Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hitchin Town 0 Watford 2
Wednesday, July 16 2003
Hitchin lost to arguably the best reserve side in the south of England when they were beaten by an impressive Watford side on Tuesday night.
Watford, managed by the son of former Canaries legend Dennis Gibbs, won the Premiership reserve league south last season, and it was easy to see why. Their team included some talented youngsters, many of whom are being eyed by Premiership clubs.
This was a better Hitchin performance than the Aldershot rout three days earlier. The Canaries moved the ball around well but there was little to show for their efforts.
Watford took a second minute lead through Simon Patterson, who finished at the second attempt from close range.
Hitchin had their chances, notably with two headers, both from Carl Williams crosses. Chris Dillon and Adam Parker both went close with their efforts.
In the 58th minute, however, Watford extended their lead with a header from Nathan Boothe, who finished off a nice move started by Anthony McNamee.
A Dean Brennan free kick and a swift turn and shot by Carl Drew threatened to bring Hitchin back in the game, but the visitors' fitness levels told in the end.
"There were a lot of positives from tonight," said manager Robbie O'Keefe. "After Saturday, I asked a lot of questions from my players and they gave me some good answers."
Hitchin: Robinson, Maynard (Childs), McElroy (Scott 72), Bruce, Ayres (Osborn 65), Frater, Williams, Brennan, Douglas (Drew 75), Parker, Dillon (Yiga 69)