Five-star Baldock bounce back in style

In truth they may not have a more comfortable victory in the league all season as they quickly banished the disappointment of losing in the Division One Cup at Wodson Park in midweek.

The Reds were back to something like full strength with Lee Harman returning up top along side Anthony James, Luke Gregson and Freddie Morris back in the centre of the park and Dean Gilbert alongside Rob Beckwith at the heart of the defence. There was also the added bonus of Jack Gregson being back on the bench after over a month out injured.

The home side wasted little time in getting their noses in front with just five minutes on the clock. A neat build up saw Anthony James divert the ball into the path of Harman. He looked to attempt a through ball, but he ended up showing great tenacity and desire to run onto his own little ball around his marker to prod home his second goal in two games.

The writing looked on the wall for Ampthill straight away, but after flicking a James free kick just wide of the goal, Harman limped off with a groin problem. Hopefully it was more precautionary than anything serious.

Soon after the visitors showed a glimpse of their capabilities with a decent counter attack, which ended with a sweeping half volley just over the bar. That was as good as it got for them though as the Reds penned them in with some good attacking play.

Their probing paid off with a second goal on 34 minutes. A lovely move down the Baldock left involving Alex Coppin and Charlie Payne saw the latter check back on to his right foot before sending over a pinpoint cross, which was turned home by Josh Furness.

Baldock's domination continued early in the second half and the points were all but wrapped up on 51 minutes. Anthony James sent over a free kick deep into the box and Dean Gilbert climbed well to beat the advancing keeper to it and glance home his second goal in three games.

Three became four seven minutes later with arguably the goal of the game. A cracking move involving Luke Gregson and Josh Furness saw the ball set back for Sam Perrin. He sent a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Harry Holland, who took a touch before squaring for James to slot home his 29th of the season.

James had a great chance to get his second of the afternoon when he was sent clear with another excellent move, but a bobble as he went to shoot came to the Ampthill rescue.

With 15 minutes remaining it was 5-0 and this time it was Luke Gregson turning provider. Another well-weighted through ball put Holland clear. The chance looked to have gone when he was forced wide by the keeper. However, Holland showed some class of old to dance around three or four challenges before crashing home into the roof of the net.

Baldock threatened to make it six goals three Saturdays running with Freddie Morris going close twice with some more flowing moves, but there were no further additions to the score line. Another positive was that it was the Reds first clean sheet in 11 games.

Manager Luke Gregson said following the victory "I was really happy with the result and the performance. I thought the lads gave there all and showed the fight missing midweek. Also, it's good to see people coming back to fitness. It was a shame about Lee, but hopefully it's not too serious. We played some great football at times and I still think we will get better!"

They remain five points behind leaders Harpenden Town with four games in hand after they won 2-1 against Bedford, whilst Biggleswade remain one point further back following their win over Hatfield Town.

Gregson's men are back on Cup duty next Saturday when they travel to Sandridge Rovers in the Quarter Final of the Senior Centenary Trophy - 1.30pm kick off.

Town: Farmer, Perrin, Payne(Pitcairn 72), Gilbert, Beckwith, Morris, Coppin, L Gregson, Harman(Holland 11), James(Robertson 72),Furness. Subs Not Used: Briggs, J Gregson

League Table