HARPENDEN Ladies pulled off a vital win at De Montford University second XI with a late winning penalty flick grabbing all three points.

The visitors started the stronger and passed the ball around well without managing to create any clear-cut chances.

However, De Montford came back into the game and forced a number of penalty corners with Gill Pugh needing to be at her best in the Harp goal to keep the hosts out.

With the first half nearing an end, Harpenden finally opened the scoring when, after five consecutive penalty corners, Juila Bradley managed to convert.

Although Harpenden looked as if they may take their lead into the break, some slack defensive play allowed De Montford to grab the equaliser.

De Montford began the second half in a far more positive fashion with the Harp defence of Sue Dear, Jenni Wilkinson, Emma Cannell and Vicky Borman stretched to defend their team's one goal lead.

Man-of-the-match, Gill Pugh, was also in fine form, making a number of excellent saves to deny De Montford.

With the match looking as if it was heading towards a stalemate, Harp won a penalty flick and Wilkinson stepped up to hit the winner.

The second XI also picked up a useful win with a 5-1 victory against Vauxhall Chilterns third XI.

Carly Watson grabbed a hat-trick while Julia Guild grabbed a brace as the team kept their promotion push on track.

October 11, 2001 19:09