Hitchin Town Youth Football Club
An FA Charter Standard Development Club
Knebworth Youth v Hitchin Town U11
Sunday, January 6 2008
This visit to Knebworth was the first of three tough fixtures kicking off 2008. And whilst the scoreline suggests a comfortable win, the young Canaries were pushed hard for most of the game.
Knebworth carry a goal threat, which meant that there were plenty of defensive duties to be carried out, with man-of-the-match Ollie Payne performing well alongside stand-in keeper Jake Holbrook and the rest of the back four.
A tight first ten minutes saw chances at both ends before Ollie scored the opener with a fine looping shot from the edge of the box. Some excellent finishing by Kameron Bethell made it two nil to Hitchin, with Knebworth foiled by a fine Jake stop just before half-time.
The second half began with good Knebworth pressure, going close from corners, only for Kameron to break clear and race ahead of the home defence to score Hitchin's third.
Jake made another good save before Hitchin scored the best goal of the game. A smart throw out from Jake allowed Ollie to race up the wing and play in Jake Alderson, who beat several defenders to fire into the right hand corner.
Knebworth wilted a little towards the end and Hitchin continued to make chances, with Kameron eventually helping himself to a hat-trick after a keeper fumble and an unfortunate own goal making it six by the the time the full-time whistle went.
Letchworth at home next, which will be another tough test, whilst a testing cup game against Baldock from Division One looms.
Final score: Knebworth Youth U11 0 Hitchin Town U11 6