Report
A happy new year? Well, for all those of a Hitchin persuasion it depended on the result. In the corresponding fixture there was a victory for the Canaries, but for the Leicestershire ones not the Hertfordshire contingent. The wild weather conditions of rain and swirling winds were never going to make for a game framed by pinpoint accuracy, but at least it was on, as around the league there were many postponements.
We look back with satisfaction tinged with a little disappointment that we failed to beat Telford, who apparently took the same view, and it was that kind of game, with the late heroic equaliser denied to both teams who almost grudgingly accepted just the one point.
The pitch was subject to close inspection by the referee. We were glad that it was positive. There were two late changes for Hitchin with Kye Tearle replacing an injured Lewis Franklin and Liam Brooks was added to the substitutes.
Barwell, in all red today, won an early corner, delayed by treatment needed by Lewis Barker. Players passed the ball among themselves to keep warm and then there was the inevitable substitution. We had only played four minutes. The corner was an anticlimax, with a free kick for Hitchin. Rio Deall had replaced the injured Lewis Barker.
A long throw in from Barwell saw veteran striker Leroy Lita have a crack on goal, but he fired well over the bar. Lita’s cunning pass enabled a further chance for the visitors, and we were glad that Seb Stacey was alert to that and the succeeding corner. Hitchin were yet to settle and favour us with their attacking play that has become characteristic in recent games.
The first real effort was offside and Highland, the opposition keeper, sent a probing ball forward to maintain the pressure. Ciaren Jones’ long ball forward saw no proper connection, but it seemed the right idea as Barwell were playing it tight, but Bell was able to provide Hitchin’s first shot of the game.
A neat attack from Barwell looked the business but was well defended, but it must be said that the Leicestershire side were the better team so far, providing more realistic chances. Hitchin’s attempts remained a work in progress. Gleeson’s hopeful ball forward remained just that and the restraint placed on Hitchin was disconcerting.
Bell’s cross to Daniel Stokoe saw the latter neatly dispossessed and Barwell then had a free kick wide on the left that saw an offside ruling. Hitchin stormed along their right flank to see the attempt snubbed. We were approaching half time of this hitherto underwhelming match. A Hitchin free kick engendered a bit of hope, but Barwell saw off the chance. Then Bradley Dixon- Smith was brought down in the penalty area, by Fryde- Harper,and the spot kick was awarded and successfully converted by Daniel Stokoe after forty- three minutes. It was an elevating moment, even if marginally against the run of play.
Titchmarsh had a shot that seemed to strike a hand, and appeals were correctly dismissed as it was ball to hand. Five minutes were added, and Hitchin had come to life but still not judging passes with the right degree of accuracy. A long throw from Barwell was cleared to the extent that it gave Luke Stokoe a perfect opportunity to double the score, but his shot struck the goalkeeper’s leg.
During the interval Barwell officials did not dispute the penalty but were highly critical of the defender, Fryde- Harper, who did not really need to put in that illegitimate challenge.
Barwell began the second period with good intent, but the Hitchin defence was holding. Luke Stokoe was replaced by debut man Billy Heaps, whose first involvement was a one- on -one where he should have scored and what a debut, to score with your first touch. But he fluffed it. He was not really warmed up, but a bit of Shakespeare cones to mind here. ‘And oftentimes excusing of a fault doth make the fault worse by the excuse.’ Bell had a half chance but was harried into eventual dispossession by Hitchin were improving.
Mancinelli showed some fancy footwork but was halted by a less than fancy challenge and then a free kick gave the visitors another chance. Hickey, who had not really had much of the game, had a negligible effort. He had destroyed us at Barwell and is indeed their talisman.
Hitchin had a free kick wide on the left, level with the area and then a second goal came after, incredibly, two efforts had struck the bar and post, but skipper Ciaren Jones followed up and scored a valuable second goal after one hour of play, and the crowded Fishpond Road end erupted in appreciation. Suffice it to say that we were having a better second half than we had at Barwell.
Barwell defended one prolonged Hitchin attack and were showing some fragility. In their next attack, it looked good up to the offside flag Hitchin contained, then attacked and took advantage of Barwell frustration – exhibited by their getting the ball in the net but being ruled offside.
Some substitutions were made for Gleeson who was replaced by Snee and for Barwell, Hill was replaced by Brown -Hill. There was still time in this game for more goals. Daniel Stokoe showed some fancy footwork, but the opportunity was stubbornly resisted. Deall had a good run but was harried by two defenders and a free kick was then given. Brooks then replaced Bell with about seven minutes to go. Brooks was involved in the next attack that was thwarted.
Then Hitchin had a free kick, centrally outside the area. Snee hit it well but straight at the keeper. An additional five minutes were tacked on, which was a tad generous. Barwell had a corner, delayed by the appearance of substitution of Deall by Chidyausiku. So, a substitute was substituted, and Hitchin were seeing out the game.
Another Barwell long throw came to grief and after that the final whistle went and three valuable points were happily in the bag. And we had a clean sheet. We were avenged and deservedly so. We still remain in that second from bottom slot and eight points away from escaping the relegation zone, but this was a welcome win and as I heard many times we are as yet unbeaten in 2025, the humour gradually diminishing.
Well done to the 485 spectators who braved the weather and for their tremendous vocal support. It is hoped many will make it to Bromsgrove on Saturday. The great rapport of supporters and players is growing, and belief is still there, but still a demanding task.
HITCHIN
Stacey, Tearle, Dixon- Smith, Syme, Barker, (Deall – Chidyausiku ), Jones, captain, Man of the Match, Bell, (Brooks), Gleeson, cautioned, (Snee), D Stokoe, PENALTY GOAL, 43 minutes, L Stokoe, (Heaps), Titchmarsh. All substitutes used.
BARWELL
Highland, Fryde- Harper, Ngoma, Nirennold, cautioned, McManus, Osbourne, Manincelli, cautioned, (Master), Lita, ( Arthur), Skeen-Hamilton, (Rogers) Hickey, captain, Hill, (Brown- Hill). Unused substitutes, Rowe -Turner.
Referee Mr K Mayhew, assisted by Mr P Hanlon and Mr J Davis.
Attendance 485
Report by Pipeman.