Another nine-goal thriller with Stevenage but another loss for Welwyn Garden City

Laurie Brown lifts a pass past Mark Skilbeck in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

The game at Hertfordshire Sports Village at the beginning of November saw promotion-chasing Stevenage win 7-2.

This time round it was slightly closer with WGC losing 6-3.

They were still in touch during a very open second half but they could not stop the prolific Stevenage side, who have now racked up an incredible 90 goals in their 17 league games and sit third in the table.

Welwyn had started the game on a sandy pitch at the Nobel School slowly, conceding possession in the middle and allowing wave after wave of attack from the skilful Stevenage attackers.

David Allmand-Smith fires in a backhanded shot as John Mould tries to block in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

A converted short corner followed but Welwyn did start to gain a foothold in the contest, getting into scoring positions from a number of counter-attacks.

A run down the middle from Rob Sansom forced the goalkeeper into a save but he followed up with a lofted shot that was heading straight for the middle of the goal – until it hit the unlucky Dan Hatt on the goal-line.

The hosts were able to extend their lead before half-time with two more goals but Welwyn did manage to find the back of t he net themselves.

Good play down the right from Bryn Evans and Hatt won the visitors a short corner from which Evans made no mistake with a low shot that was slotted home.

Mark Skilbeck fires in a backhanded shot in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Harsh words delivered by the away skipper did provoke a response from Welwyn, even if they did concede the first goal of the second period.

James Fowler was a dominant presence throughout, bringing the ball out of defence and picking passes from the back and Welwyn reduced the deficit with the goal of the game from Evans, a shot that fizzed into the net off the crossbar.

However, the home side were always a threat on the break and a couple of goals made the game safe.

But the final say was with WGC, Dave Allmand-Smith grabbing the final goal of an enthralling game.

Andy Davies tussles with Dan Hatt in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Welwyn, who are now sixth in the table, have a week off before returning to action on March 2 when they travel to West Herts.

Mike Oliver lifts a pass past Dylan Parker's attempted block in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Welwyn Garden City's Stuart Stephen and Matt O'Connell combine to stop Stevenage's Dan Farnan in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

James Lutrario in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: Danny Loo Photography)

Dan Hatt is tackled by Andy Davies in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Stevenage start an attack in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Welwyn Garden City scramble to clear a penalty corner in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Andy Gardner challenges Bryn Evans in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Bryn Evans and James Lutrario celebrate pulling a goal back in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Bryn Evans and Mark Skilbeck celebrate pulling a goal back in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Stevenage defend a penalty corner in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Dan Klinger can't prevent Stevenage from scoring their third goal in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Stevenage defend a penalty corner in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Stevenage celebrate their third goal in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Welwyn Garden City defend a penalty corner in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Andy Gardner gives the thumbs up after scoring in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)

Stevenage's number 8 fires a shot across goal for Andy Gardner to deflect in at the back post during a penalty corner in the match between Stevenage v WGC mens 1's. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2019 Archant)