Report
The opening game, whether home or away is always a vital fixture. The pre-season games with their artificial structure have been concluded and the league season commences. Each team wants a winning start, whoever forms the opposition. Hitchin have not been given the kindest of starts with Bromsgrove at home and then two away matches at promotion candidates Stamford and Telford. The new squad has not been fortunate as already there have been one or two injuries picked up in the friendlies, but as is always the case, you go with what you have.
The reprieve has been gratefully taken on board and it is up to the team to prove itself worthy members of the Premier Division, which, as usual has some new or returning clubs. Bromsgrove and Hitchin have crossed swords many times and a correct result is often difficult to predict.
The Rouslers turned out in the old Bromsgrove Rovers home kit, which is always a nice touch, and the Canaries saw the return of Shane Bush who was indeed the captain. The weather was dull, but we knew the game would not be. From the start we saw some good possession football from the visitors with Hitchin eagerly contesting for the ball.
Ciaren Jones took an early knock from Kieran Cook who earned the dubious distinction of being the first player booked at Top Field for the new season. The Rouslers were then awarded a free kick just outside the area which Luke Rowe sent in smartly, but James Callan claimed the ball with some authority. Then Sears blocked an effort from Wragg, who was shaping up for a clear shot. King’s mild header was held easily by Callan, but there had already been some uncomfortable moments in the home penalty area.
Another free kick was conceded in a dangerous area, which was partially cleared at the expense of a corner for Bromsgrove. This was headed away by Franklin. These were nervous moments.
This first quarter of an hour saw determined attacking from the visitors facing equal determined defending and another corner for Sporting was followed quickly by another and a neat headed goal at the near post, after seventeen minutes, scored by Shay Palmer. I must admit that it did look likely that the visitors would score, given their creativity in going forward.
Then there was a substitution for Hitchin, with Shane Bush being replaced by Coree Wilson, presumably owing to the former’s being injured. Then, following Meddows good work, the ball quickly went to the other end and, with the Rouslers defence at a stretch, Rio Deall had plenty of time to slot home a twenty-fourth minute equaliser, with Coree Wilson providing the chance.
Hitchin’s play had improved accordingly, which was not before time. Franklin won a free kick just inside the opposition half, but it was ably defended. King-Harmes shot caused no harm and the eager Wragg was caught offside. It was time for Hitchin to put together a significant move, but it was proving a little difficult.
Titchmarsh looked for a foul in a half chance and there was just over five minutes of normal time until the interval. The Rouslers had a free kick in another inviting position and was defended well by Wilson who tangled with Wragg who might well have received a caution for the challenge.
Scorer Deall was cautioned for a challenge as the additional timeof three minutes was announced. Good work from Wragg led to a second Bromsgrove scored in the last minute of the half by James Meddows. It represented a well taken, neatly poached goal scored at what many see as a crucial time.
At the resumption Hitchin foiled a Bromsgrove attack, before defending a corner rather awkwardly. Another followed from Wragg’s persistent play. I was told at half time that this impressive seventeen-year-old is on loan from Walsall. Callan’s reaction save reminded us that it was the Rouslers providing the goal chances. Hitchin were labouring to put a decent move together, being allowed no time on the ball.
A long throw from Bromsgrove fell awkwardly for Hitchin defenders who did get the ball away, but still Sporting pushed forward. One flicker of a Hitchin chance was ruled offside. The situation was indeed urgent, with individual and collective skill a priority. Hasty clearances bouncing off the stand roof did not seem the way to go.
It was our earnest wish to see the game being taken into the opposition half, but this met with a stubborn refusal from the organised Rouslers. Rolfe’s shot from range, along the floor could almost be classed as an elaborate back pass.
There followed a Sporting substitution with Crook replacing Cook. Two free kicks were conceded by Hitchin the second one providing a more than adequate chance. This was well struck and well saved by Callan who conceded the corner, which Callan double-fisted away. Palmer then received a caution, the free kick bringing a spurned half chance.
The visitors were quietly dominant and held on to their lead comfortably and it is a melancholy fact that Hitchin’s first half goal was the only direct shot on goal that they could muster so far. Another flicker of hope came with a home free kick, taken by Franklin added to a Sears on target header that was easy for Charlie Price. A Rouslers counter saw their substitute provide a chance that was defended with a determined hoof. Again, Hitchin looked lightweight and seemed to be showing their opponents too much respect. Joshua Keane Quinliven, for it is he, replaced Franklin. We know him as Josh Keane, but the team sheet must bear the full name.
Hitchin won their first corner, which was entirely wasted. There was barely ten minutes to go and indeed we wondered where the equaliser would come from. Indeed, Titchmarsh had the ball fall nicely for him, but he ballooned it over the bar. At the other end the visitors danced through the defence to secure the points with another well taken goal.
This was scored by Wragg, who deserved to be on the scoresheet after his impressive performance, the goal coming after eighty-one minutes. In all honesty, we can have no complaints since the Rouslers had dominated throughout and deserved to be ahead by the two goals. Much can be read into the fact that the Sponsors’ home man of the match was goalkeeper James Callan. The overall man of the match for me, was Charles Wragg.
In assessing this match, I have been reminded of our limited choice owing to injuries, but I do not think it would have made a match changing difference. The better team won and that is that. Hitchin now face those two difficult away games at Stamford and Telford, who are, as I have said, among the favourites for promotion. It could be that this Hitchin team will match last year’s regulars by habitually raising their game against the declared stronger teams. We hope so.
HITCHIN TOWN
James Callan, Sponsors’ home player of the match, Lewis Franklin, (Joshua Keane Quinliven), Alex Kpapke, Jay Rolfe, Daniel Sears, Ciaren Jones, Jack Dreyer, Kieron Forbes, Shane Bush, (Coree Wilson), Rio Deall, GOAL, 24 minutes, 1-1, cautioned, Harry Titchmarsh.
Substitutes not used- Toby Syme, Connor Vincent, Fernando Bell-Toxtle.
BROMSGROVE SPORTING
Charlie Price, Shay Palmer, GOAL, 17 minutes 0-1, cautioned, Callum King-Harmes, ( Aksum White), Reece King, Aaron Roberts, George Forsyth, Luke Rowe, Kieron Cook, cautioned, (Harry Crook), James Meddows, GOAL, 45+2, 1-2, ( Zachary Powell), Jack Newell, (Keanu Cooper), Charles Wragg, this reporter’s man of the match, GOAL, 81 minutes, 1-3.( Shaquille Leachman- Whittingham. All substitutes were used.
Referee – Mr S Olhausen, assisted by Mr R Barlow and Mr D Ing, all had good games.
Attendance- 547
REPORT BY PIPEMAN