Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hitchin Town 1 Bedford Town 3
Wednesday, September 3 2003
Despite taking the lead in this niggly local derby, Hitchin went down to three second half goals against Bedford Town at Top Field in front of a near-800 crowd.
Bedford deserved their victory, mostly for their second half display, and they possessed the best player of the pitch in Damien French.
French was instrumental in all three Bedford goals, exposing Hitchin's vulnerability on the night to attacks from the Eagles left flank.
But Hitchin took the lead in the 22nd minute through Matt Nolan, who controlled a deflected high ball, turned and sent a tame shot into the net.
Bedford came more into the game in the latter stages of the first half, but after the break, they took control.
Their equaliser came in the 49th minute, French's cross landing well for Mark Reed, who headed crisply in to the net.
Hitchin responded with shots by Nolan and Carl Drew that whistled past the post.
In the 70th minute, however, French exchanged passes with Eddie Lawley and from a tight angle, slid the ball into the far corner of the net.
Now ahead, Bedford turned the screw, with former Canary Darren Sarll impressing on his return to Top Field.
Hitchin's agony continued in the 74th minute when French crossed for Darren Lynch and another header beat Robinson from close range.
Hitchin: Robinson, Childs, Rydeheard, Frater, Ayres, Scott, Osborn (Maynard 77), Nolan, Drew, Parker, Williams