Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hitchin Town 1 Canvey Island 3
Wednesday, September 17 2003
Hitchin's dismal run continued with this defeat at the hands of Canvey, but there was no disgrace at losing to one of the Ryman League's best sides.
In truth, the margin of defeat was far greater than the scoreline suggests, although Canvey only sealed victory with a 90th minute goal. The game was also notable for Dean Brennan's last goal in Hitchin colours.
Canvey took an sixth minute lead to stamp their authority on the game. James Robinson came out to head a through ball but his clearance landed at the feet of Lee Boylan who shot home with ease.
Boylan, with his lightning pace was always a menace and the small forward could have had a hat-trick in the first half.
Canvey's lead was extended in the 22nd minute when Jeff Minton finished from close range after the Hitchin defence failed to clear the ball. David Theobald and Minton had further chances to add to Hitchin's woe.
Canvey should have cemented their superiority with more goals but Hitchin pulled one back in the 74th minute, Brennan heading in off the bar from Craig Rydeheard's cross.
Carl Drew made a difference when he arrived as a substitute, going close with a near post header from Carl Williams cross, but Hitchin had just one shot on target for the entire 90 minutes.
It was left to John Kennedy to apply the finishing touch for Canvey. His finish from the edge of the area was set-up by Boylan, undoubtedly the best player on the pitch.
Hitchin: Robinson, Bone, Rydeheard, Frater, Ayres (Childs 64), Scott (Drew 59), Williams, Brennan, Dillon, Maynard, Nolan
