Codicote and Hatfield Utd win but first loss for AFC Welwyn

They won 2-1 and had begun the game at Birchwood at a blistering pace, Rod Agyeman-Duhar hitting the side netting in the first minute.

They had the ball on the right side of the post just moments later when a half-cleared corner was met on the edge of the area by a superb volley from Charlie Lloyd, giving the Harps keeper no chance.

Three minutes later United almost doubled their lead when Jimmy Talbot picked up an Agyeman-Duhar cross only to see his stunning volley brilliantly tipped around the post.

And the visiting keeper then made a second superb stop from the resultant corner.

Matt Noot (left) got Hatfield United's second against Harpenden Town Res. Picture: HUFC (Image: Hatfield United Football Club)

But following yet more pressure, Hatfield did have a second, a well-rehearsed corner routine ending with skipper Matt Noot heading home at the near post.

Harpenden did start to battle back and hit the post from a free-kick before Ryan Moss had to save with his feet.

And the second half was a much more even affair.

Harpenden got the only goal of the period on the hour mark with Darnell Fuller scoring from another free-kick

United then had to endure 15 minutes of continuous pressure with Moss saving a certain equaliser and Lesley Chinwadzimba clearing a goal-bound effort off the line.

In the end United just about deserved the three points in a close, very entertaining game in which both sides played some excellent football.

The man of the match for United was Chinwadzimba.

Codicote stayed undefeated after their first four games in Spartan South Midlands League Division Two after a third win of the season.

They beat MK College 4-1 away from home to move seventh in the standings, just three points behind leaders Totternhoe who have played three more games than them.

Sean McMonagle got two and Grant Macaree and Liam Hayden one each.

AFC Welwyn though are down to second after their first defeat of the year.

They went down 2-1 at home to an AFC Caddington side who had began the day bottom of the table.

And the basement side no fear against the leaders, even after going behind to a 16th-minute penalty from Charlee Yearwood, his ninth of the season.

Caddington levelled on 32 minutes and had the lead four minutes later.

AFC had no choice but to attack after the break and despite racking up 27 shots, they couldn't find a way through.

Welwyn coach Phil Neville said: "I'm massively disappointed in the performance, and it’s something we will collectively get to the bottom of at training this week so it doesn’t happen again.

"Once we stepped onto the pitch we lacked the energy and characteristics we expect from the group.

"I think that's come from the previous five wins in five games and naivety in our attitude when playing a team at home who hadn’t yet won a game.

"We didn’t stick to the principles and our identity enough.

"Caddington hung on through the whole game so well done to them for the resilience they showed."