Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division

Saturday 22nd September


Hertford Town            3-0              Hatfield Town

Marvin Samuels 2, 14 (116)

Malachi Brissett 86


Hatfield arrived at Hertford off the back of a 3-0 win against Colney Heath and hoping to continue their good form. The squad was boosted by the return of ex-Hatfield player Jason Beck on a midweek signing to the club.

The game kicked off ten minutes early, and many fans missed the second minute goal as Hertford took advantage of a slow start by Hatfield, with Marvin Samuels opening the scoring.

Hatfield struggled to get in to their stride, and Marvin struck again 10 minutes later to double the lead.

This seemed to finally wake Hatfield up, and they started to play some passing football as they matched Hertford for the rest of the first half.

The game was incredibly open, with both teams attacking with fluid passing play.

Scott Mongomery was busy in the Hatfield goal, and was required to flick the ball over the crossbar as a header looked bound for goal.

The second half started in a similar vein as the first ended, with end to end football and lots of chances. However, Hatfield were unable to capitalise on any of the chances, so manager Mike Hollister decided to change the attack as he brought Jason Beck on. His impact was immediate as he headed a cracking cross from the right and was a whisker away from scoring as the ball flashed past the right post.

This gave Hatfield the impetus, and soon after Jason received the ball on the edge of the area and broke in to the box. He was then clearly fouled and everyone in the ground awaited the whistle that never came.

Stunned by the decision, Hatfield continued to plug away, but Hertford were starting to create their own chances, one sliding past the right post.

Daryl Smith and the rest of the Hatfield defence were very busy with last ditch tackles and poor Hertford finishing keeping the score at 2-0, and it only seemed a matter of time when Malachi Brissett scored the third and decisive goal in the 86th minute.

Hatfield didn't let their heads dropped and battled to the end, but the early goals had been their undoing.


Hatfield travel to St Margaretsbury on Saturday 29th for their next match in the league.