HADLEY 1 BUNTINGFORD TOWN 0 TOWN slipped to a narrow defeat against league leaders Hadley on Saturday with the pacesetters now stretching their lead over Paul Attfield s to six points after a closely fought match. With both teams showing good attacking an

HADLEY 1 BUNTINGFORD TOWN 0

TOWN slipped to a narrow defeat against league leaders Hadley on Saturday with the pacesetters now stretching their lead over Paul Attfield's to six points after a closely fought match.

With both teams showing good attacking and defensive records before the game there was much anticipation of a good game and so it proved.

The hosts started the better, not allowing Town to settle, but this was a game the visitors defended really well in and first half chances was at a premium.

With the score goalless at the interval the decisive match winner was scored 90 seconds after the break as Town were punished for a sloppy opening period.

Giving the ball away carelessly they stood off a quick counter attack and Hadley's full-back found time and space to curl a fine twenty yard shot beyond Williamson's dive.

Town's response was impressive with some good dominating periods which did create a trio of clear opportunities but like recent games did not test the target.

On 56 minutes a fine run and cross from Luke Robins found Ashley Townsend but he mis-kicked wide from ten yards and three minutes later John Bitting's corner was headed wide by Mark Wright, unmarked from ten yards.

The best chance for Town came with 15 minutes remaining when Dean Chaffey's fine long ball was latched onto by Townsend clear on goal but with the keeper advancing he lashed his shot high over the crossbar.

Town really pressed well in the final 10 minutes as the home side had to defend in numbers and extremely well to hold on to the slender lead but despite a late plethear of corners and high balls into the box no clear chances materialised and the home side ended with the valuable points.