Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hitchin Town 2 Hendon 3
Wednesday, July 18 2007
A depleted Hitchin side went down to Ryman Premier side Hendon in the Canaries second pre-season game in front of less than 100 people at Top Field.
Hitchin manager Darren Salton won’t have learnt too much from this run-out, but he will be more than aware that his squad is looking thin at present and that new faces are needed at Top Field.
In the first half, the Canaries looked the better side, but the half ended goalless, thanks to a penalty miss by the visitors.
Hendon went ahead after 51 minutes through Brian Haule, a chip over goalkeeper Michael Bennet. Three minutes later, however, Hitchin were level, Shane Hill taking advantage of some indecision in the Hendon defence and shooting home.
With so many changes in the second half, Hitchin lost their shape and Hendon capitalised, scoring twice in three minutes. The first goal, in the 69th minute, came from Wayne O’Sullivan, who netted after an impressive long run. In the 71st minute, Belal Aiteouakrim made it 3-1 to Hendon.
Hitchin’s response came in the final minute, Kaan Femhi creating a chance for Jamie Arlick, who volleyed home what was merely a late consolation.
Hitchin: Bennet, Childs, Spinks, Frater, L.Gentle-King, Stevenson, N.Gentle-King, Okai, Hill, Lamacraft, Ducket
Subs used: Cretton, Coughlan, P.Scanlon, A.Scanlon, Arlick, Femhi, Barratt, Cauldwell, L.Williams