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MATCH REPORT - December 04, 2004

OPPOSITION
VENUE
SURFACE

RESULT

GOAL SCORERS

It was the game everyone had been waiting for, with both teams unbeaten going into Saturday's top of the table clash. WGC4 had dropped 2 points a few weeks earlier in a 3-3 draw against an improving Blueharts team and there was clear a determination in the Welwyn camp to get back to the top of the table by beating Potters Bar on Saturday.

However, it was Potters Bar who started the stronger and who dominated the early part of the game. A strengthened midfield allowed Bar to control the ball - they spread the ball wide where possible and created a number of chances in the opening 10 minutes, resulting in 2 short corners. Welwyn cleared both and it was obvious that this was going to be a tight match with both defences successfully closing down attacks. Potters Bar though, were employing two rotating subs to bring on fresh legs and keep pressure on Welwyn whenever they got the ball - allowing them to control the midfield and keep attacking.

The breakthrough for Potters Bar came on 20 minutes with a goal from Andy Latham and with 5 minutes to go before half time Nick Gregory made it 2-0 with a fine strike under the keeper. The level of possession that Potters Bar had meant the halftime scoreline was justified, although unexepected, and reflected the teamwork and high workrate throughout the team.

Welwyn were clearly not going to lie down, desperately wanting to win to regain top spot in the division. They came back strongly in the second half with a re-organised side, managing to clear their lines more effectively and win more of the ball in midfield to set up a number of penetrating attacks. However, the Potters Bar keeper and back four were equal to the task, playing safe when necessary and looking to release the midfield if possible.

The workrate throughout the game was fantastic with the rotating subs in midfield allowing constant chasing down of the ball - but although Potters Bar continued to attack and pressure the Welwyn defence a third goal to put the game out of reach wouldn't come.

As the half wore on Welwyn got stronger and with 15 mins to go, following a goal mouth scramble, they made it 2-1 to set up a frantic finish to the game. Potters Bar still managed some good breaks in last 10 minutes but couldn't score. The final phase of the game produced some nervous defending with Bar conceding a number of short corners, but each time the ball was cleared. Eventually the whistle came and Potters Bar recorded a well deserved win and 3 points to regain the top of the table.


Team: Alan Field, Spencer Hunt, Chris Edwards, Richard Atkins, Andy Bye, Paul Brady, Owen Hughes, Chris Wood, Danny Becker, Liam Frame, Nick Gregory, Adam Pigden, Andy Latham.