Report
It was especially pleasant to welcome our very near neighbours from what their chairman Darren Whiley calls Bartonshire, but for that read Bedfordshire. I remember our last competitive game at Sharpenhoe Road, which was in the FA Cup. Hitchin won 1-0 and I wrote my report as usual and was soon sent a correction from Darren, with photographic proof that our goal was a handball. Rovers were also denied what seemed a legitimate equaliser. However, that was 2019 and consigned to history.
The Barton team contained a number of former Hitchin players, which must have given them extra incentive to perform well. There were also some changes in the Hitchin line-up. Anticipation was high.
Alemanji hustled for possession in the first meaningful attack but delayed his shot for too long. A short corner was worked well but the effort proved wayward. Tearle’s control enabled a snapshot from Alemanji which was held by Heath. Barton put together a fine attack, but they were penalised for a foul.
Gleeson set up Alemanji who tumbled to the ground too easily and the referee correctly dismissed the appeal. Another home attack showed great potential, and we were pleased with the style of play, but we still yearned for the emphatic finish. Barton were meeting challenges competently, but lost possession before they could threaten seriously. Tearle was comfortable as a number 10 and his distribution was good. At twenty-five minutes there was a drinks break, and given the hot weather, this was sensible and appreciated.
Well, so far, Hitchin were the more dominant, and Rovers unfazed. The visitors had a free kick that they worked well but strayed offside. Tearle sent in a cross that Heath had to hold well. There was a lovely bit of possession play from Callum Kane, but he ballooned his shot. So, no goals after half an hour and McDonald’s next effort was embarrassingly wide.
Jones’ cross caused alarm to the Rovers’ defence, but they kept their cool and cleared the danger. Kane produced more magic, but his effort was headed clear. Jones had a rush of blood and sent the ball high into the foliage. This dominance needed to be translated to a goal, and soon. Syme’s intervention was necessary as Rovers made the most of an attack when they poached the ball from a Hitchin defender.
They had a free kick from Warman that Heath punched away, and it was Warman who won a corner. It was defended but Rovers were still on the attack and Ramsay’s shot, although just wide, was probably the best effort of the half. Gleeson had an uncharacteristic run and his pass to Alemanji saw that player hit well wide.
Three minutes were added and I imagine that Rovers would be the happier in going to the interval. They had a late corner that they messed up in inelegant fashion, but they had matched Hitchin throughout.
There were no changes for either team after the break. Hitchin resumed in earnest but with some inaccuracies and were subject to a sneaky attack or two from the Rovers. Gleeson received his usual reprimand which perhaps echoed our frustration at not scoring so far.
Then, to our great delight, Kye Tearle snatched possession in typical style, and shrugging off challenges and scored a super goal – only the third of his Hitchin career but this one was of great value. It was the breakthrough the team needed and Bowler’s wonderful save a minute or so later emphasised that this match was far from won. Bowler needed treatment after this heroic action and so it was drinks all round for the players, Adam’s ale of course.
Play resumed with a Barton corner that ended up striking the side netting. Jackman’s cross was easy for the keeper, and a flank attack from Rovers was defended well.
Gleeson was replaced by new signing Nicolson after sixty-six minutes and Barton were pressing in dogged fashion and we wondered if they had been awarded a penalty, but were kept waiting as Bowler was down injured. Then players went for more water and Bowler appeared to be leaving the field and George Morrall came in as a substitute keeper with his first task to face a penalty, for so it was, and entirely undisputed. The script called for a heroic save but ex-Hitchin man Albie Hall tucked away the spot kick for the precious equaliser.
Barton were now playing with added confidence, and they knew that Morrall was an outfielder in normal terms. A poor Rovers corner zipped in, but the sting had been taken out of the game as far as Hitchin went. Rovers had another corner which was high but not mighty. Phelan was booked for an outrageous foul but the free kick was easily dealt with.
Alemanji tried to hook one which took a deflection for a corner. Jones won another and hopes were high. It was headed away and the subsequent effort saw a clearance from a crowded box. Alemanji was fouled and a free kick forward of the centre circle ended with Briggs sending in a negligible cross.
We needed urgency and pressure, and Bomolo replaced Alemanji, a like for like change. Two efforts saw the ball roll into touch for a goal kick. Jackman tried a shot, which was blocked. Rovers won a free kick wide on the right, and they took their time, of course. Morrall was able to punch it away and Brooks’ neat pass in a snap home attack should have been converted by Bomolo. Butler replaced scorer Tearle for the added-on time. In a smart move, Jackman sent in a shot that very nearly found the target. Heath was leisurely with his goal kick and there was a break in the Hitchin pressure.
A win at home is of supreme importance and a late free kick wide on the right called for JCS to plant a good one. It was not too bad but it was defended. Bomolo controlled and put in a shot that went just wide at the foot of the post. It was agonising. Morrall came off his line to defend and a long throw was headed away. Briggs’ challenge was superb as it could easily have led to a goal.
The whistle went and it was a creditable draw but frustrating since we need to hit fine form on home turf. The attendance of 705 was appropriate for a derby game. We hope that Josh Bowler recovers from his injury and salute George Morrall for deputising – not an easy task given the nature of the fixture.
It goes without saying that home supporters were disappointed, but I think they would accept that Barton had defended with precision and had fought gamely for the point.
It had been an entertaining match that was well managed, but we still have to wait for a Hitchin win on home turf.
Hitchin Town
Bowler
Jackman
Kane
Syme
Briggs
Jones (C)
Coldicott-Stevens
Gleeson
Alemanji
Tearle (Goal – 52 mins) Sponsors’ MOTM
McDonald
Substitutes
Morrall (for Bowler)
Nicolson (for Gleeson)
Bomolo (for Alemanji)
Butler (for Tearle)
Brooks (for McDonald)
Barton Rovers
Heath
Neufville (C)
Baggaley
Grant
Phelan
Buckmaster
Gouldbourne
Williams
Hall (Goal – 68 mins, pen)
Warman
Ramsay
Substitutes
Searle (for Grant)
Jordan (for Hall)
Milton, Perry and Goodman were unused
Referee: Mr N Perry, assisted by Mr F Miah and Mr C Jones.
Attendance: 705
Report by Pipeman.