Buntingford Town 0 Hatfield Town 1 Dave Ryan reports A POOR performance saw Buntingford dumped out of the Herts Senior Trophy at the first hurdle, on Saturday (October 28). Ten-man Hatfield looked sharper throughout a disappointing game, leaving home bo

Buntingford Town 0 Hatfield Town 1

Dave Ryan reports

A POOR performance saw Buntingford dumped out of the Herts Senior Trophy at the first hurdle, on Saturday (October 28).

Ten-man Hatfield looked sharper throughout a disappointing game, leaving home boss Paul Attfield frustrated with his side's display.

"For the first time this season we deserved nothing from the game," he said. "The players know they underperformed greatly but more disappointingly for me Hatfield showed more desire to want to win the game.

"I'm sure the showing was just a one off and we will look for a positive reaction in next week's cup game."

Buntingford started the better but their possession constantly broke down in and around the final third of the pitch and as the half wore on the game became very scrappy with many free kicks.

Home skipper Mark Smith became the first player to enter the referee's notebook after a late tackle, and he was immediately joined by Hatfield's Jason Valentine for kicking out in retaliation.

Smith only lasted another six minutes on the pitch when, after being lucky not to be booked a again for a late tackle, he was substituted by Attfield.

Youth team player Jamie Morriss replaced him for his first team debut and he had the home side's only chance in open play of the game soon after.

A neat move saw Morriss played through on goal but as the keeper advanced he mis-kicked well wide of goal from 16 yards.

Moments later the visitors scored the only goal of the game when Buntingford failed to clear what looked an ineffective long ball, and Craig Woodham sent a superbly hit volley past Damian Williamson from 25 yards .

Chris Hardy should have levelled from Lewis Endacott's free kick just moments later but he somehow headed over the bar from only six yards out.

The home again started strongly, but had only a Gary Christie effort which went into the side netting to show for their efforts.

Hatfield went down to 10 men in the 59th minute. Jon Dines became the third visiting player to be booked in the space of a minute, and just 32 seconds later he saw red after a blatant trip on Tom Malins.

That should have sparked a Buntingford revival, but it was Hatfield who always looked to be the team who looked more likely to add to the scoreline.

Ashley Townsend replaced Christie in the home forward line, but with little service he cut a lonely figure up front.

Mark Wright headed a Tom Malins corner just wide with 15 minutes remaining and moments later a defender back headed the ball towards goal which was well tipped round by keeper Sam Lacy but this was the only save he had to make.

As the half due to an end Hatfield broke well on the counter as Buntingford pressed forward and could have added another two or three goals but for some poor finishing, with Jason Caswell somehow missing when it seemed easier to score.

Buntingford: D Williamson, L Endacott, D Chaffey, D Easley, J Babbage, C Hardy, M Smith (J Morriss), T Malins, M Wright, J Stephens, G Chrisite (A Townsend). Unused sub: J Tyler.

- There was better news for Town's reserve side who progressed in the Herts County League Reserve Cup with a 3-2 win at Croxley Guild reserves.

- Town's first team return to action on Saturday when Elliott Star are the visitors in the Aubrey Cup, kick off 2pm.