East Men s League Premier B Harpenden 2 Colchester 1 HARPENDEN made a good start to the season, beating a battling Colchester side 2-1 at Woollams on Saturday. Colchester looked to keep the game a low scoring one by playing a half court press

East Men's League Premier B

Harpenden 2 Colchester 1

HARPENDEN made a good start to the season, beating a battling Colchester side 2-1 at Woollams on Saturday.

Colchester looked to keep the game a low scoring one by playing a half court press for most of the game and rarely having attacking intentions in the first half.

Harpenden made a good start with an early goal from Russell Timms. It should have been two soon after when Todd Baines missed on his reverse from the top of the D.

Harpenden added a second half way through the second half with a well-struck corner from acting skipper Baines. Colchester scored soon after but Harpenden held their nerve for the last 10 minutes to win the game.

Harpenden travel to Bury St Edmunds on Saturday for a 1.30pm start as they look to make it two wins from two games.

In their opening fixture of the campaign, Harpenden II went down to a disappointing 4-1 defeat at Ford. Alan Clarke scored the goal for Harpenden with a good penalty stroke.

Harpenden III came away from local rivals Welwyn II with a fine win on Saturday in the East Hockey League.

Young forwards Alex Radgman and Alex Beggs made a positive impression for Harpenden, with the former at the heart of the good early attacking linking well with Andy Baradell. The introduction of Beggs provided the spark required as he burst forward and set up Jon Pagan to fire home the opening goal.

Welwyn hit back as Harpenden slackened off and two goals before half time turned the match around, giving the hosts the lead.

After the break Beggs showed his skills with an excellent run to set up Baradell who sent a flick high into the net.

Newcomer Keith Sohl was a constant threat down the right-hand side for Harpenden and even centre back Neil Liles got in on the attacking action with one memorable foray north of the half way line.

Harpenden sealed the win when a strike from Tom Preest was blocked on the line by an unmanned opposition stick. Harpenden were awarded a penalty flick, which skipper Evans confidently converted for 3-2.

Experienced defender Geoff Gould put in a flawless display at the back along with left back Martin Pugh and right back James Bird.

Harpenden IV had to be content with a draw in their opening league match of the season at home to Broxbourne. Harps applied plenty of pressure in the first half but only took the lead early in the second half through Matty Duffy. Broxbourne quickly equalised with the match finishing at 1-1.

Harpenden Ladies claimed their first point of the season in Division One South as they drew at Stevenage on Saturday.

Nicola Pendleton scored the goal for Harpenden as they recovered well from their opening defeat of the campaign at home the previous weekend.

Cathy Port was named Player of the Match for an inspirational display as Harpenden Ladies II beat Hertford II 2-0 on Saturday. An own goal put Harpenden ahead in the first half and Victoria Sandell doubled their advantage after the break with the second.

Harpenden firsts host Gravesend at the University of Hertfordshire, De Haviland on Saturday with an 11.30am start.