We arrived at Long Road only to find our Hertfordshire opposition already there and keen to start warming up. This should have been a sign of what was to come…

The team of M4s regulars bolstered by newly-discovered midfield star, Seb Dias, and a guest appearance from South veteran Tim Clapp started well, soaking up everything the opposition could throw at us. We even managed to get into their D on several occasions but, alas, couldn't create any real scoring opportunities. They were clearly the more skillful side but, largely due to some spectacular saves from 'Mr Clean Sheet' Saint-Gower, they were unable to snatch a first half advantage.

The second half started in much the same vein but it wasn't long before a dominant opposition took the lead despite further goalkeeping excellence from MoM Saint-Gower, including a reflex reaction to a well executed drag flick, neatly deflected over the crossbar. With the home team tiring, Hertford quickly secured a second and followed it shortly with a third.

The secret of their success? They passed the ball well when they had possession and when we had it they closed us down quickly and effectively. Simple stuff really, but it works. Something we can learn from.

A well deserved MoM for Matt S-G, desperately trying to keep his eleventh(?) clean sheet in a row. An equally well deserved LoM for Tom Steed for a highly dramatic face plant, only to be repeated later on by Steed senior in the M5s game but fortunately not witnessed by the match reporter!