Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hitchin old boys present Hay with toughest test
Friday, December 28 2007
Star-studded Halesowen Town come to Top Field to face a Hitchin side desperate for a change in fortune after three consecutive league defeats.
Halesowen have climbed their way into title contention in recent weeks after a takeover that has seen a massive influx of new players. These include no less than three former Hitchin names: Shane Hill, Zema Abbey and Dean Brennan.
Abbey is sure to receive a warm welcome for the first time as a player since leaving the Canaries almost eight years ago for then-Football League Cambridge United. Abbey’s transfer and subsequent move to Norwich City earned Hitchin £ 30,000.
Abbey’s career has been punctuated by injuries, but he has been scoring goals for a Halesowen side that saw a 12-match unbeaten run come to an end on Boxing Day at Bromsgrove. Prior to that game, the Yeltz had recorded seven consecutive wins.
Hitchin’s cause has not been helped by a series of injuries. James Edgerley will be absent for around three weeks, Ricky Miller may need another fortnight for his shoulder injury to clear up and Mark Ducket remains on the casualty list. Carl Williams, who missed the Boxing Day defeat at Bedford, may be fit again to face Halesowen.
Darran Hay is adamant that the gap between top and bottom in the BGB Premier is not too large for his side to cause an upset. “We are working hard and I think everyone can see that, but we know we have to add some more quality to the squad. Once we add one or two new players and our current squad starts to gain more confidence, we will be in a much better position. The Halesowen game is a big one for us, but we are ready for the challenge.”