Buntingford Town 1 Evergreen 3 IN-FORM striker Phil Fisher netted his fourth goal in three games, but it was not enough as Buntingford slipped to another Herts Senior County League defeat. After last week s impressive 1-0 win over London Lions, Town came

Buntingford Town 1 Evergreen 3

IN-FORM striker Phil Fisher netted his fourth goal in three games, but it was not enough as Buntingford slipped to another Herts Senior County League defeat.

After last week's impressive 1-0 win over London Lions, Town came unstuck against Evergreen, who took the lead after just five minutes.

And in what was described as an "atrocious first-half" by Town's assistant manager Paul Fisher, the hosts held on with Dean Shipp keeping his side in the game with a vital block just before the break.

However, Buntingford returned to action in determined mood and dominated the next 25 minutes of play with some clever and direct attacking football.

And it was from such a move that saw the hosts back on terms, when leading scorer Phil Fisher pounced with a brilliant header following Alan Kenney's pin-point cross from the right.

However, Town could not turn possession into further goals with Fisher again going close, before Gary Christie hit the post with an angled drive that had the visiting keeper well beaten.

Then against the run of play, it was ­Evergreen that grabbed the all-important second goal as Joseph Hansard slotted in following a goalmouth scramble.

As Town went in search of an equaliser, Evergreen broke forward once more and snatched a third when Jack Brown netted his second of the game with just four minutes left.

Assistant manager Paul Fisher said: "It ­wasn't the best performance I have seen, that's for sure.

"It was an atrocious first-half, and it makes it immediately difficult when you concede after five minutes because everything you have planned for goes out the window.

"To be fair, Evergreen didn't offer much in the first half either, although they probably played slightly better.

"So we decided to change a few things at half-time, and as a result we started the ­second half very well.

"For a while we looked very good, and we scored a good goal as well as creating a few more chances.

"We were definitely on top after the break and I feel we missed out on the chance to take something from the game."

Buntingford should have a good chance of turning things around this Saturday when they travel to bottom-placed Bushey Rangers, who have taken four points from their last six games.

Fisher said: "I never like predicting how games will go because anything can happen. We need to be looking at our consistency because we can't get away with playing well 20 minutes here, and 20 minutes there.

"However, Phil and Gary are always going to put the ball in the net, so if we can create the chances we have a good chance.

"We certainly need a win to get our confidence back.

"With so many changes taking place at the club, most of these players were playing reserve team football not so long ago.

"It's a step up for them, but they're getting experience every week - although it appears that they have to learn very quickly!"

Buntingford Town: Shipp; Sutton, Cox, Lynch, Fox; Margiotta, Downham, Lawrence, Clark; Fisher, Christie. (Subs): Gibson, Kenney, Randall.

# Buntingford Town Reserves will also be hoping for a change in fortunes after losing 4-0 to derby rivals Standon & Puckeridge Reserves.

The reserves travel to Bedmond S & S on Saturday.