Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hitchin Town 3 Banbury United 0
Saturday, October 22 2005
Hitchin beat one the Southern League's best away sides in emphatic fashion, and won their first game since August 20. Not only did the Canaries end an eight match run without a win, but they also kept a clean sheet for the third consecutive game.
Banbury started brightly, but Hitchin soon took control. In fact, they could have taken a second minute lead when Josh Sozzo struck the post with a tame effort. Sozzo and Leeyon Phelan both had chances to score as the home side grew in confidence.
Hitchin struck the woodwork again in the 39th minute when Leeyon Phelan glanced a header against a post. Four minutes later, the Canaries were ahead, Sozzo feeding Daniel French who sent a low shot into the net.
Within a minute, Hitchin had scored again, Aaran Cavill feeding Sozzo and the Hitchin skipper scored with a firm drive.
Banbury failed to seriously test the Hitchin defence until 20 minutes from time, Wayne Blossom's spectacular volley being tipped over by Richard Wilmot.
The Canaries goalkeeper was in fine form, coming to his side's rescue when Andrew Baird turned a sent in a low shot on the edge of the six yard box. Wilmot also pulled off a good save from Matt Gooderick.
Hitchin's victory was completed four minutes from time when Jonathan Mills ran through and saw his shot helped into the net by Tricker's gloves.
Wilmot ensured that Hitchin kept their scoresheet blank with a flying save in added time.
Hitchin: Wilmot, Townley, Ayres, Hammonds, Jenner (Mills 66), Cavill, Lochhead, French, Phelan, Sozzo (Hayes 72), Duffy (Pugh 24)