FIRST-HALF strikes from Larell Smith and Aaron Gooch proved the difference as Colney Heath fell to a 2-1 defeat against Arlesey Town on Saturday.

Harvey Scott hit back for Colney in the second period, but his effort proved to be in vain as the home side held on to take the victory.

Colney started the better of the two sides and caused a number of problems from corner kicks and free-kicks which were taken by Charlie Hunter and found the danger area.

Despite looking threatening, Heath found themselves trailing with 11 minutes on the clock after Hunter made an error to let the ball run out for a corner.

Ash Fuller swung the set-piece to the back post where James Hatch was on hand to nod back across goal and Smith was able to fire home.

The visitors looked to mount a response to the early setback and made a number of chances but couldn't force a leveller.

Their hopes of coming back into the game were made and all the more unlikely before the interval when another corner proved to be their undoing.

Fuller was the man to put the ball into the box and Gooch was completely free to head home.

The half-time interval saw Heath attempt to regroup, but it still took the introduction of Scott to really spark a response.

Scott had already seen a low drive tipped around the post when he grabbed the goal which gave his side the sniff of a comeback on 55 minutes.

His strike came after the Magpies drove forward down the left wing and a whipped cross found Scott who converted with a diving header.

The goal proved to be little more than a consolation for Heath as the Arlesey Town defence stood firm to hold onto their lead until the full-time whistle.

Scott came closest to scoring an elusive equaliser, but saw his instinctive late shot hit the post.