Report
Well, I suppose we could call it El Hertico, to jazz it up a little, and suggest a kind of edgy rivalry, but the truth is the clubs are the best of friends. Even so, no favours were expected in Hitchin’s latest tilt at the windmill that can knock them out of the division. The eventual result made that a virtual certainty, given other results today.
Our visitors, in all white, began in startling fashion by being awarded a penalty in less than two minutes when Aaron Green was upended by Ekongo and to make the irony greater, former Canary Josh Coldicott- Stevens converted the spot kick. Not the best of starts for beleaguered Hitchin.
An early recovery was essential but not forthcoming as the Crows flew forward at every opportunity. Then a Hitchin substitution was called for when Titchmarsh went off injured to be replaced by Daniel Stokoe. Then Harness was released for a shot on goal that Stacey did well to hold. But there were holes in the Hitchin defence, that had permitted penetration. The hosts were awarded a free kick well inside the Royston half and this led to a corner. A shot from Ciaren Jones was sent over the bar. This effort was fifteen minutes into the game.
After a mistake which led to a Royston chance Murray fouled Gleeson and showed some sporting concern for the Hitchin player who was then replaced by Luton Town loanee Dominic Martin, who thus made his debut. Back came Royston with a decent scoring chance for Ben Weyman and then there was a fierce effort from Harvey Beckett.
Ekongo went on a run but was dispossessed too easily, but he did get in another cross that was headed away. A long throw for Royston caused the usual concern but Stacey tidied up adequately. Archie Lock conceded a cheap corner, sent in by Stokoe but to no avail. Brighton tried one from range that was blocked and the best I could say is that by this stage last week, we were three down instead of just the one. A free kick was conceded just outside the area, giving Royston a chance but it was defended. Hitchin were still failing to make any progress in front of goal, but there was a moment when Ekongo conspired a cross aimed for Hutchinson but was easy for Jamie Head. A well- organised attack from Royston culminated in a weak shot from Weyman. Four minutes were added to a half where Hitchin had looked largely unimpressive.
A corner from the Crows was defended but they soon retrieved the ball for a further attack, a hopeful Hitchin cross was neatly caught by Jamie Head. The half ended almost mercifully and no doubt a tactical talk for the home side was forthcoming. Royston had looked consistently dangerous and were physically dominant.
Then, somewhat unexpectedly, Hitchin began the second half in full flight, winning an immediate corner, from which Jacob Hutchinson snatched the equaliser, which was welcome and indeed it was hoped to enliven El Hertico as a contest. Another Hitchin chance followed, and Hitchin were looking much better. Ekongo had been replaced by Dixon- Smith and the Crows replaced Brighton with Warner- Eley.
The goal seemed to restore Hutchinson’s confidence, and he was beginning to see much more of the ball. Syme’s free kick saw a deflection off Martins that Head monitored well. A Hitchin corner gave Heaps a chance but from his effort, The evergreen Toby Syme volleyed the ball into the net from close range and the hosts were ahead and from the start of this half they had looked the better side in what had been a remarkable turnaround. The goal was timed at sixty-two minutes. Brooks then provided Martins with a chance that brought a corner. This was defended just a little awkwardly to suggest that the hitherto slick Crows had felt their feathers ruffled uncomfortably. Indeed, Dawadu was cautioned, and the Hitchin free kick was only just cleared.
Hitchin tried to capitalise on their opponents’ loss of rhythm and Martins good run was only spoilt by a pass that was too heavy. Stacey held a corner kick and made a save before an offside ruling, but this served to remind us that another goal would bring us the comfort we could nurture. Odell- Bature then replaced Heaps.
A Royston long throw led to a Hitchin counter with Deall looking likely until the unruffled Head intervened. The Crows were now beginning to reassert themselves and there was still plenty of time for more goals. A free kick in the left for the visitors brought a headed equaliser which was powered in by Adam Murray who has the disconcerting habit (to us) of scoring repeatedly against us. This was a fine goal and netted after eighty-two minutes.
It was another reminder of Hitchin’s predilection to concede from set pieces. Would we see a late, dramatic winner, well substitute Luke Johnson came very close to this with a fine shot. Another Royston effort saw a fine save from Stacey, but it meant a corner, which he held. Suddenly, Royston were on top again. I recalled the game at Garden Walk where Hitchin had come from a two-goal deficit to earn a creditable draw, and it looked as if this score would be replicated. This is the score known as a Desmond, if you remember Mr Tutu.
The last few minutes constituted a battle royal with both teams sensing the win and a draw was of little use to the hosts. Franklin won a challenge and sought Hutchinson who won a central free kick which won a corner. Hope was in the air, but the set piece was defended. Stacey launched the ball forward in search of a last chance. This indeed fell to Hutchinson with a one on one, but he only won a corner, and this unsuccessful punt was the last kick of the game.
It was an equitable result, but home supporters retained the despairing image of Jacob Hutchinson’s golden chance right at the end where they feel he really ought to have scored and secured the win. We know a draw is not of real practical use, but it does much to restore our pride in the team’s fighting spirit.
HITCHIN TOWN
Stacey, Sponsors’ and this reporter’s Man of the Match, Franklin, Ekongo, cautioned, (Dixon- Smith), Heaps, (Odell- Bature), Syme, GOAL, 2-1, 62 minutes, Jones, captain, Deall, Gleeson, (Martins), Hutchinson, 1-1, 46 minutes, Brooks, cautioned, Titchmarsh, (Stokoe). Substitute not used – Mc Neill.
ROYSTON TOWN
Head, Asafu- Adjaye, cautioned, Brighton, (Warner-Eley), Coldicott- Stevens, PENALTY GOAL, 2 minutes, 0-1, (Johnson,) Murray, captain, GOAL, 82 minutes, 2-2, Beckett, Weyman, Dawodo, cautioned, (Akubine), Greene, (Rookard), Harness, Lock. Substitute not used – Atadike.
Referee- Mr C Charles, assisted by Mr N Angus and Mr B Hallybone.
Attendance 871
Report by Pipeman.