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Hitchin Town 1 Cirencester Town 1

Wednesday, September 5 2007

Two superb goals lit up an entertaining game that made a mockery of both side’s positions in the BGB Premier Division.

Hitchin will count themselves unlucky not to have won, based on a fast-moving opening 45 minutes, their best showing so far this season. But likewise Cirencester finished the stronger side and will feel they worked hard for their point.

The Canaries were boosted by new on-loan signing Tyron Sealey, who had an outstanding period in the first half when he ran Cirencester ragged. He was a constant problem for the visitors and on one occasion, weaved his way past three players before seeing his shot roll wide. If that had gone in, Top Field would have been celebrating for weeks.

As it was, Hitchin opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a Ryan Frater shot from outside the area after Shane Hill had tapped a free kick in his path. Frater’s effort had power and direction and gave goalkeeper Matt Bulman no chance.

Sealey had one effort saved by Bulman and also struck the woodwork with another effort as Hitchin enjoyed a purple patch. Nick Mountford also went close with a shot across the face of goal.

Cirencester had their chances, notably from Nick Stanley, but after the break, Hitchin lacked the fluency of the first half. Nathan Haisley headed wide and Michael Jackson shot past the post in a flurry of activity. Jackson also blasted over the bar just inches from the goal-line.

Three minutes from time, Cirencester’s Haisley was stretchered off and shortly afterwards, Jon Stevenson was sent off after a reckless challenge. Hitchin lost their shape and in the fifth minute of added time, a speculative volley from Cirencester substitute Ian McSherry found the back of the net.

If nothing else, the game demonstrated that chances have to be taken. Hitchin were left to rue a bright 45 minutes when they could have sealed victory.

Hitchin: Perks, Deeney, Mountford, Frater, L.Gentle-King, James, Sealey, Hill, Stevenson, Williams, Mills

Cirencester: Bulman, Davis, Hilder, Holder, Molyneaux, Collins, Haisley (Hunt 88), Jackson, Hall (McSherry 66), N.Stanley, Etheridge (Else 84)

Referee: W.Porter

Attendance: 218