Hitchin Town Football Club

Hitchin Town 0 Cambridge City 2

Tuesday, September 28 2010

Two second half goals consigned Hitchin to defeat at the hands of Zamaretto Premier Division leaders Cambridge City. A crowd of 324 saw Gary Roberts' side end the Canaries unbeaten start to the season.

Hitchin haunted by cup replay jinx

Hitchin Town received a reminder that the Premier Division is so-called for a reason. Cambridge City, reprieved on Saturday by an added-time goal, took advantage of their second chance to win this FA Cup second qualifying round tie and put the Canaries in their place.

In keeping with recent cup replays - witness Weymouth, Billericay and Canvey Island -  Hitchin failed to make full use of home advantage. In fact, they rarely looked like scoring against a well-drilled Cambridge defence. But Cambridge didn't threaten the Hitchin defence, either. It was a disappointing tie compared to the first meeting which had its share of drama.

Ieuan Lewis and Louis Lee had first half chance for the Canaries, but mostly, it was a tame opening 45 minutes. After the break, the pace picked up. Cambridge went close when David Kolodysnki's snap shot was well handled by Martin Bennett. Hitchin's best chance fell to Louis Lee, who forced his way through the Cambridge defence before seeing his shot saved by Zac Barrett.

In the 57th minute, however, Cambridge took the lead. From the edge of the area, Adie Cambridge's free kick slid wide of the Hitchin wall and Tony Burke's shot beat Bennett from 15 yards.

Five minutes later, Hitchin received another blow when Lee was sent off after a bad tackle on Neil Midgley.

Hitchin rallied briefly, with Zak Burke's free kick being tipped over by Barrett, but the fire was rapidly going out by this stage of the game.

Nine minutes from time, Cambridge added a second when Dave Theobald netted from close range at the second attempt.

So, Hitchin lost their unbeaten start to the season, but they shouldn't grieve for too long - the FA Cup run was going to end sooner rather than later, but it would have been nice to keep it going a little longer.

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