Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hit man Nolan back at Hitchin
Sunday, August 20 2006
FORMER Hitchin striker Matt Nolan returns to Top Field for the first time with his new club Kings Lynn on Tuesday (August 22 7.45pm).
Nolan, who joined the Linnets last December, scored on his last appearance against Hitchin but returns to the club as a player for the first time since leaving the Canaries in September 2003.
Hitchin and Kings Lynn both lost their opening games of the season, the Canaries at Tiverton and Kings Lynn at home to Halesowen- one of the shocks of the first day.
But the Linnets, managed by former West Ham defender Tommy Taylor, are one of the favourites for the title this season after going close in 2005-06. Last season, they won 5-0 at Hitchin and 3-0 at Kings Lynn, so Darren Salton’s men will be keen to gain some revenge on Taylor’s side.
Salton is hoping that one of Saturday’s absentees, Carl Williams, might be fit enough to make his first competitive appearance since rejoining the club in the close season. But Williams is still struggling to shake off an ankle injury. Gavin Jaggard is also doubtful.
Last season’s five-goal defeat by Kings Lynn was one of the low spots of the campaign. "It was one of my worst nights in football and I am keen to wipe that from the memory. We did well at Tiverton, but we must learn to take our chances. I was not too downcast."
Previous encounters:
2004-05: Hitchin Town 3 Kings Lynn 0
2005-06: Hitchin Town 0 Kings Lynn 5