Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Bedford Town 0 Hitchin Town 0
Saturday, March 26 2005
Hitchin made a mockery of the Southern League Premier Division table by outplaying third-placed Bedford Town in this entertaining local derby.
The Canaries were happy with a point against a high-flying team, but in truth they deserved to beat Nicky Platnauer’s side.
Bedford were restricted to a couple of first half chances, the first from Chris Dillon early on and the second from Ashley Blake just before the interval. Hitchin finished the first half clearly on top with long range efforts by Shane Hill and Glen Lamacraft their best opportunities.
After the interval, Hitchin confidently took control and Iuean Lewis caused problems for Bedford with a mazy run and a cross that just failed to find a Hitchin striker. Aaron Cavill, who had one of his best games for Hitchin, was outstanding in midfield, covering every inch of grass at the New Eyrie.
At the opposite end, Dillon was denied a chance by a brave dive at his feet by Richard Wilmot, who was not tested again during the match. Another long range shot from Lamacraft threatened to give Hitchin the lead, but the best chance of the game fell to Hill, who saw his shot tipped away from danger by former Canary keeper James Robinson. If Lewis had just got a touch to the ball, he could have turned it into the net, but it ran for a corner.
Hitchin’s players were applauded off by Hitchin’s travelling contingent - Darren Salton’s men are edging towards safety.
Hitchin: Wilmot, Baldry, McMenamin, Smith, McCulloch, Lamacraft, Cavill (Jenner 78), Hill (Mills 70), Lewis (Hassan 82), Sozzo, Duffy
