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Fans await former striker

Sunday, March 21 2004

Hornchurch striker Andy Douglas may get a mixed reception when he turns up at Hitchin on Tuesday night for the Essex side's first visit to Top Field since 1963.

Douglas, a pre-season signing by former Hitchin manager Robbie O'Keefe, stayed with the club for less than a month before joining ambitious Hornchurch. A mix-up over Douglas's contract was seized upon by Hornchurch manager George Borg and he left amid some controversy.


Hitchin fans were incensed over the departure of a talented and popular player, but it was merely the prelude of a period of discontent that lasted until January. To rub salt in the wound, Douglas scored Hornchurch's opening goal when the Canaries were beaten 4-0 at Bridge Avenue in February.

But Hornchurch are one of the teams of 2003-04, poised for a top four finish and earlier this season, they enjoyed good runs in the FA Cup and FA Trophy. There is added spice in the game on Tuesday in that Borg, a fiery character, always brings out the partisan side of Hitchin fans.

Recent performances by Hitchin suggest that Kerry Dixon's reshaped side is coming together. "I have been pleased with the way we have played in the past couple of games, but we must learn to hold onto a lead," said Dixon.