ENOUGH has been written about optimism and the start of new seasons to render a description of Harpenden Town's mood following Saturday's (August 17) 3-0 success at Pitstone & Ivinghoe almost repetative.

After a string of pearls of a pre-season, a diamond performance brought the club its first league points under new managers Gordon Guile and Graham Gold.

"I think we've got about six new players, so getting a good start was absolutely crucial," said Guile.

The afore-mentioned optimism is given further credence by the performances of wide midfielder Paul Barnes. He took just 17 minutes to pick up the thread of the fine individual form he displayed in the spring, opening Harp's account with a strike fit to illuminate any opening day.

Receiving the ball near the half-way line, Barnes set off towards goal. Two defenders were left in his wake before a third and then fourth were skinned as Barnes advanced on the Pitstone & Ivinghoe number one.

From the edge of the box, a low drive into the corner revealed his clinical instincts and proved an effective way to break the deadlock.

The lead was doubled just after the half-hour, Barnes again the sharp point of Harp's attack after latching on to a diagonal ball.

But while two-goal cushions were rarely comfortable last season, this Harp side can look to a few older heads to steady the ship now, and although the home side were busy after the interval, dominating possession, they rarely broke through the Town wall.

In fact, Adam Price was among a few Harpenden players that might have extended the lead before substitute Adam Bounds finally did so in the 80th minute, his delightful chip calling to mind Robbie Keane's effort against Manchester City on the same day.

"It was the toughest decision we've had to make since we've come here," said Guile, referring to the omission of Bound. "But he shouldn't be worried, he'll play more often than not."

August 23, 2002 11:00