Hitchin Town Football Club

Beaconsfield SYCOB 1 Hitchin Town 1

Saturday, November 28 2009

This was one of those days when a game of football seemed unimportant. With the news filtering out that one of the Canaries’ most ardent supporters had passed away, there was, understandably, a subdued atmosphere among the 50-plus Hitchin fans at Holloways Park.

Hitchin’s lack lustre performance matched the occasion and highlighted the shortcomings of Colin Payne’s side. Beaconsfield had a 100% home record before their game with the Canaries, but a 1-1 draw gave them their first point at home.

Despite a frustrating 90 minutes, Hitchin could have grabbed all three, but on reflection, a draw was a fair result.

The home side gave Hitchin an uncomfortable first half, with Henry Atu opening the scoring after 18 minutes when he took advantage of a defensive slip and shot past Martin Bennett.

Trevor Charlery almost extended Beaconsfield’s lead with a deflected shot that hit the woodwork and then when he brought a fine save out of Martin Bennett.
Jamie Arlick almost brought Hitchin level when he had two stabs in front of goal, but the Canaries had to wait until the second period to equalise. Ieuan Lewis sent in a low cross and Jeff Hammond slid the ball into the net after 54 minutes.

It suggested a second half onslaught by Hitchin, but the Canaries’ recent inability to break down a defence came to fore again. Luke Donnelly went close with a shot that was well handled by Thomas McNeill and Hammond had a header saved. Richard Howell went on a trademark run and saw his shot deflected for a corner.

Hammond almost clinched victory for Hitchin in added time when his header rolled against a post, but the Canaries had to be content with a draw on a sombre afternoon.

Beaconsfield SYCOB (1)1 Hitchin Town (0)1

Beaconsfield: McNeill, Lake, Owens, Bennell, Bernard (Blennerhassett h/t), Tilbury, Brandon, Ahir, Atu, Clark (Mernagh 71), Charlery
Hitchin: Bennett, Fontenelle, Grinham (Payne 77), Williams, Lee (McDevitt 90), Gilbert, Lewis, L.Donnelly, Arlick, Hammond, Burke (Howell 77)

1-0 Atu 18 mins
1-1 Hammond 54 mins

Attendance: 112 (50 from Hitchin)
Referee: T.Power