Despite the equaliser arriving in the latter stages of the match, the result flattered the ‘away’ side for the afternoon as the Hares were far from their recent best.

However, it was indeed Harefield that opened the scoring through a deft finish from distance, courtesy of playmaker Sam Shaw.

This proved to be one of the few glimmers of brilliance in a match dominated by Broadfields, whose reward came in the final twenty minutes when Stefanoaica tucked away his chance.

Broadfields had the title of home team at the ground-shared Preston Park, with the meeting of the sides the first since both of their successful promotions from SSML Division One.

The nature of the derby meant of course a physical opening to the encounter; most notably was Paul Underwood’s crunching ball winning tackle that incited a massive ‘ooft’ from the crowd.

As a result of the vibrant opening, dead ball situations were a plenty and gave rise to some goal scoring oppurtunities, such as Ryan Phillips’ whipped ball finding Marley Anderson-Richards free at the far post, only to head just wide.

A threatening counter attack spearheaded by Billy Smith was precisely intervened by Ryan Wharton, where a possible release could’ve been found on the right flank in Stefanoaica.

The Fighting Cocks found most joy down the right flank, but it was against the run of play when Sam Shaw, notably from at least 30+ yards, sent the ball looping over an out of position Matthew Faley after some deliberation, but his decisiveness paid off and put the Hares on top.

It was Stefanoaica that stole the show in the half’s closing stages, attaining the match’s first card but also missing a hat-trick of chances that would have put the home outfit in cruise control.

The striker just about latched onto a ball from Billy Adcock and was palmed away by Reece Mallett in the sticks, seeing Steve Brown head just over the crossbar from the resulting corner, convincing most of the Preston Park faithful they were level.

Referee Nathan Briggs leniency on the card front was broken with Stefanoaica’s collision with Wharton, which saw the defender sidelined for a short period.

The ninth goal of Stefanoica’s season would have to wait, after being denied by an onrushing Mallett and then again unluckily by the post after some helter skelter defending from the Hares put the ball into the former’s path, concluding a half where the scoreline betrayed the efforts of those in blue.

The second half picked up mostly where the first left off, as Broadfields continued with dominance on the ball, leading to Billy Smith coming close through an overlapping run into the 18 yard box, skying the effort but was the chance of the half at that point for the Fighting Cocks.

Broadfields efforts from the back, namely a driving run from Steve Brown was further evidence of the team’s dedication to notching the equaliser, and then on to possibly the winner.

Following Broadfields camping out in Harefield’s half, the game had the air of staleness, both sides unable to convert the little chances they had, until a moment of endeavour this time from Dene Gardner on the left put himself far enough into Harefield territory to cut a ball back to Stefanoaica, who weaved between defenders and pile drived the ball home, puttting the game deservedly level under 20 minutes from time.

The hammer blow dealt to Harefield actually opened up the tie, not before Reece Mallett done fantastically well to get low and deny Adcock after a svelte one-two put the midfielder in the right position.

Richard Pacquette had a late chance to nick the result for the Hares, but a for another game changing denial, this time from Mallett’s goalkeeping counterpart Faley at close range, rebuffing what would've been a grab and go from the Hares, and enabling Broadfields to walk away from the game not empty handed.

Harefield United will look to get back to winning ways when they travel to Eyenesbury Rovers, and Broadfileds will take encouragement from a fantastic display and look to capitalise against North Greenford United at Preston Park.

Broadfields Team:
Matthew Faley (c)
Liam O’Keefe
Ryan Phillips
Marley Anderson-Richards
Steve Brown
Rex Kimona
Billy Adcock
Jordan Goode-Keely
Billy Smith
Dene Gardner
Radu Stefanoaica

Subs:
Joe Clifton
Jordan Berry (used)
Rhys Martin
Jamie Davey
Ryan Duffy

Harefield Team:
Reece Mallett
Rowen Larrington
Steven Green
Ryan Wharton(c)
Gary Edwards
Callum Rogers
Luke Baldwin
Richard Pacquette
Lenny Farhall
Samuel Shaw
Paul Underwood

Subs:
Lee McManus
Tashan Jordan (used)
Danny Glock
Aderi Dede (used)
Jacob Ballheimer