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Hitchin Town U11 v Sawbridgeworth Juniors

Sunday, March 9 2008

This was a highly memorable match, complete with last-gasp equaliser guaranteeing promotion to Division One of the Royston Crow League next season.

The goal, tucked in by Kameron Bethell as Hitchin piled on the pressure, was also Hitchin's 100th in Division Two this season and preserved the team's unbeaten league record.

But huge praise must go to Sawbridgeworth Juniors, who gave Barry Alderson's boys their sternest test of the season and came mightily close to a fine away win in front of a big crowd at Purwell.

Hitchin bossed possession, but the opposition were well organised, determined and carried a genuine goal threat.
The young canaries took the lead when an opportunitistic first time shot from just inside the box by Kameron Bethell surprised the keeper, rebounding off the post and squirming over the line.
Unlike most other visitors to Hitchin this season, Sawbo were not disheartened and came forward with promise. An equaliser came when the number seven curled a long range effort into the top right hand corner past Luke McCabe.

It was then Hitchin's turn to respond, with a series of chances going begging. Michael Woods and Oliver Paine both had good efforts saved, whilst Kameron shot over when he would normally score.

Hitchin defend...


The second half saw a real battle ensue, with Alfie Dinsey having a fine game in the centre of a defence feeling more pressure than in any league game this season.

Sawbridgeworth constantly looked to hit Hitchin on the break. This nearly saw them take the lead, but for a fine goal-line clearance by substitute James Smith. Kameron had another shot saved, but Sawbridgeworth shocked the home team for a second time by taking the lead with a brilliantly taken free-kick on the edge of the box.

Time was running out and the manager pushed another sub, Rhys Dainton, up alongside Kameron, Liam Sweeney and Ollie Hubbard to cause as much havoc as possible. And just as the home fans were losing hope, Kameron popped up with that equaliser.

This game was a pleasure to watch and the Sawbridgeworth management and team were sporting to the end. We look forward to meeting them again next season - in the top division.

Final score: Hitchin Town U11 2 Sawbridgeworth Juniors 2