Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hitchin Town 3 Solihull Borough 1
Saturday, September 4 2004
Two goals by Mark Bridge and a blast from the past gave Hitchin a comfortable win against a robust Solihull Borough side, who have now lost all four of their away games.
Bridge added to his reputation with his clinical finishing, but the appearance of Chris McMenamin in midfield, his first Top Field game in two years, reminded Hitchin fans of a player with talent and vision. McMenamin’s passing was a joy to behold and although far from fully fit, he clearly has a part to play this season.
Hitchin controlled the first half but had to wait until the 43rd minute to open the scoring. McMenamin’s cross to the far post was knocked back by Aaron Cavill and Bridge flicked his effort over the head of Mark Gayle.
Six minutes in the second half, Hitchin extended their lead. A low cross into the area by Stuart Maynard was turned home by Solihull defender Mark Faulds.
Solihull pulled a goal back after 65 minutes, but there was a hint of controversy about it. Canaries keeper Richard Wilmot appeared to be fouled when challenged by Mark Shepherd, but the ball ran loose and Morton Titterton rolled it into the net.
But Hitchin restored their two-goal advantage five minutes later, Bridge finishing from six yards after James Kidd passed across the face of goal.
Bridge and Ricky Case had chances to make the scoreline more emphatic, but Gayle denied them on both occasions.
Hitchin: Wilmot, Barr, Kidd, Burke, McCulloch, Cavill, Sozzo, Covington (McMenamin 26), Bridge (Hassan 88), Maynard, Duffy (Case 71)
Photo's by Barnaby Goding
