Home Vs London Lions

An atmosphere of total disbelief at Gosling Stadium on Saturday evening after Hatfield Town suffered another cup exit on penalties.

For this Herts Senior Centenary Trophy First Round against London Lions. Both sides made their intentions clear on winning this tie. Hatfield took the lead when MATT HODGES was fouled in the penalty area. STEVEN HARPER scored the resulting spot kick; 1-0 to Hatfield Town. Both teams created chances but failed to deliver up until the half time interval.

The second half started as the first half ended with both sides playing counter attacking football when the opportunities arose. Finally on 54 minutes London Lion’s MAX KYTE broke through Hatfield Town defense to score the equalizing goal. Hatfield’s response on 55 minutes was to substitute CRISTIANO NETO for JACK PLUNKETT, to change the playing formation. Resulting on 78 minutes a move down the right hand side with a cross by CHRIS WEBB allowing AARON LEWIS to score after the Lion’s defense failed to clear properly. AARON LEWIS promptly volleyed the ball goal bound to make the score 2-1 Hatfield. Three minutes later GARY WARN was replaced by JACK DAVIS, who was making his debut for Hatfield Town, a promising display shown by the player. Into injury time the sting arrived by the awarding of a penalty to London Lion’s. The decision was correct by referee O’brien, for this was a massive error of judgement by a blue boy's defender. Final score 2-2 after 90+minutes. Extra time beckoned, and was played as much as the first 90 minutes with both sides missing chances. The drama of a penalty shoot out was too much for the blue boys losing 4-5. Congratulations must go to our visitor’s for snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

Man of the match