Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hitchin Town 1 Watford 3
Tuesday, February 24 2004
There will be no silverware this season for the Canaries after Watford knocked Kerry Dixon’s side out of the Herts Senior Cup at the penultimate stage of the competition.
Hitchin were outclassed by a young, skilful Watford side that moved the ball around well and demonstrated laser-sharp finishing. With a below strength line-up, Hitchin had little chance of conjuring up an upset.
Watford had already hinted that they meant business in the early stages, with Gauthier Diafutua adopting a shoot on sight approach. It was the French striker who opened the scoring in the 27th minute, rifling home after the Hitchin defence failed to clear the ball.
In the 59th minute, Watford scored their second goal, a cross by Diafutua being turned into the net by Elliot Godfrey.
But Hitchin pulled a goal back in the 61st minute, Mark Bridge’s shot was saved by Richard Lee and veteran Jon Bone sent the rebound straight back into the net.
Watford were not finished, however. Two minutes later, Fisken saw his attempt saved by Wilmot and Diafutua was on hand to claim his second goal.
Hitchin came again in the latter stages, with Darran Hay and Jim Duffy going close, but the gulf in class was evident from first to 90th minute.
Hitchin: Wilmot, Bone, Duffy, Burke, Covington (Downham h/t), Scott (Mills 76), Lamacraft, Darcey, Bridge, Hay (McElroy 80), Nicholl
