Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hayes 5 Hitchin Town 1
Sunday, March 28 2004
Hitchin dropped into the bottom four of the Ryman Premier Division on Saturday and in doing so, slipped out of the play-off zone for the Conference South.
In reality, another defeat, their ninth in 11 games, merely underlined the dearth of resources available to the Canaries management at the moment. Once more, Hitchin's players gave everything, but Hayes cantered to victory.
Hayes went ahead after 11 minutes, David Warner volleying home following a corner. Hitchin's early enthusiasm was extinguished at this point. Fourteen minutes later, following a goalmouth scrmable, John Case shot Hayes into a two-goal lead. The Canaries' best chance fell to Stuart Lochhead, who's volley was blocked by a defender.
Hitchin received a further blow when sought-after defender Ryan Frater limped off just after the interval. Another key player, Josh Sozzo, had earlier left the field after returning from inury. Hitchin's task was made even harder by the loss of two of the best players.
Hayes were merciless and soon extended their lead further. Peter Holsgrove struck a post in the 66th minutee, but Mark Molesley was on hand to score from close range. Then 11 minutes later, David Warner hit the woodwork only for Holsgrove to follow up for Hayes' fourth goal.
In the 80th minute, Hitchin's agony got worse as Holsgrove headed his second and Hayes' fifth goal. Two minutes later, Darran Hay volleyed Hitchin's consolation from a Tom Neill cross to the far post.
Hitchin: Wilmot, Childs, Neill, Burke, Frater (Mills 49), Evans, Nicholl (Hassan 80), Maynard, Hay, Sozzo (Magadah 12), Lochhead
