London Colney suffered a 2-1 home defeat to struggling Stotfold in the South Midlands Premier Division on Saturday.

Jimmy Hartley went close with one of his fiercely struck free-kicks and Yasin Boodhoo just failed to get a vital touch inside the box after Shaun Murphy had touched on a James Bundey free-kick from the right wing.

The visitors opened the scoring when Aaron Browne’s effort from the left was deflected into the path of Nyasha Sagwete and he drove the ball into the roof of the net.

The Blueboys nearly quickly replied when Spencer Clarke-Mardel unleashed a shot which Michael Johnson just managed to get his fingertips to and push the ball around the post.

Scott Sinclair and Sagwete both went close for Stotfold while Hartley and Cain Davey also had efforts on goal for the hosts.

A powerful free-kick by Hartley was pushed round the post by Johnson as they pushed for an equaliser.

The visitors extended their lead after the break when Charlie May failed to hold onto an effort from Sinclair and Sam Pemberton bundled the ball over the line from close range.

Dan Power tried his luck from long range but his shot was pushed over the bar.

New signing Sean Ridgway fired over the bar and Hartley also had a effort just skim the bar as the Blueboys stepped up the pressure.

The visitors nearly added another but Sagwete's drive was tipped round the post by May.

Keeper May almost scored an unlikely effort but his free-kick from inside his own half but Johnson managed to stop the ball crossing the line.

With about eight minutes to go the Blueboys pulled a goal back when Power sent over a cross from the left and Greg Shaw sent a header into the back of the net.

London Colney were due to face Berkhamsted away yesterday [Tuesday] in the Premier Division Cup semi-final. The Blueboys host Berkhamsted in the last four of the Challenge Trophy tomorrow [Thursday].

Matt Newman was rewarded with a trophy celebrating scoring more than 100 goals for the club in nearly three seasons.

Meanwhile London Colney Blues beat Harpenden Rovers 1-0 in the Webster Cup with a goal from Connor McGrath.