Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Cirencester Town 2 Hitchin Town 1
Saturday, October 1 2005
Canaries manager Darren Salton juggled his resources, added two new players and still saw his side crash to its fifth defeat in six games.
Salton brought in two midweek additions to his squad, Stuart Hammonds and Andy Findlay and both had good first outings in Hitchin colours. But once again, lack-lustre defending let Hitchin down after good work early on. This was a much improved performance after the midweek drubbing at the hands of Kings Lynn, but the warning signs are now loud and clear - the Canaries have to dig in and fight for every point if they are to climb clear of the bottom of the table.
Yet Hitchin started well enough at Cirencester, with an early shot by Thomas Hayes saved by goalkeeper Paul Thompson. In the 21st minute, the Canaries went ahead from the penalty spot after Daniel French was fouled in the area. Josh Sozzo stepped up to claim his first league goal since the second game of the season.
The home side drew level five minutes from the interval, a long cross by Steve Cowe was headed against the post by Lee Smith and Keith Halliday followed up to score.
New boy Findlay went close just after coming on the hour, shooting wide with a snap shot. With the wind against Hitchin, Cirencester exerted considerable pressure and Salton?s men were hanging on in the closing stages.
But eight minutes from the end, Craig Fullam headed Cirencester in front from a free kick. Questions were asked why Fullam had so much space and time.
Hitchin: Wilmot, Lamacraft, Ducket, Baldry, Hammonds, Mills (Pugh 75), Lochhead, Jenner (Hassan 86), Hayes (Findlay 60), Sozzo, French
