Bengeo Tigers FC

Fine weather and a good playing surface at the Meads welcomed the teams which, for both, was their first match for a month. Sumatrans were keen to build upon the good work they had done in the matches on the run-up to Christmas and to make amends for Hertford’s 5 nil drubbing of Sumatrans at Sele back in October.

Today’s starting line up had Sam Rider in goal, Zack, Kyle, Jack and Richard in defence, James Levy out left, Chris, Joe and Tyler in the middle and Robert out right with James Brett the lone striker. Calum, Craig, Sam Milne and Ben starting on the bench.

From kick-off Sumatrans started well. A break in the opening minutes created a goal scoring opportunity when the ball fell to James Brett who ran it into Hertford’s penalty box but, with only the keeper to beat, was unable to control his shot which saw the ball fly wide of the target. Hertford responded a few minutes later when their attack led to a flurry in Bengeo’s area and a shot which ricocheted off the right hand post for a goal kick.

On the 6^th minute nice passing play between James Levy and Chris started from the half way line and between them they took the ball up the left, deep into Hertford territory and led to a pass to Joe who cracked a long shot which rose just over the bar. Three minutes later Sumatrans fed the ball out to Robert who ran it down the right, looked up, steadied himself and floated a well struck cross into the box which James Brett connected with but unfortunately skied over the bar for what he knew could well have been his second goal in 10 minutes! On the quarter hour a similar build up on the right saw Robert charge the ball into the penalty box but this time chose to have a go himself, only to see his shot also fly wide of the goal.

A great Sumatrans start but, as the half continued, Hertford’s skilful team play seemed to earn them more of the possession and opening up further attacks. A 36^th minute Hertford charge down the right took a fully sprinting Zack to time a terrific tackle to dispossess the attacker close to the box to deny Hertford the shot.

Kyle took a knock 5 minutes before half time so came off for a breather letting Richard move to central defence and Ben taking the right back slot to see in the half time whistle.

No player changes for the start of the second half but 10 minutes in saw Tyler replaced with the fresh legs of Craig and Jack made way for the return of Kyle in central defence to continue the battle. Two minutes later Hertford won a free kick 30 yds from Sumatrans goal. The well struck shot flew dangerously close to Sam’s right post but he had it covered and palmed the ball safely wide of the goal to be sure.

Bengeo looked much more comfortable than the latter the stages of the first half; the defence cutting short Hertford’s attacks. A terrific spell midway through the half saw the Sumatrans midfield repeatedly win the ball, Chris, James Levy and Craig linking up well to push into the opponent’s half and look for the pass up to the ever eager Robert. James Levy dug deep to make a determined 56^th minute charge up the left, a good 50 yds, passed a couple of players to make a cross to further pressure Hertford’s defence.

Just after the hour Zack was rested, James Brett moved into Zack’s spot and Calum took over from James on right wing.

The last 15 minutes were nervy; neither team wanting to give the lead away. Sam Milne relieved Sam Rider in goal, determined to keep the clean sheet. End to end play provided both sides sight of goal but it was Sumatrans who had the most chances, particularly in the last 5 minutes when they won corners from the left and right. James Brett supplied his curling left foot corner from the right flag and Robert floated his equally proficient deliveries from the left but despite a thrilling goal line scramble in the final minute, Sumatran’s couldn’t net before the final whistle.

A terrific Sumatran performance against the tough and skilful Hertford, a good follow-on from the pre-Christmas results, a useful point for the table and a great start to the second half of the season.

Well done to men of the match Kyle Bates and Chris Moss.

Lloyd Adams