Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Tougher text for Payne's men: Hitchin v Romulus
Friday, February 5 2010
Hitchin manager Colin Payne is looking to his side to reproduce some of the sparkling football they produced in the first half at Barton in midweek. The Canaries were, to quote Payne, “on fire” in the early stages at Sharpenhoe Road, eventually winning 6-3.
Payne believes Romulus will present a far stronger threat than Barton and points to a tricky 90 minutes in November. “It will be a tough game. They have been on a good run and they are a handful going forward,” he said. “We will have to be on our toes.” Romulus are unbeaten in their last seven games.
Payne was pleased with his team’s display at Barton, but disappointed at conceding two late goals. “Sometimes you switch off, and I think we did on Tuesday night. I’m not too concerned because against the better sides our concentration has been 100%. Despite that, to score six goals away from home was good and some of our play was outstanding, especially in the first half.”
Hitchin had 150 fans at Barton and Payne was delighted at the level of support. “I know it was a local derby, but the backing we had was tremendous.”
The Hitchin squad is at full strength for the visit of Romulus.
Past meetings
2009-10: Romulus 2 Hitchin Town 3
Current form (last six league games)
Hitchin: W, W, W, D, D, W
Romulus: W, D, W, D, D, D
Squads
Hitchin (from): Bennett, Fontenelle, Pepper, Williams, Smith, Gilbert, Lee, Lewis, L.Donnelly, Burke, Arlick, Hunt, Hammond, Stevenson, Grinham, Howell
Romulus (from): Sargeant, Douglas, Evans, Tiernan, Folkes, Blake, Banks, Jackson, Fagan, Leo Brown, Lei Brown, Barnett, Heath, Craven, Johnson, Grandison