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Wednesday 19 Nov 2008 - Division One Cup - Round 2
Crawley Green 2 v 1 Harpenden Town
Chapman
Harpenden Town travelled to Crawley Green for the second time this season, this time in the Division One Cup.
Town made 2 changes from Saturday's winning team, seeing Tom Warren and Paul Doonan replace Matt Armitage and Iaian Turkentine.
Crawley started the game the better and had more possession as Town struggled to keep hold of the ball on a very boggy pitch.
The first chance of the match fell to the Crawley Green striker who blazed over when well placed following a poor John Gregory clearance.
Town threatened on the break with Dan Jeffries hitting a spectacular long range effort just over, and Jimmy Warner having a good effort saved low down by the keeper.
Crawley Green deservedly took the lead 30 minutes in, through more poor defending, the striker however finished well into the top corner.
It was 1-0 at the break and Town just couldn't get their game going.
Town started the second half much better, and enjoyed a good 15 minute spell without really creating much, and were made to pay as Crawley doubled their lead on the hour with a good close range header.
Town introduced Mike Ross and Ian Shaw for Ben Dawes and Tom Warren to try and find a route back into the game, but Crawley Green were awarded a penalty to close the game out after a Nick Chapman tackle.
The penalty smashed against the crossbar and was cleared and this galvanised Town. Adam Smith was introduced as Town put 3 up front and they hit back in the 85 minute. A Chris Gregory free kick was flicked on in the box and the loose ball fell to Chapman who finished well. 2-1.
Town went all out for the equaliser and their chance came in the last minute as a Warner header and Jeffries pass fell to Richard Taaffe who dragged wide his left foot shot.
It would have been an undeserved equaliser, but Crawley held out to take the win.
Team: J. Gregory, Taaffe, Saul (c), Cartwright, Chapman, Warren, Jefferies, Doonan, Dawes, C. Gregory, Warner.
Subs Used: Ross, Shaw, Smith Not Used: Gilham, Armitage
Saturday 15 Nov 2008 - League
Harpenden Town 3 v 0 Tokyngton Manor
Dawes
Gregory
Jeffries
Harpenden Town's push for a top half finish continued as they defeated Tokyngton Manor 3-0.
Goals from Ben Dawes, Chris Gregory and Dan Jeffries ensured Town picked up 3 valuable points to see them rise to 9th in the league.
Squad: Lord, Taaffe, Saul (c), Cartwright, Armitage, Chapman, Turkentine, Jeffries, Dawes, Warner, Gregory.
Subs: Warren, Bates, Smith Not used:
Saturday 08 Nov 2008 - League
Harpenden Town 1 v 3 Hatfield Town
Ewington
Harpenden Town went down 3-1 to high flying Hatfield Town in wet and windy condition.
Manager Garzarolli welcomed Dan Jeffries and Jimmy Warner back to the squad but his team were overcome by a very good team.
Saturday 01 Nov 2008 - League
Sport London e Benfica 0 v 3 Harpenden Town
Ewington
Gregory
Doonan
Following last weeks disappointing defeat to Hoddesdon Town, Town were looking to put in a strong performance against Sport London e Benfica………..
Saturday 25 Oct 2008 - League
Hoddesdon Town 2 v 1 Harpenden Town
Doonan
Harpenden Town went into this tough game against Hoddesdon Town again missing some key players. Top scorer Iaian Turkentine was still suspended and captain Andy Saul still unavailable.
Manager Christian Garzarolli made only one change to the team that beat Ampthill Town last weekend, with keeper Matt Lord replacing John Gregory.
Town started brightly and took an early lead through a well worked corner set piece, that resulted in Will Bates crossing and Paul Doonan volleying home sweetly on his left foot to put Town 1 ahead.
It was a tight game and Hoddesdon gradually got on top by dominating the midfield, where they were playing 5 across, with one up front.
It wasn't long until Hoddesdon drew level following a succession of set pieces that Town failed to deal with. A corner whipped in from the left saw two Hoddesdon players unmarked, one of which headed home from close range.
Harpenden fought back and could well have re-taken the lead through Jimmy Warner. A good move and delivery from Matt Armitage saw Warner head just wide, and from the other flank Warner misjudged the delivery with just the keeper to beat.
One all was probably a fair reflection of the first half.
The second half began in much the same vein, with Hoddesdon on top in terms of possession and territory, but without creating any clear cut opportunities.
In fact the better opportunities fell to Harpenden, in particular to their striker James Ewington who was unlucky with 2 chances, seeing the keeper save well from an acute angle, but maybe should have done better after rounding the keeper and firing into the side netting following a great through ball from Dan Jefferies.
Town were then made to pay as Hoddesdon stole all 3 points after a cross from the right hand side was turned into his own net by an unfortunate Richard Taaffe.
Town made 2 changes, seeing Joe Burgess and Rob Gilham come on for Will Bates and Paul Doonan, and despite some good battling play from Gilham Town couldn't get the equaliser that they deserved.
To feel disappointed having more than matched their opponents show's how far the club has progressed over the last couple of months.
Town face Sport London e Benfica away on Saturday, and will look to bounce back with 3 points.
Team: Lord, Taaffe, Ross (c), Cartwright, Armitage, Bates, Jefferies, Turkentine, Dawes, Ewington, Warner.
Subs Used: Gilham Burgess Not Used: Shaw
Saturday 18 Oct 2008 - League
Harpenden Town 2 v 1 Ampthill Town
Ewington (2)
Town went into this game looking to bounce back from their first defeat in 6 games away at Kings Langley last week.
Manager Christian Garzarolli was forced into a number of changes with Captain Andy Saul and Chris Gregory away, top scorer Iaian Turkentine suspended, and Nick Chapman and Dave Keenleyside out injured.
This saw Jack Cartwright, Paul Doonan, Matt Armitage, Will Bates and Jimmy Warner come into the starting 11, with a further 5 squad players called up for the bench.
All the changes didn't seem to affect the side too much with Town starting the stronger of the 2 teams.
James Ewington went close early on, and half chances also fell to Doonan and Warner, who went close with a header following good work down the left by Armitage.
Warner thought he had given Town a deserved lead when he fired in a right footed thunderbolt from 20 yards out, but the whistle had already gone for offside.
Town couldn't turn their dominance into goals as further half chances went begging, and this saw Ampthill work there way back into the game with some decent possession in midfield but with no real punch up front with Cartwright and Ross solid at the back.
The game turned a little stale towards the end of the half as the teams went in level at the break.
Town came out strongly in the second half and continued to play the better football and control possession. Despite this, frustration was evident as they just couldn't take their chances with the Ampthill keeper pulling off a fine save from Warner and Dawes firing wide when well placed.
Warner then had a shot cleared off the line and the resulting goal mouth scramble ended in nothing.
Worryingly Ampthill looked dangerous from set pieces and they wasted their best chance of the game with their player firing high and wide.
Eventually the break through for Town came, albeit in fortunate circumstances. A ball down the line from Taaffe saw Ewington's pace take him away from the defender and his resulting cross flew over the keeper and into the top corner. A fortunate yet deserved goal to put Town 1 up with 30 minutes to play.
Town were forced into a change with Taaffe going off injured, seeing Ian Shaw slot in at right back, and Town continued to play good football and thought they had sealed the game when going 2 up. Good work from Dawes saw Ewington cut inside the defender and curl a left foot shot passed the outstretched keeper.
Ampthill were handed a life line with 5 minutes remaining following a free kick just outside the box. Poor communication saw only a 2 man wall in place, which allowed for an easy shot on target that John Gregory could only parry, and the rebound fell to the Ampthill substitute who couldn't miss from 5 yards out.
It was too little too late however, as Town recorded another 3 points that see's them consolidate their mid table position, with a tough game away at Hoddesdon Town next weekend.
A good all round performance considering the number of players not available, which highlights Town's strength in depth this season.
Manager Garzarolli will be happy to get another 3 points on the board, with his team performing well and confidence high.
Team: J.Gregory, Taaffe, Ross (c), Cartwright, Armitage, Bates, Jefferies, Doonan, Dawes, Warner, Ewington.
Subs Used: Shaw, Roe Unused: Warren, Ralphs, Dawson
Saturday 11 Oct 2008 - League
Kings Langley 2 v 1 Harpenden Town
Ewington
Harpenden's good run came to an end away at table toppers Kings Langley. Town scored through James Ewington from a great through ball by Jimmy Warner, and were unlucky not to take a point from the game. Town were reduced to 10 men following the sending off of Mike Ross with a straight red card.
Saturday 04 Oct 2008 - League
Harpenden Town 10 v 1 Bedford
Warner (3)
C Gregory (2)
Jefferies (2)
Ewington (1)
Turkentine (1)
Dawes (1)
After 4 wins on the bounce it was important for Harpenden Town not to get complacent at home against Bedford FC in Division 1 of the Sparta Midland League.
The side welcomed Nicolas Chapman who has just moved into the area and his timing was spot on as he started instead of the suspended Matt Armitage. Ian Turkentine returned following his suspension and Harpenden also welcomed back Jimmy Warner who started on the bench.
The game started at a high tempo and both sides were battling hard to take early control of the game. The first 15 minutes saw Harpenden have the better of the chances with Chris Gregory and James Ewington coming close.
It took 23 minutes to break the seal and old veteran Chris Gregory slotted home after a fantastic run down the right hand side from Richard Taaffe who drilled the ball across the box. This goal seemed to spur Bedford on and they managed to equalise 5 minutes later with a cross coming in from the right hand side and the two strikers given too much time in the box, making the finish simple.
On the half hour Bedford went down to ten men due to foul and abusive language towards the linesman after a disputed offside decision.
Harpenden took their opportunity and pressed on straight away. The second goal came from a darting run to the near post by Benny Dawes who gets a deflected headed goal from an Iaian Turkentine cross. 2-1 Town.
Just as everyone was expecting to go into half time 2-1 up, Chris Gregory had other ideas as he got his second tapping in from 5 yards after a James Ewington cross. Half Time 3-1.
Although most teams would see out the game when playing against 10 men but the confidence and atmosphere that Harpenden Town has at the moment would never let this happen.
A few minutes into the second half saw town go 4-1 up after a scissor kick by Danny Jefferies.
Christian Garzarolli then made a few changes putting Joseph Burgess and Jimmy Warner on for David Keenleyside and Chris Gregory who both gave their all. Shortly after the changes Turkentine went through on goal and craftily lobbed the oncoming keeper.
Now Harpenden, spurred on by then fans, moved up another level. Daniel Jefferies got his second of the game with a composed finish after a Jimmy Warner square pass.
Garzarolli made his final change, bringing on William Bates, and soon after Jimmy Warner decided to show what he can do with 30 minutes on the football pitch. A headed goal from a Ewington cross, followed by a top corner finish and last touch in a goalmouth scramble completed his hat trick. James Ewington got his well disserved goal, after terrorising the Bedford defence for 90 minutes with a cool finish in the bottom corner.
Final Score 10-1.
Richard Taaffe, Michael Ross, Andrew Saul and Nicolas Chapman made up the back line and although did not get on the score sheet were solid at the back allowing Bedford to only have 2 real chances in the whole game.
The score line could have been even higher with Harpenden Town hitting the post on numerous occasions and also missing some good chances.
Manager, Christian Garzarolli said after the match that he was extremely proud of all the players and how they have managed to induce a new spirit and belief into the club. Also, the young players we have here at the club are superb and looking at our newly formed U18's side play, the future is very bright indeed.
J. Gregory, Taaffe, Ross, Saul (Captain), Chapman, Jefferies, Dawes, Turkentine, Keenleyside, Ewington, C.Gregory
Subs Used: Warner, Burgess, Bates
Saturday 27 Sept 2008 - League
Harpenden Town 1 v 0 Stony Stratford Town
Ewington
Confidence was high as Stony Stratford visited the inform Harpenden Town. Town went into this one missing 2 influential players in Iaian Turkentine and Jimmy Warner and the squad would be tested further with Dave Keenleyside also disappearing at half time.
Will Bates and James Ewington came into the starting 11 and Jack Cartwright was called up from the reserves.
You could see confidence was high as Town started brightly and could have gone ahead early on with Ewington going close, but Stony Stratford worked their way back into the game getting on top in midfield.
Ewington's pace up front was causing the opposition defence all kinds of problems, with him getting in behind a number of times in the first 25 minutes. The only goal of the game came on the half hour from a Matt Armitage throw-in, which Ewington raced onto before placing well past the keeper, 1-0 Town.
Town were comfortable although not at the top of their game and went in 1 up at the break.
Town didn't reach the levels of their last few performance, and looked a little nervy towards the end of the half, but didn't let Stony Stratford in and kept their first clean sheet of the season to maintain their recent good run of form.
They now sit mid-table in the league and will hopefully push on further with a home game against Bedford on Saturday.
Team: J Gregory, Taaffe, Ross, Saul (c), Armitage, Dawes, Jeffries, Keenleyside, Bates Ewington, C Gregory.
Subs: Shaw, Cartwright, Burgess Subs Not Used
Tuesday 23 Sept 2008 - League
Harpenden Town 3 v 2 London Colney
Keenleyside
Dawes
Turkentine
Harpenden Town welcomed local rivals London Colney to Rothampstead for this Division One League clash, which saw a decent crowd come along to support the team
Town saw Richard Taaffe and Ben Dawes drafted into the starting 11 at the expense of Ian Shaw and Will Bates, as Warner and Gregory looked to continue their good form up front.
Town started the game brightly and made the perfect start taking the lead in the first 5 minutes. A mix up between the Colney defender and goalkeeper saw Dave Keenleyside nip in and turn the ball into the net to put Town 1 up.
Town continued to look bright with Jefferies and Keenleyside linking up well, and Warner causing the defence problems with his pace.
London Colney gradually played their way back into the game and had the better of the next 15 minutes, and forced an equaliser following some poor Town marking at the back, letting the ball bounce and not picking up the striker who stuck on the turn, 1-1.
The rest of the half was quite even, Chris Gregory had the better of the chances but shot straight at the keeper, and Town limited Colney to a long range effort from midfield.
The second have was much like the first, with Town starting the brighter and going back in front early on. The ball was laid across the park to Dawes, who's cross come shot drifted into the top corner giving Town the advantage again.
The game upped a gear, with some strong tackles going in and both teams fighting hard for the points.
The game was level again on the hour after more poor Town defending, Colney won a corner and their striker rose unchallenged to head home at the far post. 2-2 and Town had let a second lead slip.
It was end to end stuff and from a quickly taken free kick by Mike Ross, Richard Taaffe delivered from the right wing a great ball that found Iaian Turkentine at the back post. He took one touch before smashing the ball home from 8 yards out and Town had taken the lead again.
Town made 3 changes, bringing on Shaw, Bates and Jon Roe, and saw the game out quite comfortably in the end and claimed a very important and impressive 3 points to continue their climb up the table.
Team: J Gregory, Taaffe, Ross, Saul (c), Armitage, Dawes, Jeffries, Turkentine, Keenleyside, Warner, C Gregory.
Subs: Shaw, Bates, Roe Subs Not Used: Doonan, Lord
Saturday 20 Sept 2008 - League
Ampthill Town 1 v 4 Harpenden Town
Warner
Keenleyside
Dawes
Turkentine
Town were looking to build on their 2 game unbeaten run at Ampthill Town on Saturday. With confidence high after beating Cranfield Utd 3-0, manager Christian Garzarolli decided to stick with the same 11 that did so well in last weeks Division 1 Cup win.
Town struggled to get their passing game going and it was Ampthill on top in the first 20 minutes, and they could have scored but the striker dragged wide with a decent half chance.
Town gradually worked there way into the game with Jimmy Warner and Dave Keenleyside looking threatening going forward, and it was these 2 that combined to open the scoring. Poor defending on the touchline allowed Keenleyside to steal the ball and drift into the box, he squared to Warner who side stepped the defender before firing into the bottom corner.
This lifted Town and they started playing with a bit more freedom, keeping the ball well at the back, and almost doubling their lead through an Andy Saul header.
Town saw out the first half in reasonable comfort without really playing as well as they have in recent games. They would have to raise their game if they were to go home victorious.
Again Town started the half poorly, giving the ball away cheaply making silly mistakes, and one of those mistakes lead to an Ampthill equaliser. From a corner, the ball wasn't properly cleared and the Ampthill winger was given too much time and space on the edge of the box, and he rifled home an unstoppable left foot drive giving John Gregory no chance.
This seemed to spark Town into life and they went on the attack straight away, winning 2 corners in quick succession. Substitute Ben Dawes bought a new energy into the team, his pace and work rate was giving the Ampthill left back a hard time.
5 minutes later and Town were back in front. An Ian Shaw throw-in was worked into the box via Chris Gregory and Warner, and the half clearance fell to Keenleyside who drilled home a left foot volley into the far right corner. Town were buzzing and upped there game further, looking to kill the game off with a third. A break down the left side culminated in Ben Dawes smashing home at the far post putting the game beyond doubt.
Ampthill huffed and puffed but were lacking a decent final ball. Town were starting to relax and were enjoying their afternoon which got better, from a corner, Iaian Turkentine leathered home the loose ball with a great left foot strike. 4-1 Town.
Joe Burgess and Jon Roe replaced Chris Gregory and Dave Keenleyside, and Town almost made it 5 hitting the bar in the dying minutes.
A great result for Town away at Ampthill, and their good form will hopefully continue when the take on neighbours London Colney on Tuesday evening.
Team: J Gregory, Shaw, Ross, Saul (c), Armitage, Bates, Jefferies, Turkentine, Keenleyside, C Gregory, Warner.
Subs Used: Dawes, Burgess, Roe Not Used: Doonan
Tuesday 16 Sept 2008 - Division One Cup
Harpenden Town 3 v 0 Cranfield United
Gregory (2), OG
Following Town's good comeback away at Arlesey Athletic on Saturday, confidence was up for this Division One Cup match against Cranfield Utd.
After impressing as a second half sub, Dave Keenleyside was drafted into the starting 11, replacing Jon Roe on the left of midfield.
It was a cagey start to the game with both teams scrapping for possession and neither team creating any clear cut opportunities.
Town started to get on top as the half wore on and the breakthrough came on the half hour. An Iaian Turkentine flick saw Jimmy Warner win a 50-50 tackle with the Cranfield defender, with the rebound seeing Chris Gregory going clear and calmly slotting past the keeper to put Town 1 up.
Town were solid at the back with only a couple of long range efforts, and an Ian Shaw block from a corner, giving John Gregory relatively a quiet half,
Town went close through a Jimmy Warner header, following good work from left back Matt Armitage, and a Will Bates volley, as Town went in 1-0 at the break.
The second half started in much the same vein with Town having the better of the play, showing that bit more quality through midfield.
Town found themselves on the right side of a lucky bounce to go 2 goals ahead. A Mike Ross clearance saw the Utd defender pass back to his keeper, only to see a Paul Robinson like bobble ensure the ball nestled in the back of the net. 2-0 Town.
Town were very comfortable and had the game wrapped up on 70 minutes. A powerful kick be keeper Gregory was well flicked on by Warner and releasing Chris Gregory, who ran through and finish well with an early strike into the bottom corner. Town were 3 goals to the good and it was game over.
Gregory, Bates and Keenleyside were given well earned rests, seeing Ben Dawes, Paul Doonan and Jo Burgess all get a good run out.
Town were playing keep ball and were well marshalled at the back by captain Saul, and they saw the game out in reasonable comfort, sending the crowd home happy.
Team: J Gregory, Shaw, Ross, Saul (c), Armitage, Bates, Jeffries, Turkentine, Keenleyside, Warner, C Gregory.
Subs: Dawes, Doonan, Burgess Subs Not Used: Roe, Lord
Saturday 13 Sept 2008 - League
Arlesey Athletic 3 v 3 Harpenden Town
Warner, Keenleyside, Gregory
Town went into this bottom of the table 6 pointer missing a lot of players through injury, with no Golder, Taaffe, Jefferies, Daved, Collins and Ewington, so the team welcomed Armitage and Doonan back into the starting 11.
Town started brightly and looked up for the game, however with Arlesey playing 5 in midfield they started to get on top. Town's cause took a massive blow on 20 minutes after 2 cynical fouls saw Matt Armitage receive a 2 yellow then a red card leaving Town right up against it.
As so often happens with 10 men, Town started playing better and were defending well and working hard for each other all over the park. It was hard going however as Athletic started making the most of their extra man with Town looking to hit them on the break, and with 5 minutes to go until half time, Town took the lead through Jimmy Warner. A ball whipped in from the left saw the ball flicked on and Warner was waiting at the far post ready to volley home. 1-0 Town at half time.
The second half began with Athletic having more of the possession and Town couldn't have dreamt for a worse 15 minute spell. The ball was given away in centre midfield and worked into Town's penalty area, the striker was allowed to turn and shoot and within 5 minutes of the re-start and Athletic were level. Town proceeded to defend poorly and an own goal followed by a very soft third saw Town crumble and go 3-1 down.
The game looked dead and buried but Town's 10 men battled on. Manager Garzarolli threw caution to the wind and replaced Shaw and Ross with Dave Keenleyside and Tom Warren, and reverted to a back 3. Town found themselves back in with a shout following a great through ball that saw Keenleyside break the off-side trap and slot home past the onrushing keeper. Town were back in it, and Keenleyside was bossing the midfield. Town had half chances to get the equaliser with Warner, Bates and Gregory having efforts blocked or saved, whilst it was Athletic looking dangerous on the counter attack. Town's last change saw Dawes replace Bates down the right and with 8 minutes to go Town had a great chance to level it, Gregory was sent through, went round the keeper and finished well from an acute angle, Town had done it, they had come back with 10 men!
The game wasn't over however, there was still another twist in this eventful game. A cross in from the right saw the Athletic centre back handle in the area and a penalty was awarded to Town in the last minute. Following a good few minute's delay Chris Gregory stepped up but saw his penalty well saved and shortly after the referee blew for full time. A great comeback from Town with only 10 men for the majority of the game.
Team: J Gregory, Shaw, Ross, Saul (c), Armitage, Bates, Turkentine, Doonan, Roe, C Gregory, Warner
Subs Used: Keenleyside, Warren, Dawes. Not used: Gilham
Wednesday 10 Sept 2008 - Challenge Cup
Oxhey Jets 3 v 1 Harpenden Town
Dan Jefferies
Town faced a tough task against unbeaten Premier League side Oxhey Jets in the 1st round of the Challenge Cup.
Town saw Jimmy Warner come in for his first appearance of the season for the injured Ali Collins. Mike Ross, Jon Roe and Brad Marney came in for Rob Gilham, Dean Horsley and Richard Taaffe.
On a good pitch both sides played some great football with Town dominating the early stages. They really came out the blocks well and played some impressive possession football seeing Warner go close and Will Bates hit a post.
Oxhey gradually found their feet and came back into the game, but Town defended very well and John Gregory produced a fine save low down to his left.
Just before half time and the deadlock was broken, a whipped in cross from the right took out all the defenders and goalkeeper, and presented the Oxhey midfielder with a simple tap in at the far post, to see Oxhey lead 1-0 at the break against the run of play.
Town came out in the second half in the same vein, playing attractive football, and they got a deserved equaliser. Chris Gregory and Warner combined to feed Dan Jefferies, who took on 2 defenders before slotting home in the far corner.
This buoyed Town and they had Oxhey on the rack with Bates getting the better of the Oxhey right back.
Within 10 minutes and Oxhey had scored to go ahead, again against the run of play, and from a set piece. A decent ball in was misjudged by Gregory and the ball dropped in the back of the net.
The game became stretched as Town pushed for an equaliser, seeing Warner and substitute Taaffe have decent chances. Keenleyside came on for Shaw as Town threw everything forward, playing 2 at the back.
Gregory kept the game alive with another great save, but Oxhey won a penalty in the last minute, which they converted to effectively end the game, and they breathed a sigh of relief as the referee blew for full time.
A great performance from the lads, saw them more than match their Premier League opponents.
Team: Gregory, Shaw, Saul (c), Ross, Roe, Bates, Turkentine, Jefferies, Marney, Warner, Gregory Subs Used: Taaffe, Keenleyside Not Used: Gilham, Doonan
Saturday 6 September 2008 - F.A. Vase First Qualifying Round
Southend Manor 3 v 1 Harpenden Town
Iaian Turkentine
Harpenden Town made the trip to Southend for this F.A. Vase 1st Round Qualifying match.
The squad gathered at Billy's wine bar in Harpenden, who kindly sponsored the team and provided all the players and staff with breakfast ahead of their 2 hour journey to the coast.
The mood on the coach was good; the players were in high spirits and were looking forward to playing their seaside opponents from Essex.
The team arrived in good time to find the pitch in good condition; however the wind was very strong which would be an important factor in the match.
Town welcomed back Chris Gregory in place of the unavailable James Ewington, Rob Gilham and Will Bates replaced the injured duo of Tony Golder and Amar Daved.
Southend started the stronger as Town found it hard going playing into the windy conditions. Their play was sloppy, giving the ball away cheaply and they fell a goal behind after 10 minutes following a set-piece. The ball was initially cleared off the line, only to strike Iaian Turkentine on the back and fly into the net, an unfortunate way to concede, but no more than the home side deserved.
Town really couldn't settle and their play was very scrappy, despite this, Town had a golden chance to equalise through Ali Collins. Good work down the right from Bates saw Collins turn the defender and riffle a left footed shot against the bar. Within 5 minutes and Town were 2 down following another set piece, and a far post header.
To their credit Town kept going and fought back just before the break following a slightly fortunate goal of their own. A good corner from Ian Shaw was met with a towering Andy Saul header that cannoned back off the bar and the resulting clearance struck Turkentine and nestled in the back of the net. 2-1 half time, but Town had the initiative.
Town came out in determined fashion in the 2nd half, but put in a really sub-standard performance that saw them struggle to get into any rhythm or create any real chances.
The introductions of Mike Ross, Brad Marney and Ben Dawes failed to create any spark as Town's best efforts came from long range Gregory and Turkentine efforts following good link up play by Jefferies.
Town's misery was compounded in the last 15 minutes as Southend scored a 3rd with another deflected goal, Town's penalty appeals were turned down by a poor referee after a cynical foul on Bates went unnoticed and Ian Turkentine saw red after receiving a second yellow card.
A very frustrating day for Town, who will need to drastically improve as they face Premier League side Oxhey Jets in the Challenge Trophy on Wednesday evening.
Team: Gregory, Shaw, Gilham, Saul (c), Horsley, Bates, Jefferies, Turkentine, Taaffe, Collins, Gregory.
Subs Used: Ross, Marney, Dawes Not Used: Brown, Burgess
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