Hitchin Town Football Club

Hitchin Town 2 Bedford Town 0

Tuesday, March 14 2006

Hitchin reached their first ever league cup final as they beat local rivals Bedford Town in the Errea Cup semi-final at Top Field.

The Canaries thoroughly deserved their second win of the season against Bedford. Josh Sozzo continued his rich vein of goalscoring with two more against his old club, but he was not the only hero on the night. His striking partner, Thomas Hayes, played unselfishly for 90 minutes while at the back Stuart Hammonds and Richard Wilmot made sure that Darren Salton's men kept a clean sheet.

Hitchin had the best early chances for Hitchin, David Hicks seeing a long range effort pushed for a corner and Hayes going close after a good through pass by Daniel French. Later on, French sent a shot curling past the post.

Bedford, with former Hitchin man Carl Williams playing in an unfamiliar role, went close with a Rene Howe shot that was well saved by Richard Wilmot.

In the second half, Williams saw his wide sail wide, but it was not long before Hitchin took control. In the 52nd minute, a corner by David Hicks was returned by Mark Ducket and Sozzo fired home from close range.

Before Bedford could regain their composure, Hitchin had scored again, Sozzo received the ball from Hayes, spun and shot low into the net.

Sozzo had another chance to score when he was set free but he ran too wide before shooting.

Bedford failed to test Wilmot until late in the game, Matt Gearing forcing the Canaries keeper to dive full length.

Hitchin will now meet Bromsgrove Rovers in the two-legged final.

Hitchin: Wilmot, Pugh, Okai, Hammonds, Folds, Hicks, French, Cavill (Lamacraft 49), Hayes, Sozzo (Phelan 71), Ducket

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