Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Cheshunt 1 Hitchin Town 2
Saturday, September 1 2007
Hitchin secured their first away win in the BGB Premier since December 2006, beating struggling Cheshunt in a game that was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests.
It was a game that was clearly a case of points over performance as a reshuffled Hitchin side scrapped for every ball. Playing without a recognised forward, Hitchin pushed Carl Williams and Jon Stevenson up front and the tactical gamble paid off.
It was Stevenson that gave the Canaries the lead after 17 minutes, neatly heading home after a Wayne Mills cross was left by Williams.
Hitchin also included on-loan wide man Tyron Sealey and the youngster made an impressive start, looking both skilful and fast. Sealey had a lot shot saved by Cheshunt keeper Bobby Smith and looked a menace whenever he received the ball.
Stevenson and Shane Hill both had chances to score as Hitchin dominated the first half.
On the stroke of half-time, Cheshunt defender Anthony Fenton was sent off, being shown two yellow cards in one incident.
It was much the same in the second half with Hitchin on top. On the hour, they extended their lead, David Deeney being upended twice before a penalty was awarded. Hill scored from the spot.
A penalty brought Cheshunt back into the game on 72 minutes. Following a corner, Hitchin goalkeeper Ricky Perks appeared to be fouled, but then as the ball ran loose, a Cheshunt player was brought to the ground. The dangerous Darrell Cox scored the penalty kick.
There were some anxious moments at the end as Cheshunt pushed forward. Cox had the ball in the net but was ruled offside and in the dying seconds, Harry Hunt scooped the ball over the bar. Hitchin held on and deserved the points- three points that could be so vital come April.
Cheshunt: Smith, Wattley, Parry (Hunt 86), A.Fenton, Peddie, Allen, Hicks, Obeng (Charalambous 75), Gregoriou (D.Fenton), Cox, Deane
Hitchin: Perks, Deeney, Mountford, Frater, L.Gentle-King, James (Lamacraft 75), Sealey, Hill, Stevenson (Pringle 68), Williams, Mills (Orphanou 89)