Saints kick off season with win!

Spartan Premier Division  Hatfield Town 1  Saints 3

Saints were unwelcome opening day guests at Hatfield's new home at the cavernous Gosling Sports Park ground on Saturday as they left with all the points with a display that was just good enough to secure the win.

A long drive through the M25 roadworks and heavy rain looked set to pay off as John Carroll gave Saints the lead after just four minutes with a cleaver, low free kick that drilled into the bottom corner. We settled back in our seats high in the stand and looked forward to a dominating afternoon, especially after Alan Hedley scored a second on 16 minutes following a good throw in form the left. but the foot came off the pedal and the hosts were allowed back into the game. However, their passing was as inconsistent as Saints. Their best chance came when they smashed a powerful shot against the post but other than a series of niggling fouls they had little to offer a superior Saints side. Lewis Cumber suffered a particularly heavy challenge but bravely ran it off, no doubt carrying some colourful bruising for his efforts. A typically driving shot by Daniel Hughes just before the break all but put the result beyond doubt

But Saints have a recent history of lacklustre second half displays and so it proved. Hatfield had to make full use of their stock of new Molten balls as the running track surrounding the pitch was peppered with wayward passes. Just a side note; it was great to see a game played with a white ball again, after the much loathed orange ball from last season. 

Neither side could impose themselves and a clean sheet looked to be on the cards until Jason Caswell pulled a goal back for the hosts to give Saints a few unnerving moments before the final whistle.

Saints: Mark Oliver, Lewis Cumber, Kyle Jeffery, Ray Walsh, John Carroll, Dwayne Williams (Jimmy Froud 71), Terrell Lewis (Adam Louth 79), Alan Hedley, Barry Brosnan, Daniel Hughes, Adamson Ajayi (Adam Bernard 64). 

SAINTS AT HATFIELD TOWN ON SATURDAY

NOTE, HATFIELD TOWN ARE PLAYING AT

Gosling Sports Park, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, Herts AL8 6XE

 Tel 01707 384300

Best Route to the Ground: From A1 (M) junction 4, take A414 towards Hertford/Welwyn Garden City. At the roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A6129, heading to Stanborough/Wheathampstead. At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A6129 Stanborough Road. At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit into Gosling Sports Park.

Details and google map, see fisxture list & venue

At last, the season gets underway! Saints kick off the season on Saturday away at Hatfield Town. A week later, this year's FA Cup gets underway with a home tie against Spartan League new boys Stotfold.

The fixture list has been updated with August's fixtures.  As a new addition there is now a link to google maps - so there are no excuses to be late.

 On the subject of the website, we are continually working to improve the site, so bear with us!!

The draw for the Challenge Trophy has been made and in the First Round Saints are away to Aston Clinton

In the Dudley Latham Memorial Cup (Premier League Cup) Saints have a bye in the First Round. In Round Two, We are at home against Dunstable Town

The Saints are back in training. Below the pre-season friendlies - as always SUBJECT TO CHANGE - so check first!