Hitchin Town Football Club

Hitchin Town 1 Cirencester Town 3

Saturday, March 4 2006

Just after two weeks ago, Hitchin trounced Cirencester 7-0 in the Errea Cup. Sadly, there was not the slightest hint of a repeat performance at Top Field as Cirencester gained their revenge in style.

Hitchin started well, however, and struck the crossbar through Thomas Hayes, who lobbed goalkeeper Paul Thompson. Shortly afterwards, Josh Sozzo headed just past the post.

Cirencester took the lead after 10 minutes, Gareth Hopkins volleyed into the net from six yards in a totally unmarked position. Five minutes later, Cirencester doubled their lead when Steve Cowe waltzed past two defenders and shot in the corner of the net.

Hitchin almost responded immediately when Sozzo set up Neil Pugh and he ran on to shoot just past the post.  Sozzo had a near post header inches wide from Daniel French's cross.

French had the best chance of the half, though, meeting Aaran Cavill's cross with shot that brought a spectacular save out of Thompson.

Hitchin's Hayes and Stuart Hammonds both had chances to score in the opening stages of the second half, but in the 59th minute, Cirencester extended their lead, Hopkins volleying home after Cowe had headed the ball across goal from a corner.

Hitchin were handed the chance to score when Thompson dropped the ball and Sozzo blasted wide. Seconds later, Leeyon Phelan volleyed wide.

In added time, Sozzo pulled a goal back for the Canaries after French had struck the bar.

Hitchin: Wilmot, Pugh, Okai (Ayres 76), Hammonds, Folds, Hicks (Phelan 67), French, Cavill, Hayes, Sozzo, Ducket

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