Hitchin Town Football Club

Preview: Hitchin Town v Northwood

Saturday, August 14 2010

Hitchin Town open their home programme in the Zamaretto League Central Division on Tuesday by playing host to Northwood, who return to the league after three years elsewhere.

Old boy Orphanou returns
Tuesday August 17 2010, Hitchin Town  v Northwood at Top Field, Kick Off 7.45pm

So who’s this chap Orphanou?
Scott Orphanou was a product of Hitchin’s academy and made a name for himself as a prolific goalscorer in youth football. Despite his slight frame, he lacked nothing in determination or indeed aggression. He burst onto the scene in 2006-07, scoring on his debut at Mangotsfield and also netted some important goals in the first half of that season. Although he didn’t make the breakthrough at Hitchin, he was a popular figure at the club. After finishing top scorer at Northwood last season, he opened the 2010-11 campaign in style, scoring a hat-trick against Bedfont on Saturday.

Recent history
Northwood last played Hitchin in 2006-07 before spending three years in the Isthmian League Division One North. They went close to winning promotion two years ago, but last season finished 10th.

We don’t win at Northwood
In four attempts, we have not beaten Northwood at their Chestnut Avenue ground, losing twice and drawing once. At home, the Canaries have won twice and lost once. The most notable win was a 4-2 in August 2005 at the start of the season  at Top Field, a game which saw Tommy Hayes net a hat-trick on his home debut.

How are they shaping up?
Northwood’s pre-season programme has been spent playing local sides such as Hillingdon, Hendon, Harrow, Hanwell and Harefield – Hitchin keeps the H thing going! The exception was a trip to AFC Totton in Hampshire, a game that was lost 4-1.

And the opening day?
Northwood raised a few eyebrows by beating Bedfont at home 5-2. They raced into a 4-0 lead inside an hour, and clearly eased  off the pedal. Aside from Orphanou’s hat-trick, Ryan Tackley and Scott Raper scored for Northwood.

Any other familiar names?
Not on the pitch, but Northwood’s coach is Mark Pye, a combative midfielder who played for, amongst others, Harrow and Aldershot. Northwood’s manager is Mark Barnham, who was appointed in March 2010.

To see the media briefing sheet for Hitchin v Northwood, click here