| OPPOSITION | Stevenage 3rd XI |
| VENUE | Home |
| DATE | 28-01-2007 |
| RESULT | Won 2-1 |
Potters Bar took on a strong Stevenage side who had only lost one league game so far this season and had beaten Potters Bar 5-0 in their last meeting back in October 2006. From the start it was evident that this result would not be repeated as Bar put Stevenage under some early pressure. A penetrating attack from Potters Bar captain Paul Brady put Andy Latham through on goal and Latham's shot produced a fine diving save from the keeper. Stevenage then found their feet and won a couple of short corners, but the Bar defense was out quickly on both occasions and prevented a clean shot on goal.
With about 30 seconds to go until half time, a Stevenage midfielder produced a maizey run and despite numerous attempts to stop him, he made it into the Bar D. With challenges flying in he showed composure to pass to the waiting centre forward who swept it into the goal via the post. It was not what Bar deserved as they felt they had the better of the half. Rob Donoghue and Richard Atkins in particular, had both been playing well at the back.
In the second half, Bar upped their game and for long periods Stevenage were barely able to get out of their own half. Try as they might, Bar couldn't score until 16 old Tony Sayers produced some magic. Receiving the ball on the right hand touch line, he beat two defenders, dribbled into the circle and expertly chipped the ball over the keeper. It was a candidate for goal of the season in what was Sayers first full game for the 1st team.
With confidence high, Bar created a number of other chances, one falling again to Sayers whose airborne shot hit a defender in the chest. With 15 minutes to go Chris Wood made a strong run down the right and crossed to Richard Atkins whose first time shot from the top of the D was too good for the Stevenage keeper. With Potters Bar now leading 2-1 they prepared to defend hard. However the expected Stevenage onslaught never came and Bar continued to attack their opponents. The best chance for Stevenage came on a counter attack when a forward beat a Bar defender and had a free shot on goal. Luckily it hit the Bar keeper David Smith on the wrist and deflected wide.
The game soon ended and Bar celebrated an outstanding result. This week Bar travel to Berkhamsted to try to extend their unbeaten league run to 8 games.
Team:
Dave Smith, Rob Donoghue, Ed Newbery, Chris Edwards, Richard Atkins, Andy Stokes, Paul Brady (capt),
Chris Wood, Owen Hughes, Adam Pigden, Andy Latham, Tony Sayers, James Latham
Umpire: Alan Field
Goal scorers:
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| Tony Sayers | Richard Atkins |