2023/24 Season - Week 13

Two goals from Ben Apperley helped Blueharts Men’s 1s defeat Bishops Stortford 3-1 on Saturday – and move into the top four in the East Premier Division.

Apperley’s double – including a penalty flick – was added to by a Harvey Walton Adams goal to move the Hitchin side a point clear in fourth in the table.

Stand-out performances came from Sam Rees and stand-in skipper James Byford.

Blueharts Ladies 1s lost 2-0 at Harleston Magpies with a side featuring a number of younger players up from the 2s.

All played with promise and distinction in a display that bodes well for the future, the home side scoring first from a scrappy penalty corner after Blueharts had dominated the early stages.

Blueharts again moved the ball around nicely after the break but were unable to break through a dogged Magpies midfield.

The Magpies added a second with the 1s failing to convert their chances into a consolation.

Hollie Christie’s controlled performance in midfield saw her take the player-of-the-match award.

The 1s lie seventh in the East Premier Division, albeit with two games in hand over a couple of the sides above them.

There was better news for the 2s who beat Welwyn Garden City 1-0 through a goal from Nicarra Berry.

This was a composed team performance from the 2s who built pressure through the first half and broke down the WGC defence after the break.

Berry almost created a second for Meme Brown but the 2s were nevertheless worthy winners with Sophie Barker player-of-the-match for her screen role in the middle.

Kiki Arellano continued her impressive recent form with two goals for the Ladies 3s who beat Welwyn 2s 4-0.

Emily Bryan and Tamzin Wright were also on target as the 3s stay hot on the heels of East Division 3 South West leaders Shefford and Sandy.

This was despite a sluggish start but the 3s improved greatly in the second period, helped by an immaculate performance from the defenders.

Rachel Campbell took the player-of-the-match honours for her tenacity and energy.

It was a frustrating afternoon for the Men’s 2s who were denied victory against Bedford who equalised with the last hit of the game in a 1-1 draw at Lucas Lane.

The Men’s 3s almost came away from East Division 3 South West leaders Broxbourne with a point but were denied a late equaliser and came home beaten 1-0.

The side worked hard and stuck to their gameplan with promising debuts for juniors Joel Davey and Dan Harvey.

Goals from Scott Cromack, man-of-the-match Paul Buckland and Ollie Wright gave the Men’s 4s a fine 3-1 home win against Cheshunt 1s after going a goal down.

The victory featured a tenacious midfield performance from youngsters Wright and Oliver Brigginshaw who hassled Cheshunt relentlessly.

The Men’s 5s were involved in a real New Year thriller as they came back from 2-0 down after just ten minutes to edge out Royston 2s 5-4.

Pete Mitchell’s hat-trick grabbed the headlines, with Ben and Ashley Hammond scoring the others.

The 5s’ recent excellent run continued with promising performances from Oscar Hammond and George Gregory.

Niamh Krishman was another player who scored a double this weekend – her two goals helped the Ladies 5s to a convincing 5-2 win over St Albans, with Ellie Cox, Emily Bill and Milly Winton adding the other goals.

Krishman and Cox had put the 5s in command by scoring within the first ten minutes and Blueharts were always in control, thanks also to a composed midfield performance from Martha Bradford.

The Ladies 6s fought hard and played well but went down 2-0 at Bishops Stortford – despite a great goalkeeping display from volunteer stand-in Olivia Sumner.

Meanwhile, the Men’s 6s ran out easy 6-1 winners over Hertford 6s with goals from Gary Fung (2), John Russell, Dave Moore, Jake Sudweeks and Freddy Baxter, his first senior goal for the club.