Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Draw specialists face Hitchin
Friday, August 26 2005
Hitchin could go top if they win at Rugby Town, opponents who have yet to come out on top in their four league games.
Rugby have drawn three and lost one of their league games this season, and in midweek lost at home to newly promoted Evesham United. But although they are fourth from bottom – as opposed to Hitchin’s fifth place- Rugby have drawn at two difficult venues, Kings Lynn and Merthyr Tydfil.
Rugby had a troubled summer, with off-pitch wranglings and a change of manager. Former Stamford manager Billy Jeffrey is now in charge at Butlin Road. Rugby’s habit of drawing games mirrors Stamford’s performances last season.
Last season, Hitchin lost 2-0 at the excellent Butlin Road stadium, but Hitchin are full of confidence after their unbeaten start to the campaign. Tuesday night’s display at Grantham was possibly the Canaries best of the season so far. “We played tremendously well and should have won,” commented manager Darren Salton. “It was very pleasing the way we passed the ball around in the second half.”
Salton brings Scott Cretton, Jim Duffy and Mark Bridge back into the squad for the trip to Rugby. The only injury is Neil Pugh, who is still recovering from an accident at work.