Molten Spartan South Midlands Football League PREMIER DIVISION: Harefield United 0 Welwyn Garden City 1

Just as Harefield United seemed to have their title chase right back on track they suffered a shock home defeat at the hands of lowly Welwyn Garden City to give the chasing pack renewed optimism.

The Hares comfortably saw off St Margaretsbury in midweek but last Saturday they were undone by an early strike as they were handed their first loss in six games.

Harefield still head second-placed Biggleswade Town, who could only draw, by 13 points, and the two sides clash in Biggleswade this weekend when a Hares win would go a long way to helping them over the finish line, but a defeat would heap further pressure on the long-time leaders.

The Hares started slowly against Welwyn and were well and truly caught out on three minutes when Stuart Black-burne was left to score a great goal.

For the rest of the half the hosts played their passing game but Welwyn held firm despite conceding several clear chances, as well as breaking quickly to feed Blackburne and Dave Taylor.

On 15 minutes the ball found Chris Drake but keeper Darren Bonfield stood his ground and made a good block.

Joe Kelly and Adam Willis saw plenty of the ball but too often they either delayed their delivery too long or their crosses were poor.

Danny Buckle hit the post midway through the half but Harefield lacked any great penetration and it was a similar story after the break.

Neither team looked like finding the net and Harefield, despite enjoying plenty of possession, failed to even fluster Bonfield.