Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hednesford Town 1 Hitchin Town 2
Sunday, February 20 2005
Hitchin's season has not been wanting for drama, but on Saturday, the Canaries pulled off a victory in the most remarkable circumstances.
The game at Hednesford's impressive Keys Park ground was in its 94th minute when Josh Sozzo rifled in the winning goal, sparking off a volley of vitriol from the home side's irrascible supporters. What those supporters, many of whom were quick to proclaim that Hitchin were "the worst side we've played this season", did not realise was that much of the added time was down to Hednesford's ability to niggle and give away free kicks
If Hitchin are the worst side to visit Keys Park, then the Pitmen should wonder why the Canaries have won all six points from them. For all Hednesford's claims to have been robbed of victory, they failed to test the Hitchin defence.
Take nothing away from Darren Salton's men, they scrapped away all afternoon and somehow secured what may be one of the vital victories of the campaign. Mark Bridge opened the scoring in the 11th minute, shooting home after Aaron Cavill and Sozzo had linked up.
It was not until the second half that Paul McMahon forced Richard Wilmot to a worthwhile save, and in the 65th minute, McMahon created a chance for leading scorer Andrew Bell, who shot into the net from close range.
For a while, it looked as though Hednesford may take advantage of the prevailing wind and add to their lead, but Wilmot was always comfortable. In fact, towards the end of the game, Hitchin looked more likely to score again.
And so it was – Cavill squared the ball to Sozzo and the arch-finisher did the rest. The relief after three consecutive defeats was obvious, the Hitchin bench ran on to join Sozzo in the celebrations. But what of Hednesford? It's back to the drawing board to see how they can beat such "poor" sides like Hitchin.
Hitchin: Wilmot, Barr, Kidd, Smith, Ayres, Hoyte, Lamacraft, Cavill, Bridge, Sozzo, Hassan
