Hitchin Town Football Club

Hemel Hempstead Town 3 Hitchin Town 1

Wednesday, February 21 2007

Hitchin's interest in cup competitions for 2006-07 came to an end at Hemel Hempstead when the Canaries lost this low-key Herts Charity Cup semi-final.

Hitchin, fielding a weakened team, were beaten by two second half goals after taking the lead in the first half. With half of Darren Salton’s first choice side sitting in the stands, there was little disgrace in losing to a strong and vibrant Hemel Hempstead team.

After 20 minutes, however, a period of free flowing football ended with the Canaries going ahead. Carl Williams made a foray into the penalty area, the ball rolled to Daniel French and he sent a low shot spinning past goalkeeper Steve Smith.

Hemel equalised on 41 minutes when a dubious free kick ended with Nathan Bowden-Haase heading in off the crossbar from outside the penalty area.

Hitchin began the second half well, with French going close, but from thereon Hemel took control.

In the 71st minute, veteran striker John Lawford threaded the ball through to Anthony Thomas and he shot home from close range to give Hemel the lead.

And the tie was secured in the fourth minute of added time when a long-range Paul Edgeworth shot beat Michael Parkin in style.

There were some pluses for Hitchin, however. New signing Adam Scanlon had a steady debut at left back.

Hemel: Jackson, Dennison, Bowden-Haase, Byrne, Yeboah, Brennan, Valenti (Mapes 86), Herron, Lawford (Sippetts 73), Thomas, Edgeworth

Hitchin: Parkin, Childs, A.Scanlon, Cretton, Gentle-King, Lamacraft, Williams (Hilaire 74), Deeney, Frater, Sozzo (Parker 78), French (Orphanou 78)

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