Hitchin Town Football Club

Payne: Fitness is paying off

Saturday, February 27 2010

Hitchin manager Colin Payne is convinced that his side's fitness is playing a vital part in its excellent unbeaten run.

The Canaries are unbeaten in 11 league games, their best run in more than a decade, and their recent form has been outstanding. "We have looked particularly fit recently and we saw that against Woodford on what was a sapping pitch. Our stamina has really shone through."

Payne was worried about Woodford, who before coming to Hitchin had won six away games in succession. "I saw them at Leighton and we were bit worried about their height. I thought that our pace would cause them problems, however, and that we would have a little too much for them. But they were dangerous, especially early on."

Payne believes he has much better strength in the squad now and this will be vital in the closing weeks of the season. "We have got players we can bring in to do a job and given that in the latter stages, there will be games coming thick and fast, so having quality players in your squad will be crucial."