Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Banbury United 1 Hitchin Town 1
Saturday, November 10 2007
The proverbial "game of two halves" ended all-square with the Canaries kicking themselves that they had not returned from Banbury with a much needed win.
After a lively start, Hitchin were dealt a setback after eight minutes when Lance Gentle-King fouled Andy Baird in the area. Matt Murphy scored from the penalty spot to give Banbury the lead.
Hitchin could have hit back almost immediately when Ricky Miller set up Shane Hill at a free kick but his shot was easily saved. The Canaries started to get on top towards the end of the half, but were unable to make the breakthrough.
Richard Pringle replaced Nick Mountford at half-time and this proved to be a shrewd move by manager Darren Salton. Pringle provided some aerial threat but it was a spectacular volley that brought Hitchin level after 63 minutes. Mark Ducket’s cross was met by Pringle and his first time effort gave goalkeeper Andy Wheeler no chance.
Hitchin continued to dominate without creating serious goalscoring chances, but even then they might have lost in the dying second when Gentle-King cleared off the line.
Hitchin: Perks; Deeney, Mountford (Pringle 45, Frater, L.Gentle-King, Williams, Sealey, Miller(Simpson 78), Hill (Kierans, 84, Mills, Ducket