Beaconsfield Town were beaten 1-0 away at Welwyn Garden City in a game of limited chances on a stormy afternoon.

A slow start to the game was always to be expected given the torrential rain and high winds that battered Herns Way all afternoon. On a heavy pitch both teams struggled to create anything meaningful and were limited to half chances. Beaconsfield had 2 chances to mention, both coming from skipper Matty Harriot who saw his efforts go wide of the post on both occasions. The hosts also struggled to create chances, with their best chance forcing Beaconsfield keeper Ed Brearey into a fine save, as the game entered half time delicately balanced at 0-0.

As the weather deteriorated further, the second half began just as the first had finished. It felt like an afternoon where the game would be settled by a mistake or moment of brilliance from someone.

It wasn’t long before one of those moments came. A ball through the Beaconsfield defence was passed back to the goalkeeper in the eyes of the referee, giving him the chance to award an indirect free kick inside the box. Welwyn Garden City made that moment count, with the first shot blocked before being smashed home by Bailey Stevenson. The referee's decision seemed harsh but looked to be a defining moment in the game.

Beaconsfield pushed for an equaliser, going close through Manu Oke – William, who saw his shot saved following a great run from winger Eli Grant.

There was another contentious moment as the game neared its end, when a Welwyn Garden City player appeared to push someone to the floor. The referee decided a yellow card each was just punishment, a decision which again seemed harsh on Beaconsfield.

 

By Arran White

The final few minutes were played out in with Beaconsfield well on top, but in extremely difficult conditions they could not find a way to square the game.

Beaconsfield are back in action on Saturday 30th when they take on local opposition Thame United at Holloways Park.