Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Canvey Island 4 Hitchin Town 0
Wednesday, January 28 2004
With a much depleted side, even by recent standards, Hitchin were easily swept aside by all-conquering Canvey on a frozen evening in the Thames estuary.
With six enforced changes to the starting line-up, the Canaries fielded a below strength side against by far the best team in the Ryman League. Although beaten by four goals, Kerry Dixon's side were not disgraced.
It took less than three minutes for Canvey's Neil Gregory to volley the home side ahead, though, and in a one-sided opening spell, goalkeeper Richard Wilmot saved Hitchin time and time again. Dean McElroy also cleared one goal bound effort off the line as Canvey turned the screw.
Hitchin fell two behind in the 23rd minute when David Theobald sent a back-header into the net. But shortly afterwards, Dean McElroy sent a header wide of the Canvey goal in a rare Hitchin attack.
Canvey relaxed at the start of the second half and Hitchin played some of their best football. Glenn Lamacraft had a good chance but was blocked by Canvey goalkeeper Danny Potter when clear on goal.
But that was just about it from Hitchin, who were then put under severe pressure from the league leaders. The third Canvey goal came after 64 minutes, finished off from close range by Neil Midgley.
Eleven minutes from time, Canvey scored again, another close range effort, this time netted by substitute Steve Parmenter.
Hitchin: Wilmot, Childs, Duffy, Burke, Bone, McElroy, Lamacraft, Frater (Hassan 80), Phelan (Niederman 80), Maynard, Hay (Mills 70)
