edge of the West Herts circle, before driving powerfully towards goal. Cotter's elevated pass was met by Webster's incisive run towards the near post, and his clever deflection found its way in past the West Herts goalkeeper.

Webster then netted his second of the game when Miller committed the West Herts 'keeper before slipping the ball to the St Albans coach, who calmly slotted home into an empty net.

Even though the game now looked beyond the reach of the home team, West Herts still played with a positive approach, and it took some excellent work from Man of the Match Dan Hanson to keep the West Herts forwards at bay.

In the closing stages, St Albans exploited the space left by West Herts as they pressed forward.

Midfielder Tom Roberts ran powerfully down the left, before playing the ball towards the far post, only for the ball to be half controlled by the West Herts central defender. The ball fell invitingly for St Albans striker Dave Williams, who rounded the off-balance 'keeper and fired into an unguarded net.

The result means St Albans stay nine points clear with a game in hand at the top of the East Men's Premier A, and the Saints will look to keep up their winning run against Bishop's Stortford at Queenswood School this week.

St Albans Ladies lost 3-0 to third-placed Horsham on Saturday but Harpenden Men faired better winning 4-3 at Long Sutton.