Winslow fight back twice to hold Harpenden

Harpenden Town fought out a close run 2-2 draw with Winslow United away from home on Saturday after being ahead twice in the SSML Division One match.

It was the first game in six weeks for Harpenden thanks to the quirks of the fixture programme and weather disruption.

Manager Danny Plumb said: “I am very disappointed that we only got a draw after being ahead twice but it was our first game back after a six week lay off.

“Looking for positives, it was exciting to see youngsters coming up from the reserves and playing well. The lads showed a great deal of commitment and it was a good start to the second half of the season.”

Right from the start of the game Charlie Gould showed promise on the left and a shot from the edge of the box into the top corner produced a finger tip save from the Winslow keeper to deny Town after just seven minutes.

Harpenden took the lead early in the second half when Gould crossed from the left and Harry Hunt headed on to the post. Stu Henderson pounced on the rebound to hit a shot into the top of the net from close range.

Winslow equalised after 65 minutes when a corner led to a goalmouth scramble which was knocked in by James Bishop.

Then, after 82 minutes, Harpenden took the lead when Gould raced down the left to beat his man and slid the ball past the keeper into the far corner of the net. It was his first goal for Harpenden after coming up from the reserve team which was relaunched this season.

Just minutes later Winslow were awarded a disputed free kick outside the box and left back Hateley Mercer scored with a fantastic strike from 25 yards right into the corner of the net.

Harpenden’s next home match is against Hatfield Town on Saturday at 3pm in Rothamsted Park.