Hitchin Town Football Club

Bedworth United 1 Hitchin Town 1

Tuesday, January 19 2010

Hitchin extended their lead at the top of the table to two points but will be asking themselves why they didn’t come away from the Oval with all three points.

In many ways, this was a lack lustre performance, but the Canaries had enough chances to win the game.

Hitchin took time to shake the rust from their limbs after three weeks without a competitive fixture. Richard Howell was the biggest threat to the home side, forcing goalkeeper Andrew Kemp to parry a shot wide of the goal, and then creating a chance for Harry Hunt who shot past the post.

Bedworth’s best opportunity fell to Tom Browett, who saw his shot pushed for a corner by Martin Bennett.

Hitchin started to look a little weary and their passing became sloppy, but just before the interval, Jamie Arlick, who had a quiet evening, headed against the woodwork. And in injury time, Arlick and Ieuan Lewis combined to create a chance for Howell, who applied a simple finish.

But the Canaries failed to build on their first half lead and in the 59th minute, a free kick found the head of Bedworth striker Levi Ramsay and he levelled the scores.

Hitchin had another purple patch after the goal, with Lewis, Luke Donnelly and Jeff Hammond all going close. But after a flurry of activity, Hitchin lost their rhythm and had to be content with a draw.

Bedworth United (0)1 Hitchin Town (1)1

0-1  Howell 45 mins; 1-1 Ramsay 59 mins

Bedworth: Kemp, Wilkes, Wells, Browett, Miley, Simpson, Twigger, Greenway, Ramsay, Lenton (Orton 80), Gaunt (Linton 90)   

Hitchin: Bennett, Fontenelle, Pepper, Lee, Smith, Gilbert, Lewis, Donnelly, Arlick, Hunt (Hammond 65), Howell

Referee: A.Barney

Attendance: 147