Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Halesowen game is so crucial for Hitchin
Thursday, April 21 2005
Hitchin Town enter the final fortnight of the season needing a maximum of four points to secure their Southern League Premier Division status next season. The Canaries host play-off chasing Halesowen Town, while 19th place Hemel Hempstead are at home to Merthyr Tydfil. Hitchin are three points ahead of Hemel and have a goal difference advantage of three.
It was against Halesowen that Darren Salton began his managerial career in December and he will be hoping for a repeat performance – Hitchin won 3-1 in that game.
Form guide: Halesowen’s form has been indifferent, although they have won three of their last four games. Prior to that, they had gone five games without a win. Despite that, a 2-0 win at Grantham last Saturday moved them into the top six. Halesowen also recently won the Worcestershire Senior Cup, beating Studley 2-0. Hitchin haven’t won for nine games, although they put on a good show at Merthyr last week.
Last six: Hitchin D, L, L, L, D, D Halesowen W, W, L, W, L, L
Team news: There are no injury or suspension worries for Darren Salton. Jimy Duffy returns to the squad after missing the trip to Merthyr.
Men to watch: Steve Pope and Nathan Lamey have 36 goals between them this season, so they are obvious danger men. Lamey is well known to Canaries fans- he had two spells with the club in 1999-00 and 2000-01. He seems to have found a settled home after roaming around the Midlands’ clubs in recent years.
Comment: “We worked our socks off at Merthyr and fully deserved a result. We now need to be totally focused on the task we have. And we need everyone to get behind us,” Darren Salton said.
