Harpenden continue good form with win at Hoddesdon

HARPENDEN Town boss Ryan Thompson says a top six finish is the aim for his side after a good 4-2 win at Hoddesdon Town on Saturday.

For the second week running Craig Knightly was the star man giving the Hoddesdon defence a torrid afternoon and scoring Town’s second goal.

Thompson believes Knightly’s strike, which doubled the lead given to Town by Will Bates’ 18th minute effort, was the club’s best goal this season.

“Craig Knightly on the right was outstanding. He gave the defender a nightmare last week and it was the same this week.

“The second goal was probably the best of the game and this season. Ricky Tahon played the ball out wide to Craig who played a one-two with Aaron (Clarke) before beating three men and slotting home.

“They couldn’t deal with the pace and movement and Ant Burns and Ricky Tahon gave us a real platform to play from.”

Two goals from Aaron Clarke in the second half sealed the three points for Town despite the home side finding the net twice and Thompson says the only downside was his team could easily have had more goals.

“The only thing was it could have been more again. Last week against Stony Stratford it could easily have been six or seven and it was a similar story this week but it was a good win.”

Town’s season has been blighted by long term injuries to players like Knightly, Clarke and Tony Golder but that situation has eased in recent weeks and Thompson believes that is highlighted by the side’s up turn in fortunes.

“It makes a big difference with the majority of the squad available. We’ve got a few knocks but hopefully we can stay clear of big injuries and get ourselves on a run.”

Harpenden were at London Lions last night (Wednesday) after the Herts Advertiser went to press. After last night’s game Thompson’s side only had Kings Langley and Berkhamsted left to play from the top sides with the rest of Town’s games featuring teams in and around them in mid-table.

“We haven’t really been on a run this season, apart from right at the start,” explained Thompson.

“We’ve set ourselves a target of a top six finish and if we can get a run of results anything can happen. After tonight (Wednesday), we’ve only got Kings Langley and Berko to play and the rest of our games are against sides around us so hopefully we can get on a roll.”