HONOURS EVEN IN HERTFORDSHIRE DERBY

MATCH PLAYED ON SATURDAY 19th MARCH  2016

THE BLUE AND THE CITIZENS SHARE POINTS

For those reading not familiar with the geography of Hertfordshire just five miles separate the Hertingfordbury Park and Herns Lane homes of Hertford Town and Welwyn Garden City so this was a real local derby. Although close neighbours this was only the fifteenth meeting between them with Hertford having the best of things winning eleven of those and Welwyn just three times - Up until Saturday afternoon there had never been a draw between the two. 

Going into the game Paul Halsey's visitors were in fourth place in the division with Adam Fisher's side in eighth position. The reverse game played in December was somewhat feisty and eventful affair with The Citizens winning 2-5 with the Hertford manager and coach (ex Enfield Town man Michael Bardle) being sent off along with Welwyn's Josh Bronti. From the start it seemed young referee Jack Bloxham and his assistants were in for a busy afternoon when some pushing and shoving occurred with both sets of players seemingly fired up and wanting to win the game. Thankfully that was the only flash point during the 90 minutes of a game which was never a classic but had some talking points all the same. 

Both keeper's were largely untroubled in the first half which The Citizen's shaded just in my opinion. The Citizens took the lead when the lively David Parkinson crossed for Luke Robins to score from close range (not captured on camera). Kieron Clayton was making his debut in the home goal having been signed from neighbour's Stevenage FC's development scheme as first choice keeper Joe Croft was away playing darts, back-up Freddie Hester watching Watford and youth team keeper currently injured. 

Clayton was picking the ball out of the net just prior to half-time when Hatherley scored from the penalty spot following Yasin Boodhoo's push on Leigh Rose whose physical power was a thorn in Welwyn's back line throughout the game. Was it a penalty or not? - Judge for yourself on the replay below from 1m 40secs. I think the referee who was excellently positioned made the right decision.

Just after half-time it was 1-2 when Rose used his power to hold off a challenge and smash the ball into the net to the delight of the visiting fans who exchanged some good natured banter with the Welwyn supporter's under the stand on the side of the pitch. Parkinson (aka Bullet) then made it 2-2 when he got the last touch from a corner at the back post - looking at the replay the Hertford defence will be disappointed to concede in this manner I think.  Could there have been another penalty kick given towards the end of the game for the challenge on Leigh Rose right in front of the Hertford fans - see from 3m 55secs????  

Overall the 2-2 result was about right with Hertford boss Halsey (pictured above) happy with the point gained.

HANDSHAKES - AFTER A TOUGH LOCAL DERBY ALL WERE FRIENDS AFTER 90 MINUTES PLAYED

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS 
not including Welwyn's first goal as it was not captured on camera

HERTFORD'S TRAVELLING SUPPORTERS HAD A GOOD DAY OUT IN WELWYN -THEY MADE UP A GOOD NUMBER OF THE 112 PEOPLE PRESENT

Hertford Town travel to 3rd placed London Colney on Tuesday evening for an important league fixture - Welwyn Garden City are the "visitors" to Herns Lane on Wednesday night when Codicote host them in the League Challenge Trophy Semi-Final - the game has been switched from the Gosling Stadium.