Football
North Herts Benevolent Shield
The Town Beaten After Extra Time
Thorogood's Fine Defence
Two goalkeepers, Farey of Pirton, and Reed, of Buntingford, both dressed in green sweaters and black shorts, faced each other for two hours on the Hitchen Imps ground on Saturday last, and because Reed had to fetch the ball out of the net on four occasions, Pirton carried away the beautiful Shield which they came so close to winning on Boxing Day.
It must be said that Reed was in no way to blame for the four goals scored against him; he put up and excellent game throughout.
The Teams
Under Mr Winters, of Hitchin, the teams lined up as follows:
Buntingford - Reed; Hatchett, Thorogood; Holmes, Howlett, Rayment; E. Moule, Birkett, H. Clark, E. Pledger, H. May.
Pirton - Farey; Cherry, Baines; Warren, Crawley, Goldsmith; Chamberlain, Price, Gotto, Davies, Titmuss.
When the writer of these notes arrived, the game was some ten minutes old, and Pirton was pressing strongly.
When Thorogood or Hatchett were not being called upon to clear, Reed was jumping up at well directed shots, and looked as if Pirton would score at any minute, indeed, one shot hit under the crossbar, and although many near-by spectators alleged that the ball was over the line the referee disallowed the point the 'Fords made tracks for the other goal, where Birkett shot by the post.
Continuing to press, Pirton found the net, but the referee ruled that two of their men were off-side, and once again the town supporters drew a breath of relief.
Something like third minutes elapsed before the bustling Pirton forwards began to tire, and it was then that the town team took up the attack, and Pirton realised that the 'Fords were really dangerous, and from combined play by the town's right wing, MOULE opened the scoring with a low cross-shot.
Much encouraged, the town played with more confidence, and although Pirton continued to break away on the right wing, their attacks were generally beaten down by Rayment or Thorogood. On one occasion Titmuss got in a shot which scraped the bar, with Reed unsighted.
Birkett and Holmes were often in the wars, and at one time both were off the field. It was during their absence that Reed was called upon a good deal, and he saved a stinging shot from Chamberlain, which completely deceived Thorogood.
Before half-time the town added to their score through BIRKETT, who, after a fine piece of work, banged the ball past Farey from close quarters.
Half time - Buntingford 2 - Pirton 0.
On resuming, it was evident that Pirton had made up their minds to have a good try at making good, and they set off an attack which resulted in Hatchett having to use some of his best tactics.
Two or three corners were forced, and when these were taken from the right wing, they were always a source of danger to Buntingford.
Pirton's distribution of the ball became good and lusty, long passes began to tell their tale. The left wing was continually putting over accurate centres, and time and again Thorogood was called upon to clear: not once did he miskick.
It was CHAMBERLAIN who received a pass from Price and banged the ball past Reed, and after several more attempts the same player scored again a few minutes from time. This resulted in extra time being played.
Each side put their best into the last half-hour, but the Buntingford forwards were erratic in their shooting, and the strain of extra time began to tell.
Following a melee TITMUSS put Pirton ahead. Just before time, CHAMBERLAIN completed the hat trick, the final score being-
Pirton 4 - Buntingford 2.
As stated, Reed, Hatchett and Thorogood put up a good defence. In the half-back line, Howlett played finely throughout, and gave his forwards a lot of assistance. Rayment was speedy and clever, but Holmes, after his injury was not often in the picture.
Moule and E. Pledger were the pick of the fowards, although the latter was not so accurated with his shots as he generally is. In control Clark did quite well, but he tired before the final whistle. Birkett showed his average skill, but it was only at times that he was able to get going as he was covered by the ever-watchful Crawley.
H. May was terribly slow, certainly he did not receive the passes he should have done in the first-half, but this should have made him more eager for the remainder of the game. Some of his long kicks were beautifully placed, but he had anything but a red-letter day.
Shield Presentation
Mr W.P. Flint, in presenting the Shield to the winning team, said the two teams had played an excellent game - clean and sportsmanlike. They were all there that afternoon to swell the funds of the North Herts Benevolent Fund.
Pirton was among the first to join, and won the Shield in the season 1923-1924. Buntingford joined two years ago, and had been in the final twice; all honour to them. (Applause).
On Boxing Day last year, Buntingford, after being two down, pulled through and became the winner of the Shield. Two great games.
Mr Flint then handed the Shield to the Captain of the Pirton team, and medals to the two teams.
There was a large crowd present, many travelling from Buntingford by charabanc.
S. Howlett, with his usual sporting spirit, called for three cheers for the winners.
In presenting a medal to Thorogood, Mr Flint said, "A wonderful display at the back, Sir."
Now for the Greg Cup competition!