Herts WFL Over 60's

The new season of the Herts WFL Over 60's took place today, Wednesday 4th March and as we left the clubhouse at 8am, yes 8am, the weather was dry but extremely misty. The reason for the early start was you can never rely on the M25 being clear. Today, however we arrived at the venue -  Cheshunt FC at 8.45am, an hour and half before kick-off at 10.20am.

This gave us plenty of time to warm up and get ready for what we knew would be four hard and close fought games and so it proved.

First up was Cheshunt where we bossed possesion, created a few chances and kept them to very few, in fact all that John Durrant had to do was to pick the ball out of the net, after a penalty was awarded to Cheshunt for four very dubious running offences! 1-0 the final score. Almost immediately we were in action again against Grange Paddocks. Again we dominated possesion without really working their goalkeeper. Our defence, marshalled by the ever dependable Cliff Leat stood firm and John Durrant as always, managed the shots they created with ease. Gary Pratchett making his debut in this tournament created some good chances down the left but Michael Cocomazzi and Alastair Greene, who are normally our main threats up front, didn't really get any clear cut chances. 0-0 the final score.

Our third game was against Welwyn Extra Time and again this was a tight game with both keepers saving some excellent shots. However, with Welwyn on three running offences, and with what would have been their fourth, (but was dismissed by the ref) they went in front with an unstoppable shot. 1-0 the final score.

I have to say that throughout the morning our lads held their heads high and worked their socks off for each other with John Cahillane and Ken Rose defending and when required attacking with style. 

Our final game was against Inter Muswell Hill RIP featuring their 'Road Runner' striker. Unfortunately, having been penalised twice for running he managed a quick turn and shot to put them in the lead and shortly after half-time, with what could have been a third offence for running, put them two up. It was harsh on the lads, because Cliff Leat had managed him quite well throughout the game. However, two further running offences did give us the opportunity to get one back and Ken Rose despatched the penalty with aplomb. Even though he was made to take it twice. 2-1 the final score.

So all in all a disappointing morning with fine margins being our downfall.  In most of the games we dominated possesion without creating many real clear cut chances. 

But we will take the positives from this and move on to the next set of matches in April. One good point was the referee did comment about our conduct telling our captain Cliff Leat, that he was a gentleman!!