A cracking goal from Danielle Ransom was enough to give Harpenden Town all three points against Hertford Town.

She scored in the second half of the Beds & Herts Women's League Premier Division match, the 1-0 win moving Harps up to fifth.

That there was only one goal in total was down to the work of both goalkeepers, Lauren Croucher-Wakefield for Harpenden and Emma Gore for the visitors, both of whom were in top form.

Gore had been a spectator for the game's first chance though, Belle Shannon playing the ball out to Alice King who, as she cut back inside, sizzled a shot just over the crossbar.

Hertford's first attack got them in behind the Harps defence but they found Croucher-Wakefield in tip-top form as she plucked the crosses out of the air like picking apples off a tree.

Gore then denied both Cayleigh Jackson and Cally Salter to keep the score level at the break. 

It was looking like being a similar story in the second period until Ransom's goal broke the deadlock.

It started with determination from Hannah Pope, who hit the ball not once but twice outside the box, eventually finding Shannon.

She moved it quickly to Ransom and as Gore moved across her line in anticipation of the cross, the forward fizzed an effort inside the near post.

Pope almost made it 2-0 with a drive from a Kerry Roberts corner but that flashed wide.

Gore was understandably named player of the match for the visitors but King beat Croucher-Wakefield to the Harpenden award, while there were good games from Holly Rossington and Leah Crocket as well. 

Colney Heath Res are seventh now after a 2-0 win away to Garston.

 

Mia Simmonds put them in front on 24 minutes and Holly Jury doubled the lead 10 minutes into the second half.

They too needed their goalkeeper to be in excellent form, Rachel Sherlow keeping a clean sheet with some good saves.

The player of the match award went to Caroline Pennifold while Abbey Williams had her usual solid game at the back.

Colney Heath's first-team, however, lost 2-0 to Eastern Region Premier Division leaders Stevenage.

The result keeps Boro top, although they have played more than the chasing pack, while the Magpies are ninth. 

Oaklands Wolves U18 women journeyed across the county border to visit undefeated Sandy Tigers for a league cup tie and they returned with a 1-0 win, captain Sai Fisher capping off a remarkably industrious performance with the only goal of the game.

Keeper Ella Heath made a crucial late save to ensure the Wolves weren't taken to penalties and wing-backs Alecia Wren and Meeka Nightingale showed great energy in providing relentless overlapping runs forward.