Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hitchin Town 2 Cambridge City 1
Sunday, July 27 2003
Although the scoreline suggested a narrow contest, Hitchin were streets ahead of Cambridge City in this pre-season friendly.
Hitchin had countless opportunities in the first half before they took the lead in the 42nd minute. A free kick by Dean Brennan and a Matt Nolan header all threatened to open the scoring early on.
And Carl Williams wasted a good chance to score when he sidefooted over the bar after Craig Rydeheard’s shot was parried by Cambridge goalkeeper Martin Davies.
Nolan’s goal just before the interval was a gem, a shot from an acute angle that demanded intricate skill.
In the 72nd minute, Hitchin extended their lead, with Chris Dillon lobbing the keeper after a good pass by Brennan.
Dillon had two more chances to score, but both times he was wide of the target.
Finally, in the 90th minute, Cambridge pulled a goal back, Mark Duckett turning in a cross from close range.
Hitchin: Graham, Bruce (Childs 31), Rydeheard, Frater (Scott 73), Ayres, Osborn, Williams (Johnson 80), Brennan (Maynard 73), Drew, Parker, Nolan (Dillon 60)