Football
Buntingford played Hertford A on the town grond last Saturday, when they were defeated by five goals to one.
The weather conditions were ideal for the game, but the town team were evidently out of form.
The previous Saturday Buntingford played Hoddesdon and were also defeated by seven goals to one.
Football
Rye Park v. Aspenden
Aspenden visited Rye Park on Saturday last with a weakened team, and were defeated by four goals to two in a fast game.
Having most of the play in the first-half, Aspenden missed many chances of scoring, and were only leading at half-time by two goals.
The Park got away quickly in the second-half, and soon reduced the lead, and then drew level.
Aspenden tried hard after this, but the home-side, encouraged by their success, scored two more goals, giving the visiting goalie no chance.
With a little more luck, Aspenden might hve found the net again before the end.
Football
Buntingford played their first match of the season on Saturday last, at Buntingford, defeating Walkern by 6-2.
Aspenden v. Hertford Juniors
Aspenden opened the season on Saturday last, with a fine win at home against the Juniors in the Hertford and District League by five goals to two.
The home team, winning the toss, started with the wind behind them and were soon pressing.
Some fine play on the left wing led to the first goal. Aspenden were easily having the best of the game, and scored three more goals before half-time.
Their defence was playing a sound game, but directly after the change over the Juniors scored. This was followed by a goal to the home reds.
Towards the end the visitors made a fine break-away and scored a good goal.
Football
Aspenden v. Buntingford Town
Aspenden entertained Buntingford in a friendly on Saturday last, and were defeated by 4 goals to 1.
The score was rather flattering to the winners, and a draw would have been a fairer result.
Aspenden attacked strongly in the first-half, but it was the Town that scored first, following a melee in front of the home goal with the goalkeeper out, R. Pledger put through.
This was followed by some fine play on the home left wing and after some missed chances, E. Newman scored the best goal of the match, making the interval score 1-1.
Buntingford started to press in the second-half and an error by the home defence led to S. Thorogood scoring.
Aspenden attacked after this, and only some fine goalkeeping stopped them from scoring. A centre by the visitors left wing, which R. Parker had the misfortune to put through his own goal, and a poor clearance by the home-defence gave H. Clark and easy chance which he accepted.
Mr E.E. Dennis was the referee.
Whist Drive
Twenty-five tables were occupied at a whist drive held at the Benson Hall on Wednesday evening in last week in aid of the Town Football Club funds.
Other persons came in later for dancing, and altogether a very pleasant evening was spent by all.
Mr H. Clark was M.C. for whist, and prizes were won by the following:
Ladies - 1 Miss Cannon, 2 Mrs Cornwell, 3 Mr Hatchett (playing as lady).
Gents - 1 Mr C. Smith, 2 Mr Hutchins, 3 Mr A Dray.
Highest score first-half - Mr E.E. Dennis (94).
Lucky ticket - Mr W.T. Budd.
For the dancing which followed, Mr Leslie Smith was an efficiant M.C.
The music was supplied by the Standon Orchestra, and gave every satisfaction.
Aspenden Football Club
To raise funds for the Aspenden Football Club, a whist drive took place at the George Assembly Room on Wednesday last.
Nine tables were occupied, with Mr Dennis as M.C.
Prizes were won by the following:
Ladies - 1 Mr R. Pledger (playing as lady), 176 (7/-); 2 Mr G. Holmes (playing as lady), 170 (4/-).
Gents - 1 Mr T. Martin, 171 (7/-); 2 Mr A. Clark, 170 (4/-).
Refreshments were served at the interval, and a pleasant time was spent.
Football
Allenburys v. Aspenden
Played at Park Road, Ware, on Saturday last, Allenburys defeated Aspenden by five goals to one in a clean and sporting game.
Aspenden scored first, but a penalty again them for hands soon put the 'Bury level.
Soon afterwards the Aspenden left half, in trying to stop a shot, had the misfortune to put through his own goal. Allenburys added two more goals before half-time.
The second-half was very evenly contested, with Aspenden doing most of the pressing, but unable to score.
Just before the end the 'Bury added one more to their lead by a fine long shot.
Football
Greg Cup
Buntingford 4 v. Odsey 2.
On Saturday, Buntingford went on step further in the Greg Cup Competition, when they defeated Odsey by 4 goals to two.
The first-half was an end-to-end battle with scrappy play, and ended in a blank score sheet.
The second-half was a little better. Buntingford had the better of the exchanges, and Thorogood opened the scoring with a first-time shot.
Play improved, and Birkett, H. May and S. Pledger added goals. H. May, on the left wing, played a good game, and it was through his accurate passes that Thorogood and Birkett were enabled to score.
Towards the finish the visitors attacked strongly and scored two goals. The sky was now becoming very dark, and so was Odsey's outlook, the final whistle sounding with the town attacking strongly.
Sawbridgeworth provide the opposition tomorrow in the fourth round of the Herts. Junior Cup, and Buntingford will have to go all the way if they hope to win.
The final of the Benevolent Shield (Buntingford v. Pirton) on Boxing Day, will be played at Hitchin. Special buses are being run, and anyone wishing to travel must give their names to Mr S. Howlett as soon as possible.
The fare is 2/6, payable when the seat is booked.
Football
Buntingford Reserves v. Barley
This match in the Buntingford and District League, resulted in an easy victory for the home team by 9 goals to 1.
If the Reserves can only maintain their form of last Saturday, they should go a long way in the League, as they have quite a useful team, and play really well together.
Tomorrow the Town meet Odsey in the 2nd round of the Greg Cup.
Football
Aspenden v. Allenburys
Played at Aspenden on Saturday last, and resulted in a win for the home side after a good game.
For about half-an-hour the play was very even, then Aspenden, who were always more dangerous, obtained three quick goals, H. Parker scoring the first two, and from a well-placed corner the visitor's centre-half put through his own goal.
Just before the interval the 'Bury scored. At half-time Aspenden were leading 3-1.
Immediately on resumption Aspenden attacked, and K. Smith increased the lead.
The 'Bury then scored direct from a corner, but after a melee in their goal-mouth H. Parker again scored.
Result- Aspenden 5, Allenburys 2.
Football
Aspenden v. Hertford Athletic
Aspenden were at home to the Athletic on Saturday last, this was the return game of a fortnight before which Aspenden won, so they Athletic brought a strong team, and fully deserved the point they gained.
In the first-half the visitors did the majority of the attacking, and only the excellent play of the home defence kept them from scoring more than once, this was from a penaty for hands, which gave them the lead at the interval.
The second-half was more evenly contested, and after a quarter of an hour's play, Aspenden equalized from a well-placed corner that S. Dowler headed through.
The visitors were then awarded another penalty, but the home goalie saved well from the spot kick. Shortly afterwards Aspenden took the lead, when a shot fell in the goalmouth which enabled H. Parker to score at close range.
The Athletic then played with renewed energy, and from a fine movement easily scored.
This was followed by midfield play, and no further scoring.
Result - Aspenden 2 - Hertford Athletic 2.
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!
Football
Buntingford v. Pirton Athletic
Tomorrow the town journey to Hitchin to replay the final of the North Herts. Benevolent Shield with Pirton Athletic, and judging from the play on Boxing Day they will have to go all the way to win.
Pirton have a fine forward line, and if the Town defence can only hold these in the first-half, Buntingford ought to pull it off, as they certainly lasted the previous game better than their opponents.
H.Pledger is suffering from influenza, so will be unable to play, otherwise the team will be at full strength.
The following are selected: Goal, R. Reed; backs, W. Hatchett and S. Thorogood; halves, H. Holmes, S. Howlett and E. Rayment; forwards, E. Moule, H. Birkett, W. May, E. Pledger and H. May.
Will supporters who are travelling to Hitchin please note that the bus starts at 1.30 sharp?
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Football
Hertford Town Juniors v. Aspenden
Aspenden visited Hertford on Saturday last, and although they lost by the only goal scored, they did most of the attacking, and were very unfortunate in not scoring on several occasions, but the muddy condition of the ground made foothold very difficult.
Aspenden opened strongly, and quickly forced two corners, from which they were unlucky in not scoring. They still continued their aggression which caused the home defence to be extended, but half-time arrived with no score.
Aspenden continued to press in the second-half, but could not penetrate the home defence. Just before time the home inside-right broke clean through the visitors defence well up the field, and scored with a fine shot.
Result:
Hertford Town Juniors
Aspenden - 0
Referee - Mr A.C. Walls, of Hertford.
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Hertford Athletic v. Aspenden
Played on Hartham on Saturday last, Aspenden had to field a weakened team owing to illness, but after a good struggle came home with two points.
The ground was in a very bad state, one goalmouth being covered with water.
The Athletic won the toss and were soon attacking. After about twenty minutes play, they scored from a fine shot, giving the visitors goalie no chance.
Aspenden's left-wing then got away, and from a good centre T. Moule scored, making the interval score 1-1.
In the second half Aspenden did most of the attacking, and J. Holmes gave them the lead. Soon afterwards T. Moule increased the lead from a free kick.
In the closing stages the Athletic were awarded a penalty for hands, from which they scored. The Aspenden defence played a very sound game, their goalkeeper saving some fine shots.
Result - Hertford Athletic 2, Aspenden 3.
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Football
Buntingford v Ickleford Social
On Saturday last Buntingford entertained Ickleford Social in a North Herts League fixture, and being without Thorogood, Birkett and H. May, did well to win by three clear goals.
Ickleford won the toss, and set Buntingford to kick up the slope against a very strong wind. Both goals had narrow escapes, but nothing was scored in the first half.
With the wind at their backs, Buntingford had more of the play in the second half, and a goal was forthcoming through E. Moule, who, receiving a through pass from E. Pledger, scored with a low drive.
Howlett got the second following a melee in front of the visitors' goal, and E. Moule the third.
Under the conditions good football was out of the question, the high wind making the ball very difficult to control.
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Football
Buntingford v. Welwyn
Buntingford were at home to Welwyn in a North Herts League game on Saturday last, and won after a clean fast game by two goals the nil.
Winning the toss, Welwyn kicked down the slop, and for a time the home defence was hard pressed. The first goal came after about twenty minutes play, E. Moule placing the ball square across the goal for Thorogood to score with a fast grounder.
Both goals had some narrow escapes, but half-time arrived with Buntingford leading 1-nil.
With the slope in their favour, the home team had more of the play in the second-half, and only good goal-keeping prevented them from scoring on two or three occasions. Thorogood had hard luck when a fine header hit the cross bar, but E. Moule made the issue safe when, after beating two or three opponents, he beat the visiting goal-keeper with a fine cross shot.
The visiting forwards tried hard to score, but Reed was very sound.
Tomorrow the Town journey to Kimpton, and the Reserves are at home to Little Munden.
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Football
Aspenden v Old Hertfordians
Aspenden were at home to the Old Boys on Saturday last, and the game was played under ideal conditions, the ground being hard and dry for once after many weeks of mud.
Play was keen and sporting, and resulted in an easy win for the homesters.
The Old Boys started at a great pace and were two goals up after half-an-hour's play, but the Aspenden forward line, which had been rather raged [sic], settled down, and scored two goals through Hornet, making the scores level at the interval.
In the second-half the Old Boys completely fell away, and the home side monopolised the play, H. Parker performed the hatrick. S. Dowler scored once, and W. Sturch, the home team's left-back, came well up the field to score twice.
Result - Aspenden 8, Old Hertfordians 2.
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Football
Standon Villa v. Aspenden
These two teams met in a friendly match at Standon on Saturday last, to play for a new football given by Mr Dixon, president of the Standon Club, and after a clean and sporting game, resulted in a win for visitors by two goals to nil.
The game opened rather fast, both goal-keepers saving in fine style, but the ground getting very slippery, made accurate shooting and skillful football impossible, and play was chiefly confined to midfield.
After having hard luck with a fine shot, H. Parker scored from close range to give Aspenden the lead at the interval.
Aspenden pressed on the resumption and missed narrowly on several occasions, one shot hitting the upright and returning into play, before K. Rayment increased the lead. The Standon forwards tried several breakaways, but were well held by the visitors' defence.
The referee was Mr J. Totman, of Buntingford.
After the match both teams were entertained by Mr Dixon to a meat supper, where he presented the football to the Aspenden Captain, and said that he hoped the Aspenden team would have the same success when playing with it as they had done that afternoon. (Cheers).
The Aspenden captain then thanked Mr Dixon for the good time he had given them, and called for three cheers which were heartily given, followed by "For he's a jolly good fellow."
Football
Greg Cup Semi-Final
Buntingford 4. Stevenage 2.
Considering the weather and the treacherous state of the ground, the match between Buntingford and Stevenage, played on the town ground on Saturday, was quite a good one.
There was a moderate attendance when the teams lined up several minutes later than the advertised time of starting.
Stevenage, who kicked down the slope for the first-half, were soon away, but were repelled by Thorogood, whose long kick sent H. May away on the left wing; after beating the visitors right back, May sent in a fine shot which went over the bar.
The visitors' quintette then got away, and through a misunderstanding between the home backs, the ball came across the mouth of the home goal with six or seven players after it; a melee followed, and from this Leech pushed the ball into the corner of the net to give Stevenage the lead. A few minutes later further pressure on the visitors' left wing caused the home defence a good deal of trouble, one shot skimming the goal-post.
Following a run by Wallis and Birkett, the latter shot at goal, and the ball, striking the visitors' left back, turned into the net.
In the second-half E. Moule put in some excellent work, one of his efforts being remarkably good. E. Hatchett and Rayment were also in the picture with some fine passes, which were turned to good account.
By this time the rain, which continued to fall heavily, had made the ground in a treacherous state, the players finding it very difficult to keep their feet. A break through by Stevenage resulted in Leech scoring with a fine shot. The next goal came from Wallis, who scored for the town from close range.
During the ensuing exchanges, the Stevenage defence was seen to advantage, but their goalkeeper was eventually beaten by W. May, who sent in a beautiful shot from 20 yards out. There was considerable excitement when the visitors were pulled up for an infringement on the touch line, but the resultant free kick, taken by E. Hatchett, went wide. A few minutes from the end, Birkett added another goal for the Fords by driving the ball through a crowd of players and into the corner of the net.
The two teams kept their tempers better than their feet, and it was noted that the only free kicks were for offside or an infringement on the touch line. As the ground was in such a bad state, it would be unfair to comment on the play of the individual members of the town team, but one word of praise must be voiced by E. Moule, who again proved himself a fearless, clever and speedy winger.
As Hitchin Imps won their match on Saturday they meet Buntingford in the final on Easter Monday. It is unlikely that the match will be played at Hitchin.