Hatfield United picked up a much needed win on the road in Division One of the Herts Senior County League.

The 1-0 success at Westmill was built on a superb defensive performance, expertly marshalled by Greg Mackintosh and Chris Gray.

United had the first chance to break the deadlock on 15 inutes but although Curtis Warner beat the keeper to a through ball, his effort was cleared from the line.

Warner was again denied five minutes later after rounding the keeper, a last-ditch tackle denying him an open goal, while Rod Agyeman-Duhar had an effort tipped over the bar by the Westmill keeper.

At the other end Ryan Moss made a point blank save to prevent Westmill from scoring but it was Hatfield who finally got their noses in front 10 minutes from the interval.

A poor clearance saw Mackintosh pick out the run of Charlie Jay and as the keeper and defender hesitated, he got in between them to lob the ball home.

Moss was needed to make a couple of outstanding saves to keep the clean sheet intact but despite all their late possession, Westmill were denied at every opportunity.

And it was Hatfield who almost snatched a second in the final minute as a Jay shot clipped the crossbar.

United are now eighth in the 13-team division, two points behind their hosts.

Codicote remain firmly in the title picture at the top of Spartan South Midlands League Division Two after a 4-1 win at home to Pitstone & Ivinghoe United.

Sean McMonagle got a double while there was one each for Michael Brako and Vinny Clarke.

They are in second, five points behind leaders AFC Welwyn but with two games in hand.

Welwyn Pegasus Ladies got back to winning ways in Division Three of the Beds & Herts League as they closed out their 2023 campaign with a 1-0 victory at home to Wheathampstead Wanderers.

Welwyn started brightly and looked to set forwards Lizzie Palmer and Abigail Rowark free in the early stages.

Playing against a strong wind, much of the action took place down the right and chances were limited as the visitors disrupted play in the midfield. 

The breakthrough came midway through the half when Jane Jardine had a shot blocked by a Wheathampstead defender.

The rebound bounced out to Emma Bowers at the top of the box and she lashed a stunning 18-yard strike into the top corner.

It could’ve been 2-0 soon after when a back pass resulted in an indirect free kick in the box.

Palmer rolled it for Rowark to strike but it drifted wide.

Wheathampstead came out in the second half looking and went close on several occasions.

They were thwarted by the solid Pegasus defence and some good handling from keeper Lianne Tyler, while Ellie Levi was having a great game on the wing.

It was Welwyn who had the best chance of the half when Palmer saw her fine effort cannon off the crossbar in the closing stages.

A spokeswoman said: "Pegasus were indebted to their back five in particular, as they kept the home side in the game as legs tired late on.

"It was another determined, positive display from Welwyn, who climb to fifth in the league on the back of the win."