Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hitchin Town 1 Merthyr Tydfil 2
Saturday, September 17 2005
Merthyr Tydfil ended Hitchin’s unbeaten home record and maintained their title challenge in a closely fought game.
Hitchin started confidently with Josh Sozzo and Thomas Hayes both having early chances.The home side took the lead in the 19th minute, however, when a Chris McMenamin free kick was met by the head of the unmarked James Ayres.
But 11 minutes later, Merthyr drew level with a snapshot by leading scorer Craig Steins from the edge of the six-yard box. Hitchin responded with a glancing header by Hayes that tested goalkeeper Ashley Morris.
The Welshmen started to dominate and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 57 minutes. Steins threaded the ball through to Jason Welsh, who despite running wide of the target, shot low into the corner of the net.
Hitchin struggled to get past the imposing Merthyr defence and the closest they came to scoring was when Stuart Lochhead sent a header just wide from Mark Ducket’s cross.
Merthyr almost extended their lead in the 84th minute when Steins attempted to choip the ball over the onrushing Hitchin goalkeeper Richard Wilmot, but his effort was inches wide.
The final stages ended with an ugly goalmouth brawl which saw Ayres red-carded.
Hitchin: Wilmot, Lamacraft, Ducket, McCulloch (Pugh 75), Ayres, McMenamin, Cavill, Mills, Sozzo, Hayes (Bridge 64), French