Town Win League Opener

who finished last season strongly, much like Town themselves.
It was the Archie McClelland show, who scored 3 times to see Town comfortably beat Baldock in the end, 1-3.
However, it was all plain sailing for Sweeney and Copson’s men. The hosts (who play out of Arlesey Town), took an early lead just 4 minutes in. A good move from Baldock saw Hay square across goal to Coppin, who tapped home from 4 yards past Kirkwood.
Despite the early set-back, Town continued to play on the front foot. Ashton Campbell and Ben Pattie caused issues for the opposition rear-guard.
It was Tom Silford, who had Town’s best chance whilst 1 down. He ghosted in on the left hand side, only to see his drilled effort straight at Ponting.
However, with 35 minutes on the clock, Town did find a way to level the scores up! An in-swinging corner bobbled on the 6 yard box and was turned home by Archie McClelland. A trademark poachers goal!
At the interval, the scores were level and Town were looking the more likely.
Marcus Mealing was replaced by Louie Collier on the 54th minute, which saw a needed injection of pace in the centre for Town.
Skipper Jordon Frederick hit a rasping strike at Ponting shortly after the change. From the resulting corner, Town put themselves a goal to the good!
Tom Silford held up a delightful ball to the far post and Archie McClelland nodded home from close range! 1-2!
Just two minutes later, Town were gifted the chance to make it 3. Collier lobbed Ponting with an effort on the edge, however, Baldock’s right back Decker blatantly clawed the ball off the line with his hand. Decker was shown a red and McClelland was given the ball to take the spot-kick.
His low effort was unfortunately saved well by Ponting and the hosts looked to spark some momentum, with 30 minutes to play, with 10-men.
Archie had another chance shortly after but Ponting in the Baldock goal made another smart stop.
With the game getting closer to the end, it was the hosts who were threatening an equaliser. Brad Kirkwood was called into action on a couple of occasions to make smart stops. Aaron Jewell on his first start was commanding a strict back line with Joe Fitzgerald.
However, despite the pressure, Town countered and Archie McClelland wrapped up his Hat-Trick! A brilliant switch of play into Archie’s path saw him able to lob the ball over Ponting and give the Town breathing space with just a few minutes of stoppage time to go!
George Boland came on after the goal for the Captain, Frederick, and Town saw the game out.
A solid team performance with 3 well taken goals from Archie McClelland, even with a missed penalty!
Next up for Town is the sold-out first game back at Bell Close, against Mildenhall Town in the FA Cup First Round Qualifying!