Hitchin Town Football Club
Founded 1865, Reformed 1928
Hitchin Town 2 Tiverton Town 0
Saturday, December 1 2007
Hitchin won a league game for the first time in three months as new manager Darran Hay picked up his first three points since arriving 10 days ago.
Hay unveiled two new signings, Paul Armstrong and James Edgerley and their introduction reaped dividends as they both played a part in Hitchin's victory. The relief at the final whistle was evident on and off the pitch - many seeing the victory as the start of a new era that will lead Hitchin away from relegation danger.
Tiverton started the game well, however, and two efforts by Paul Wyatt tested Hitchin goalkeeper Ricky Perks. Then a long range effort by Chris Vinnicombe was tipped over the crossbar by Perks in spectacular fashion.
Hitchin took the lead, however, in the 32nd minute. Edgerley threaded the ball through to Armstrong and the diminutive striker placed his shot wide of Tiverton goalkeeper Ray Johnson.
Hitchin could have extended their lead when Colm Kierans volleyed across the face of goal.
Tiverton hit back and a header from defender Nathan Rudge struck the top of the crossbar from a Vinnicombe corner.
On the stroke of half-time, Armstrong set up Richard Pringle and his shot was spectacularly saved by Johnson.
Hitchin started the second half well with a Moses Olaleye cross worrying the Tiverton defence but failing to connect with a yellow shirt.
From thereon, the game deteriorated with neither side threatening to add to the scoreline. Two minutes from the end, another Rudge header went close but Hitchin sealed the points in the final minute when Kierans, some 30 yards out, sent a well-placed low shot past Johnson.
Hitchin: Perks, Deeney, Mountford, Frater, L.Gentle-King, Williams, Olaleye (Childs 80), Kierans, Pringle (Simpson 80), Armstrong, Edgerley
Tiverton: Johnson, Gardner, Vinnicombe, Villis, Ridge, Gardner (Young 71), Veale, Hinshelwood, Knighton, Millings, Wyatt (Szabo 84)
Attendance: 235
Referee: I.Rathbone