Hitchin Town Football Club

Preview: Hitchin Town v Ware

Friday, August 27 2010

Remember the days of Hereford, Swindon, Bristol Rovers and Boston United? Well, Hitchin are back in FA Cup action this weekend when Ware come to Top Field. The prize for winning this Preliminary Round tie is a home game with Aveley.

15 years on, Hitchin strive for glory

The FA Cup returns to Top Field this weekend when Hitchin Town take on Ryman Division One North side Ware. It is 15 years since the Canaries last reached the FA Cup first round and manager Carl Williams is keen to revive the club’s age-long love affair with “the little tin idol”.

So, Ware…what do we know?
They have a decent ground, Wodson Park, and they have enjoyed some success in recent years, notably in the FA Cup. Hitchin striker Tom Mustapha played for them last season and former defender Stuart Hammonds also lined up for the East Herts side.

How are they faring this season?
Because the Ryman kicked off late, Ware have only played twice, and the early signs are worrying for manager Tony Faulkner. They drew 0-0 last Saturday with Wigate & Finchley in front of 76 people, and in midweek were trounced 5-1 at AFC Sudbury. Ware had two men sent off, including the returning John Frendo.

Frendo’s the danger man, isn’t he?
Indeed he is. A prolific scorer for some years, Frendo was at Chesham last season and was a thorn in the side of the Hitchin defence in March when the Generals beat the Canaries 2-0. He has just returned to Ware, where he is something of a hero.

Ware’s FA Cup history
In 2007-08, Ware reached the first round proper, losing at home to Kidderminster Harriers after surprisingly beating Tonbridge Angels in the previous round. They had only reached this stage once before, in 1968-69 when they were beaten by Luton Town.

Hitchin are due a run in the competition
Since reaching the first round in 1953, the spell since 1995 is the second longest without a run to the first round. As mentioned, it’s been 15 years – the longest is 16 between 1978 and 1994. It’s harder than ever to slalom your way from the early stages. However, in 1994, we started in the First Qualifying Round at Newmarket and won through four rounds before meeting – and beating – Hereford.

Useful links
The FA
Ware FC