Hitchin Town Youth Football Club
An FA Charter Standard Development Club
Hitchin Town U13s v Royston Celtic Whites
Sunday, February 11 2007
Right from the start to the very last moments it was full on, both teams appeared evenly matched but with a soggy pitch and muddy goal areas you had to be sure footed.
From the very start Royston took control of the game with some good passing up front, leaving Hitchin stuck in the mud on a few occasions. It wasn’t long before they were rewarded with the first goal of the match. Leaving Hitchin a little stunned and frustrated.
With the wind against them, Hitchin continued, determined to match pace and passing abilities. Our two new boys, Josh and Richard, had settled in and were propping up midfield with some good defensive and forward play. Battling on, Hitchin tried hard to make a break, but those breaks were just not forthcoming.
As half time came and went, with a quick team talk and a few positional changes, the second half was underway. Hitchin had wind assistance now and found passing a more pleasing experience. They were able to pass accurately which gave them the confidence to get on with the game. Hitchin also had more possession and made valuable plays giving the forwards the chance to stretch their legs and push for goal.
It was a tough game in some ways, as there was some good strong tackling, robbing the ball and making the play happen for the respective team. Managers should be proud of their efforts.
Substitutions were made for a deserved rest and fresher players to give that little extra push where needed. Hitchin, however, had the hunger for the equaliser and it wasn’t long before the ball was zipping in and out of the Royston six-yard box and it was a Hitchin boot that planted the ball firmly in the Royston net. Well done Tom K. 1-1.
It was Royston’s turn to feel frustrated, their Keeper had played an excellent game up to that point and had not really been tested, but the tension was mounting. Both teams now fired up to win the match. But time had been ticking away and with only a few minutes left it was Hitchin that found the impetus to forge a head and keep possession. Royston still reflecting on the equaliser allowed Hitchin to get closer and closer until our debut boy Josh got his boot to the ball and Hitchin were now 2-1 with seconds to play.
Final score 2-1 Hitchin
Man of the Match: Ben 