Whitewebbs 1 Buntingford Town 2 BUNTINGFORD Town are back in familiar territory at the top of the Herts County Premier Division. It was an excellent win over one of their closest rivals, with the home side struggling to contain the passing and movement

Whitewebbs 1

Buntingford Town 2

BUNTINGFORD Town are back in familiar territory at the top of the Herts County Premier Division.

It was an excellent win over one of their closest rivals, with the home side struggling to contain the passing and movement of the Town midfield and attack.

However, despite their dominance, the three points were certainly well-earned, with the experienced Whitewebbs working their youthful counterparts hard.

Teenagers Danny Nicholls and Ricky Young were a particular menace all afternoon and caused the hosts a number of headaches down the left flank.

And it was this young partnership that created Town's opening goal after 14 minutes, with Young's through ball freeing Conor De Lacy.

With the goal in sight, the on-running De Lacy was then cynically tripped, with the referee having no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

And man of the moment Tom Malins continued his rich vein of form, converting the penalty for his 13th goal of the season.

Growing increasingly frustrated with Town's intelligent play, Whitewebbs resorted to a long ball game, but found David Cain and Jamie Babbage in fine form at the heart of Buntingford's defence.

Paul Attfield's men increased their lead with a deserved second goal 10 minutes before half time, with Young squaring for an unmarked Matt Turl to tap home from five yards.

In the second half, chances fell to both Young and Turl to increase Town's lead, with the latter's header going agonisingly close.

However, from that chance the visitors nearly wasted all their hard work with an alarming number of mistakes that put them under unnecessary defensive pressure.

Buntingford's crisp play had been replaced with sloppy and aimless passing.

And as a result, with 10 minutes left on the clock, Whitewebbs reduced the arrears when a forward headed home a simple right-wing cross.

Sensing their chance to equalise, the home side continued their late pressure but Attfield's men dug deep and held on.

Attfield said: "In the first half we played some thrilling football and really should have had the game wrapped up.

"In the second half, for no reason, we just stopped.

"We could have easily dropped points."

Buntingford Town: Williamson; Endacott, Easley, Cain, Babbage; Nicholls, De Lacy (Chaffey), Smith (Christie), Young; Turl, Malins.

- On Saturday Buntingford are away to Codicote in the Aubrey Cup, kick-off 3pm.