Hitchin Town Football Club

Hitchin Town 2 Gloucester City 2

Saturday, February 25 2006

A weakened Hitchin side twice came from behind to earn a point against relegation threatened Gloucester at Top Field.

Gloucester took the lead with a 35-yard free kick from full back John Miller in the 11th minute. The visitors, with a strong wind behind them, looked the better side in the first half hour.

Paul Stonehouse went close for Gloucester with a  shot that brought a flying save out of Hitchin goalkeeper Richard Wilmot. Another effort by Chris Thompson was also tipped round a post by Wilmot.

Stand-in striker Thomas Hayes had two chances for Hitchin, a header and a volley that were both wide of the target.

It was Hayes that equalised in the 34th minute, a shot from inside the area after a long ball by Neil Pugh.

But Gloucester regained the lead in the 58th minute through young striker Michael Whittington. He picked the ball up just inside the Hitchin half, ran on, beat Liam Folds and slotted low into the net.

Hitchin responded well, however, and a good ball by Hayes found Daniel French but his shot was saved by Gloucester keeper Matt Bath. Mark Ducket also had an opportunity but his snap shot was well handled by Bath.

Hayes scored Hithin's second equaliser in the 76th minute, shooting home after Adam Parker had held off a challenge. 

Aaran Cavill was prevented from giving Hitchin a late winner when Bath pulled off another spectacular save.

Hitchin: Wilmot, Pugh, Okai, Hammonds, Folds, Hicks, French (W.Mills 87), cavil, Lochhead (Parker 60), Hayes, Ducket

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