Herts County League: Colney Heath 2 Sandridge 3

A LAST minute penalty gave Rovers new manager Ted Goldney a dream start in this exciting local derby. This game was straight out of a "Roy of the Rovers" annual as Goldney began his mission to save struggling Sandridge.

Heath started well and showed the large crowd why they are pressing for league honours. In previous weeks Rovers would have cracked in the first ten minutes, but this new determined Rovers soaked up the pressure and looked very dangerous on the counter.

They took the lead on ten minutes when Steve Davies' fine cross-field ball found Andy Grindrod, he in turn found Dave Vidgen who stroked the ball pass the advancing keeper.

Rovers should have increased their lead five minutes later but Steve Thomas blasted the ball over the bar. Thomas almost made amends soon after but was foiled by a fine save from the Heath keeper.

Heath equalised late in the first half when the impressive Scott Ludley run unchallenged across the box before turning and shooting past the diving Toms.

The second half continued as the first ended full of excitement with both teams having periods of intense pressure. Rovers main threat came from Vidgen whose speed and strength was causing the Heath defence all kinds of problems.

It was Vidgen, the former Gladiators contestant, who set up the best chance of the half. His powerful run took him to the by line and his cross found Ian Porter, who somehow missed the empty net.

Porter was soon replaced by the 16-year-old Neil Ring and it was the diminutive striker who restored Rovers lead. Again it was Grindrod who set up the chance, his near post cross looked tame enough, but Ring nipped in to turn the ball passed the bemused keeper.

With two minutes remaining Heath equalised when Andy Muskett headed home. Rovers threw everything into attack and after several goalline clearances were finally awarded a penalty. Thomas kept his nerve and earned Rovers a well deserved three points.

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