JACK BARLETT HEADER SENDS HERTFORD TOWN THROUGH AGAINST COCKFOSTERS

Despite there being only one goal in this game it was a very entertaining and competitive one with both sides clearly putting everything in to the Dudley Lathom Memorial Cup Round One (aka the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division Cup) tie. Hertford Town manager Gavin Kelsey made six changes to the side that started the league 3-2 win at home to Berkhamsted on Saturday - his side would of gone into the game in a confident mood with The Blues making their best start to a league campaign since 1964 winning all four games played. Cockfoster's boss Dean Barker has been building a good young side at Chalk Lane and they have made a respectable start to their league campaign winning three and losing two of their games played. They were missing striker Ioannis Varouxakis who has made the move to Vanarama National South side Bishops Stortford - he made his first start for Gordon Boateng's side in last night's 0-0 draw at Concord Rangers. 

'Fosters created the best chances in the first 20 minutes or so with Hertford keeper Reece Buck making some good saves. Mark Summers had the home side's best effort of the first effort from close range saved by Tautis Poniskaitis in the 'Foster's goal. Twenty year old winger Emmanuel Melford-Rowe showed some great skill and pace causing the Hertford back four problems throughout the game and likewise for Hertford their winger Tyler Hatherly put in an impressive performance on the left handside of midfield.

There was some drama just before half time when referee Terence Barnes went down with a leg injury but credit to him he carried on even for around ten minutes of the second half as assistant referee before a replacement arrived. Always respect the referee!

The all important goal was scored by centre-back Jack Bartlett (formerly of Hadley, St Margaretsbury and Hoddesdon Town) who rose highest and looped a header from a corner kick into the net on 70 minutes.   

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS 

 

Both sides can take many positives from this game into their next fixtures. On Saturday Hertford Town have a very important FA Vase game against Essex Senior League side Clapton FC who with their famous Ultra fans will make it a great atmosphere at Hertingfordbury Park on Saturday. It should be a very well attended game and I highly recommend a visit if you are local to the area.

Cockfosters host Oxhey Jets in a league fixture - I would also highly endorse a visit to Chalk Lane as Dean Barker is building a fantastic team that is progressing well and playing some really entertaining football. 

HERTFORD TOWN V CLAPTON IS A MASSIVE GAME IN THE FA VASE. WHY NOT MAKE YOUR WAY DOWN TO HERTINGFORDBURY PARK ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON?

COCKFOSTERS FOOTBALL CLUB FORTHCOMING FIXTURES FOR SEPTEMBER
Saturday 10th September - OXHEY JETS 
Tuesday 13th September - St Margaretsbury
Saturday 17th September - WELWYN GARDEN CITY
Tuesday 20th September - HATFIELD TOWN (League Challenge Trophy)
Saturday 24th September - FA VASE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND 
Tuesday 27th September - TRING ATHLETIC 

HERTFORD TOWN FC FORTHCOMING FIXTURES FOR SEPTEMBER
Saturday 10th September - CLAPTON - (FA VASE) 
Saturday 17th September - STOTFOLD 
Tuesday 20th September - St Margaretsbury 
Saturday 24th September - FA VASE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND* 
Saturday 27th September - LONDON TIGERS 
* subject to result versus Clapton