Harpenden Town came back from five weeks off due to bad weather to thump Arlesey Town Reserves 4-2 at Rothamsted Park in South Midlands Division One on Saturday.

Strikers Jimmy Hill and Harry Hunt got two goals each. Hill marked his return after four months off with injury while Hunt celebrated the birth of his son Leo with his brace.

Manager Danny Plumb said: “We made it hard work after 35 days without a game and difficult conditions to contend with but our perseverance paid off in the end.

“I thought Charlie Gould in midfield played well and Jimmy and Harry combined well up front so I am very pleased.”

Harpenden squandered some early chances but after 35 minutes Hill – on the edge of the six yard box – crossed to Hunt who slotted the ball past the keeper for 1-0.

Arlesey fought back to level the match just two minutes later when they scored from a well placed free kick on the edge of the box.

Town could have gone ahead a minute later when Ben Warren hit the bar.

In the second half Arlesey went ahead from the penalty spot but Harpenden were also awarded a spot kick after a foul on Hunt which allowed Hill to score.

The game remained tight but Harpenden could have easily scored another couple but for great saves from Arseley keeper Alfie Hickman.

Harpenden finally broke the deadlock after 87 minutes when a Hunt cross was flicked on by Gould and Hill got on the end of it for his second with a thumping header into the top corner for 3-2.

The hosts sealed the points in injury time when Alex Yearwood set up Hunt for the fourth goal.