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Hitchin Town Thunder U12 v Letchworth Whites U12

Sunday, September 7 2008

After promotion last season, Hitchin made a winning start to life in Division One of the Royston Crow League.

This was a particularly pleasing win, as Letchworth Whites are a well established top flight side. Only a few changes have been made to the 2008-09 squad, with a few boys leaving and two new additions so far: midfielder Connor Willis and forward Adam Hallybone.

The starting eleven were Luke McCabe in goal, Michael Williams, Alfie Dinsey, Luke Stanton, Ollie Payne, James Smith, Connor Willis, Lee Caller, Jake Alderson, Adam Hallybone and Liam Sweeney. Subs Jake Holbrook and Simmy Dhillon both played a part in the win, whilst Rhys Dainton and last season's top scorer Kameron Bethell were unavailable.

Hitchin started the game brightly and took a deserved lead in the first half when Liam Sweeney broke between two defenders and beat the keeper with a low shot, but Letchworth battled back and equalised midway through the second half.

At this point, the boys showed their team spirit and dug in for each other. The fact that most of them have played together for several seasons helped them recover their composure and put the pressure back on with a series of good attacks.

Eventually Jake Alderson regained the lead for Hitchin with a 25 yard free-kick, and Lee Caller made it 3-1 after another free-kick could only be parried by the keeper.

Letchworth thought they had scored again to set up a tense finish, but the goal was ruled out and the Letchworth coaching staff must be commended for the sporting way that they accepted the decision.

A good game and a good start to the new season. Many tough battles ahead.


Final score: Hitchin Town Thunder 3 Letchworth Whites 1