Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Carshalton Athletic 2 Hitchin Town 1
Sunday, October 5 2003
Despite a stirring second half comeback, Hitchin were beaten by the Ryman League's surprise side of the season, Carshalton Athletic, on Saturday.
With Hitchin's squad reaching threadbare proportions, the Canaries played without an out-and-out striker, Robbie O'Keefe opting for Chris Dillon and Wayne Mills as his front pair.
Mills had an early opportunity when James Osborn played the ball through, but Carshalton goalkeeper Stuart Searle blocked the onrushing player.
Carshalton took the lead in the 20th minute with a memorable strike from Peter Wood. In response, Ian Scott and Adam Parker both went close to levelling the score.
But in the 36th minute, the home side extended their lead. Kunle Olisesi took advantage of Hitchin;'s failure to close him down and his cross was headed home by Matt Russell.
Hitchin opened well in the second half and Dillon should have done better after weaving his way past two defenders. Jon Bone also had a chance, but he ran too wide and could not squeeze his shot past Searle.
As Hitchin continued to push hard for a goal to launch their comeback, James Osborn and Parker both tried their luck with long rage efforts.
Carshalton almost added to their lead when a long ball by Matt York found the unmarked Michael Johnson, but his attempt to nutmeg James Robinson failed.
Hitchin's persistence finally paid off in the 71st minute when Dillon sent a 20 yard shot into the top corner of the net. It was not enough, though, and the home side were able to keep the Canaries at bay for the final 20 minutes.
Hitchin: Robinson, Bone(Childs 67), Rydeheard, Burke (Frater 89), Ayres, Scott, Dillon, Osborn, Mills (Frater 71), Parker, Maynard
