Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hitchin Town 0 Rugby Town 0
Tuesday, October 9 2007
It may have been goalless, but this game at a sparsely populated Top Field was one of the most entertaining so far this season.
Once more, Hitchin's lack of firepower was evident, but for effort and approach play, the Canaries demonstrated that if they secure the services of a natural goalscorer, there are better times ahead.
The first half saw Hitchin dominate and create a cluster of chances. Lance Gentle-King had an early header that should have found the back of the net and a Tyron Sealey cross caused problems for Rugby keeper Simon Lynn. Sealey had another good effort when he cut inside and powered in a shot. David Deeney scrambled his way through the Rugby defence but saw his shot deflected over the bar.
Hitchin's best chance fell to Jon Stevenson, who should have scored with a close range header from a cross by Sealey.
The Canaries started well in the second period and Mark Ducket tested Lynn with a free kick that he could only punch away.
Rugby began to control the game, however, and a David Staff cross-shot was tipped over the bar by Ricky Perks. Then David Stone hit the post after weaving his way into the penalty area. Perks had to be at his best to push a shot by Staff around the post.
Hitchin had the final flourish with a Richard Pringle shot saved by Lynn and a couple of headers by Leon Simpson going close to breaking the deadlock.
Hitchin: Perks, Deeney, Mountford, Frater, L.Gentle-King, Williams, Sealey, Hill (Simpson 80), Stevenson (James 69), Mills, Ducket (Pringle 69)
Rugby: Lynn, Stringfellow, Morley, Herbert, Platnauer, Breward, Blake, Edge, Aladetoun, Stone, Staff
Attendance: 173
Referee: G.Russell