Harpenden Town scored a cracking Christmas win by beating Hatfield Town 3-1 at home in Spartan South Midlands League Division One on Saturday.

Manager Danny Plumb said: "The pitch made conditions really awkward and that's how Hatfield got their goal as defenders lost their footing.

"But I thought our players put in some good performances and with players coming back I thought we did really well.

"Now we need consistency to get up the table."

The match was marred by Hatfield Town's managerr Pearman being sent off for abusing the linesman.

And Harpenden suffered a setback when Sean Givenaud was stretchered off with a serious back injury that needed hospital treatment.

Harpenden took the lead after just five minutes when Tom Collin threaded a ball through to striker Harry Hunt on the right who slotted the ball away from a tight angle.

Hatfield played their way back into the match and Town were saved with strong tackling from captain Tony Golder and Mike Davis in the back four.

On 60 minutes Harpenden scored a second when a cross from Joe Ingman was just too high for Jimmy Warner but curled into the corner of the net as the goalie was distracted.

Harpenden's defence was caught out on the right by the muddy conditions and Hatfield drew one back after 72 minutes.

But Hunt made it safe on 85 minutes when he headed down a corner from the right which appeared to go over the line then pounced in the goalmouth scramble to toe punt the ball into the net for a 3-1 victory.

  • Harpenden play Wodson Park at home on the Christmas bank holiday Monday on December 28 at 3pm in Rothamsted Park and are hoping for a bumper turn out from fans. Kids will get in for free and their should be festive treats to keep fans warm.