Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Wivenhoe Town 0 Hitchin Town 0
Sunday, November 2 2003
Hitchin avoided a repeat of their FA competition upsets of last season when they battled out a dull goalless draw at Wivenhoe`s Broad Lane ground on Saturday in the FA Trophy first round.
There was little to excite the small crowd, with neither side seriously threatening their opponents goals, but Hitchin could at least point to a five match unbeaten run which has certainly raised confidence levels at Top Field.
Wivenhoe had the best of the early chances, a shot by Ray Turner that was deflected for a corner after a mix-up in defence.
But just before the break, Hitchin had their best half chances - a shot by Adam Parker that was cleared from danger just under the post by Dave Bastian and a volley from Craig Rydeheard that whistled over the crossbar.
In the second half, Wivenhoe broke away and Ben Fuller saw his effort blocked by Richard Wilmot. Fuller also had a shot deflected for a corner with 10 minutes remaining. Finally, Hitchin substitute Mark Bridge had a 90th minute header saved easily by home goalkeeper Ryan Robinson.
"We`ve kept a clean sheet and we`re in the draw for the next round," was all manager Robbie O`Keefe had to say after a very disappointing game for the spectators.
Hitchin: Wilmot, Bone, Rydeheard, Frater, Ayres, Evans, Williams, Osborn (Mills 65), Dillon (Bridge 88), Parker, Maynard.