Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Arlesey Town 2 Hitchin Town 2
Sunday, July 29 2007
Hitchin manager Darren Salton may have cast an envious eye over one or two Arlesey players in this lack-lustre pre-season friendly.
Hitchin, still lacking firepower up front, could only wonder why players like Paul Barnes and Iuean Lewis are lining up in Ryman Division One rather than the Southern League Premier. Both players looked more than capable of playing at a higher level and Lewis is well known to Hitchin fans after a loan spell at Top Field two years ago.
As for the game, Hitchin came back twice to earn a draw against an Arlesey side that also included ex Hitchin players Wayne Mills, Gordon Barr, Dean McElroy and Stuart Lochhead. The first goal of the game, after five minutes was scored by Barnes, who finished well after his first effort was blocked.
Hitchin equalised after 13 minutes when Shane Hill scored from the penalty spot. Four minutes later, Brett Donnelly, son of former Hitchin assistant manager Ian, stooped to head Arlesey back in front.
Glen Lamacraft flicked past the post in the early stages of the second half, and at the other end, Adam Scanlon cleared off the line. Hitchin gradually gained the initiative, however, and 13 minutes from the end, Ryan Frater equalised following a corner.
Just before the end, Carl Williams broke free and saw his shot pushed for a corner by the Arlesey goalkeeper.
Hitchin: Ryan, Deeney, Spinks, Frater, Childs, Lamacraft, Williams, Hill,Orphanou, Arlick, Ducket
Subs used: Okai, A.Scanlon, Coughlan, N.Gentle-King