Baldock Town went down by an only goal in this local derby against Potton United to remain cautiously looking over their shoulders at the teams sitting behind them in the table.

Making two changes from the midweek reverse at Bishop’s Stortford, Manager Luke Gregson brought in Sam James to help bolster the midfield, while John Priestner returned to the centre of defence.

The early exchanges were frantic with goalkeeper Adam Harpur being brought into the action as soon as the 3rd minute, turning a Potton free-kick around the post. At the other end Owen Robertson broke down the right, beating his marker and shooting wide.

On 12 minutes a Potton break through the middle ended in a shot over the bar, while Kieran Barnes broke through the Royals defence and saw his shot turned over by Tyler Josephs in goal.

The game began to slow down into something of a midfield battle and on 29 minutes, a Barnes free-kick from the best part of 30 yards out ended safely in the hands of Joseph. 4 minutes later Harpur was required to tip a header over the bar and at the break it was goalless with everything still to play for.

The second half got under way with little in the way of goalmouth action and as the match continued, it became clear that the first goal would more than likely be decisive.

On 73 minutes, Potton substitute Aaron Murrell went close after showing impressive ball skills and 3 minutes later a Lewis Barker shot rebounded off the Potton post.

With 5 minutes remaining on the clock however the deadlock was broken. A long ball down the right hand side of the Baldock goal was chased down by Murrell, who got past his marker and slid the ball away from the stranded Harpur. The Baldock ‘keeper could only watch in horror as it agonisingly trickled over the line giving the lead to the visitors.

Soon enough the referee put an end to proceedings with Baldock Town counting themselves unlucky not to come out of the match with anything. With only winning 2 points from their last 6 League matches, it will be imperative to buck the trend and get a result this coming Wednesday evening when Harpenden Town visit the New Lamb Meadow – KO 7.45pm.

BALDOCK TOWN: Harpur; Brooks; Furness; Gilbert; Priestner; James (Holland); Joy (A Barker); L Barker; Bull © (Ngwala); Barnes; Robertson. Unused subs: Gregson; Farmer (GK).