Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hitchin Town 1 Hendon 4
Saturday, February 28 2004
Hitchin crashed to their sixth consecutive league defeat, losing at the hands of an in-form Hendon side that are chasing the runners-up spot in the Ryman League.
Despite the scoreline, the Canaries started well, with Ryan Nicholl being presented with an early chance after Josh Sozzo had collided with Hendon goalkeeper Dave Hunt.
Sozzo later set up young midfielder Glen Lamacraft, but his snap-shot was easily saved by King.
But Hendon took the lead in the 23rd minute through Ricci Crace, who volleyed home from six yards after a free kick.
Hitchin had their best spell after the goal, with Gavin Jaggard going close with a low shot that was turned round the post by King. In the 45th minute, however, Eugene Ofori extended Hendon’s lead with a chip over Richard Wilmot after running 25 yards.
Hitchin pulled a goal back in the 53rd minute, Paul Covington shooting in off the crossbar after Ian Scott’s free kick had fallen kindly for him.
Hendon restored their two goal advantage in the 70th minute, substitute Dale Binns volleying into the net from the edge of the area. Six minutes later, Binns created a goal for fellow substitute Pat Gavin, who headed home just 30 seconds after coming onto the pitch.
Hitchin: Wilmot, Bone, Duffy, Burke, Covington, Scott (Clark 75), Jaggard, Lochhead, Sozzzo, Lamacraft, Nicholl.
