West Herts cemented their status as promotion contenders by claiming a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Bedford on Saturday.

Stags captain Bill Gage scored the only goal in what proved to be a close affair in the East League Premier A Division.

West Herts started brightly, dominating possession in the early stages, and their pressure would finally pay off when they were awarded their first penalty corner of the game. Matt Sears worked it to Gage, whose flicked effort was deflected into the back of the net by a Bedford defender to hand the hosts the lead.

That was one of a number of chances the Stags created in the first half, but the tables were turned following the restart as Bedford searched for an equaliser.

The visitors pegged West Herts back by adopting a high press in the second half but the Stags dug in, with some excellent defending from the experienced Matt Buckland keeping them ahead.

West Herts goalkeeper Dan Brier also made some good saves to prevent Bedford from clawing back on level terms, to help the home side grind out a slender 1-0 win.

The Stags will be hoping to replicate that resolute display against Norwich City this weekend, before they take on table-toppers St Albans in an early season crunch match.

The men’s second team’s miserable start to the season continued as they were on the wrong end of a 7-0 drubbing at Waltham Forest.

There was no such luck for the Thirds either, who were beaten 4-1 by Berkhamsted, but the fifth string enjoyed better fortunes as they overcame travel problems to earn a hard earned point against Luton Town.

The Mens’ sixth team came out on top against Hertford thanks to goals from debutant Mark Sharrington and Darren White.

West Herts ladies slipped to a 3-1 home defeat to Canterbury’s second XI.

The ladies’ Seconds enjoyed better fortunes, as they played out a 0-0 draw against Harpenden, while the fourth team claimed a 3-0 win over Welwyn Garden City thanks to a brace from Liz Milford and a strike from Lorea Hopwood.

However, there was disappointment for the ladies’ third team, who were beaten 3-1 by St Albans, while the fifth string remain winless after being thrashed 5-0 by Broxbourne.