Hitchin Town Football Club

Hitchin Town 2 Aveley 1

Saturday, September 11 2010

Hitchin Town won through to the second qualifying round of the FA Cup, coming from behind to beat Ryman Premier Division side Aveley 2-1 at Top Field in front of 224 people. Goals were scored by Richard Howell and Zak Burke.

It's comeback Canaries once more
So, two games played in the FA Cup, two comebacks, two victories. There seems to be a familiar pattern emerging - the sort of stories that cup runs are built upon.

While Aveley slid away from Top Field blaming the officials, Hitchin were congratulating each other on coming from behind to beat a robust - to say the least - Ryman Premier side.

The early signs were not encouraging for the Canaries. Aveley went ahead after just 54 seconds, their first attack. A header across goal by Tom Curley was met first time by Kurt Smith, who drove home in style from six yards.

For the first 20 minutes or so, Aveley had the upper hand, with David Knight and Smith, again, going close. Hitchin looked decidedly shaky at this stage, but they came back well and a glancing header by Jamie Arlick was pushed away from danger and then Tom Pepper's volley grazed the crossbar after good work by Richard Howell.

By this time, the Aveley team looked - and sounded, judging by the language - a little uneasy with itself. The second half merely proved that point, as Hitchin started to get on top.

In the 58th minute, a Richard Howell header, from Pepper's cross, drew Hitchin level.

Three minutes later, the Canaries' endeavour paid off as a Iuean Lewis shot took a wicked deflection off Zak Burke and flew into the net.

Aveley retaliated and should perhaps have equalised when Charlie Read rolled the ball across goal, inviting an Aveley boot to connect, but could only watch as the chance was wasted. A free kick from Knight also went close, tipped over by Martin Bennett.

Hitchin introduced new signing John Frendo (right) in the 63rd minute. He had a quiet debut, but much more is expected from the former Ware striker.

Aveley pressured towards the end, but Hitchin held firm, with Mark Smith - who was named man of the match - rolling back the years once more.

The second qualifying round draw will be eagerly awaited in Fishponds Road...

Statistics
Hitchin Town (0)2 Aveley (1)1
Howell 58            Smith 1
Burke 61
Attendance: 224
Referee: A.Marin

Tweet