HERTFORD TOWN CHARITY SHIELD GLORY

 

HERTFORD TOWN'S TRAVELLING ARMY OF FANS WENT HOME VERY HAPPY!

Tuesday evening was one to remember for Hertford Town as they lifted the Hertfordshire FA Charity Shield with a 1-0 victory over London Colney at The County Ground, Letchworth. 

It was what many people watching would call a controversial sending off in the first half for Colney's ex Hertford Town midfielder Harry Sedgely that was the talking point of the game. After a strong tackle he came together with Hertford's midfielder Kardan Campbell and in the ensuing tangle his arm/elbow connected with Campbell's face. Was it intentional? Have a look at the video from 3mins 25secs and you can make a decision? There is a slow motion replay as well.

The man in the middle Lee Grimsey, after consulting his assistant, showed Sedgely a straight read card which angered many fans who had made the journey from Cotlandswick. The official had already handed out a number of yellow cards on what became a busy night for him. A short while later after another decision made against Colney he dismissed their manager Ryan Thompson from the touchline after an exchange of words. 

In the second half it still looked an evenly matched game with Colney working hard and looking like a team who have only conceded just 20 goals in 25 league games played this season and are currently on an unbeaten run of eight games (six wins and two draws) in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division. It was they who had the best of the chances in the first 10-15 minutes of the second half. Their forward James Ewington (recently signed from Potters Bar Town) had some good goal scoring opportunities.

Hertford got their break on 67 minutes when a Leigh Rose shot was blocked but at a second attempt it was deflected into the corner of the net for him to score the all important goal. 

Tommy Wade so nearly made it 2-0 with only minutes to go when his shot rattled the post after some neat work from the impressive right-back Da'Jour Buffonge. 

At the end of the game the Hertford players ran towards their loyal travelling fans and celebrated their win with manager Paul Halsey jumping in and joining the bundle too. These were fantastic scenes and shows what non-league football is all about in that there is a special bond between the players and fans at this level the Premier League just can't replicate. 

Halsey, who is in his first full season in charge at Hertford Town, picks up his first piece of silverware along with his assistant (ex Enfield Town player) Ricci Crace. 

HERTFORD TOWN'S MANAGER PAUL HALSEY WITH A VERY HAPPY SUPPORTER

HERTFORD TOWN CAPTAIN & FAN'S FAVOURITE TOMMY WADE (WADE WADE!!) WITH THE SHIELD

MORE CELEBRATIONS IN THE HERTFORD TOWN CHANGING ROOM

The game was played in front of a good crowd of 250 people. The Cold End man of the match award went to Hertford's Kardan Campbell who worked his socks off in the midfield areas. He has is Hertford's longest serving player having been at the club since 2011. 

FULL MATCH HIGHLIGHTS ARE BELOW which are a must watch if you're a Hertford Town fan and for that red card incident from 3mins 25secs. What would you do if you were the referee?