Second Season Draw

Luton Town would have felt confident of a strong showing against the 10th placed side, especially with the return of their top goalscorer Alan Clark, an the newly found form of keeper Thomas Briggs. It was a promising start to the match, with the possession mostly shared in the opening 10 minutes, with the visitors unable to break through an experienced town's defense. It was whilst venturing forward however that defender Martin Crimp had some trouble. An off the ball incident between Crimp and a Harpenden midfielder left the home player on the floor, held down by the visitor. After a few wild moments in which both sides voiced their angry opinions, no punishment was given. Town were aggrieved by this however, believing strongly that the visiting side should be down to 10 men.

Town turned up the wick after this moment of madness, Robin Barnes missing consecutive efforts at the back post set up by Alan Clark and Dean Pierce before Will Madden venturing forward was unable to break through the steely white defense. At the other end you could have forgiven Luton Town keeper Thomas Briggs from nodding off, such was his lack of input in the game, but he was quick to deny a rapid Harpenden counter attack that left him 1 on 1 with the striker, with an excellent save. He was lively on his feet to deny a shot from the subsequent long corner.

Town were winning their own short corners at the other end, Alan Clark's powerful shot straight at the pads of the Harpenden keeper before his next drag flick saved exceptionally by the White's stopper. Thomas Briggs was not to be out done however, a powerful shot from the visitors seemed destined for the lower right corner but an excellent stick save by the sprawling keeper.

Town had the upper hand right up to the interval but were unable to profit from their pressure. Half Time Score Luton Town 0-0 Harpenden.

The second half begun much as the first had ended, Town with a lot of the ball and occasional ventures into the oppositions third, and Harpenden stealing the occasional counter attack. It was the home side who broke through, a well worked counter attack forcing Harpenden to concede a Short Corner, which was expertly dispatched by Alan Clark. Town pushed on trying to break down Harpenden at any opportunity, but the defense would not budge and Towns legs were becoming tired. Harpenden's counter attacks were constantly being transferred into short corners, and despite a few smart saves by the keeper, the visitors managed a pin point shot just past the keeper and in off the post .

Town were disheartened and despite keeping the upper hand, their counters were becoming increasingly slower and less successful. A well worked short corner routine between Dean Pierce and Robert Maidment could only reach a defender, and a final build up came to nothing after Alan Clark was deemed to have committed an offense, a decision that was greatly disputed by the Striker.

At the full time whistle, Town were left to rue the loss of 2 points in a game that they had totally dominated, as well as not seeing the opposition with a red card early on.

Full time score: Luton Town 1-1 Harpenden

Luton Town Goalscorer(s): Alan Clark (Sc)

Player of the Match: Fraser Smith