Upminster Men’s 1st XI travelled to Harpenden on the back of two wins knowing another win would move them into the top 2 for the first time this season.
The game started with Upminster enjoying much of the possession before a ball down the line from Steve Wright found Ethan Berry whose inside pass found Callum Berry who slotted well under the onrushing keeper to open the scoring. Soon after Upminster found themselves 2-0 up after a long ball from Aidie Palmer was deflected goalwards by Josh Cipa and Callum Berry which forced a save from the keeper but found its way back to Callum Berry who finished smartly on his reverse.
However, Harpenden grew into the game and after a string of attacks found themselves winning a short corner. This resulted in a deflection being diverted goalwards before a quick reaction from the injector resulted in Harpenden pulling the game back to 2-1 at half-time.
Within the first minute of the second half, Upminster found themselves 3-1 up after Callum Berry intercepted the ball and carried it into the D forcing a short corner. The initial flick was saved but Josh Cipa was there to react quickly and put the ball over the line to restore Upminster’s 2 goal lead.
Harpenden then decided a higher press was needed and this worked in their favour with them managing to turn the ball over high up the pitch on numerous occasions. This pressure took its toll when a smart short corner routine was initially blocked but the follow up was lifted over the goalkeeper into the net to make the score 3-2. Upminster then had numerous chances on the break to add a fourth goal but it wasn’t until a smart drag flick from a short corner from Aidie Palmer found its way between the goalkeeper and post man into the backboard to put Upminster 4-2 up.
Harpenden continued to press high and trouble the Upminster defence which resulted in them winning another short corner. This resulted in a penalty stroke being awarded but Harpenden couldn’t capitalise as Phil Dixon saved the poor flick. Upminster’s defence continued to work hard preventing shots from troubling the goalkeeper.
However, Harpenden’s pressure soon paid off to bring the score back to 4-3 as another short corner was blocked but fell to the injector who squeezed a shot between the post and goalkeeper to bring about a tense final five minutes. Upminster then found themselves on top within the last five minutes and this was proven to be true as Jamie O’Dell was picked out at the top of the D and his effort was deflected by a defender past the goalkeeper to make the score 5-3 and give Upminster all 3 points from the fixture.
Upminster 1st XI are at home next week against Potters Bar looking to build on the positive performances from recent weeks.
