Hitchin Town Football Club

Hitchin Town 0 Woodford United 0

Tuesday, December 14 2010

After the Lord Mayor's Show and all that. Following Hitchin's seven goal thrashing of Northwood on Saturday, the Top Field faithful may have expected something of a goal-fest.

But it was not to be and the Canaries endured a frustrating 90 minutes in which a Woodford United side took a leaf out of the book of dirty tricks to spoil a game that should have been out of reach by half-time.

The way Hitchin started suggested a repeat of the previous game, Woodford struggling with Hitchin's pace and swift passing game.

Richard Howell had two early efforts, seeing both shots blocked by the Woodford defence. Hitchin's best chance fell to John Frendo, who worked his way through but saw his shot saved by Woodford keeper Matt Finlay. Howell went close again when his snap shot was headed across goal by Woodford defender Chris Jackson.

Finlay came to Woodford's rescue when he saved Frendo's free kick and on the stroke of half-time, pushed palmed away a shot by the Canaries' striker after good work by Howell.

Hitchin went in at the break knowing they should have been well in command, but in the second period, the fluency and urgency in their play seemed to evaporate.

Woodford gained in confidence and acquired just a little ambition, but in truth, they were out to stifle, not create.

Hitchin struggled to create chances in the second period and the longer the game went on, it was clear that Woodford would not be beaten without a fight.

Despite long periods in command, Hitchin failed to test keeper Finlay. Tony Fontenelle ran from defence in typical fashion and saw his shot deflected for a corner.

Late in the game, Louis Lee missed a good opportunity to secure a dramatic winner, but the ball sailed wide.

Hitchin boss Carl Williams warned that his team would not win every game. He is right - but even he knows that he Canaries should have been comfortable by the interval. The unbeaten run goes on, though...

Statistics
Hitchin Town (0)0 Woodford United (0)0
Att: 231
Referee: W.Hardie

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