Report
As we made the journey to Halesowen through the rain, I could not help but recall our narrow win at Stratford on Avon, and the video evidence seemed to answer the inquiry of “Toby or not Toby, that is the question.”
The answer that it was Toby Syme’s goal and that he had also collided with the post to ensure the ball crossed the line. The video evidence is irrefutable.
That victory returned Hitchin to third place and on this inclement day we were to be at Halesowen for the first time since March 2019, a game I remember well. The Yeltz were at the time bottom of the division and the game finished 0-0.
What was particularly memorable was the frenzied support given to the home side. In short, they kept up a din throughout the game with an admirable show of loyalty. There are certain clubs where mostly middle- aged gentlemen look in, politely applauding and occasionally letting slip a vocal encouragement now and again. Not so in Halesowen, they go at it hammer and tongs and know their role as the twelfth man. And they have a drum or three.
Team news for Hitchin included the return of Layne Eadie after injury and Ciaren Jones was suspended for just the one game. There were also starts for Arnold Matshazi and Isaac Galliford. The pitch was in excellent condition despite the recent soaking and we were given a cordial welcome.
Hitchin obviously won the toss and the Yeltz were thus kicking towards the Shed whose occupants were already busy with their drums and choruses, well sheltered from the persistent rain.
A well- constructed early attack from the Yeltz was broken down and Hitchin won a free kick in an inviting area. Gleeson obliged but sent the ball harmlessly over the crossbar. Then Kye Tearle was booked for impeding an opponent’s progress and it was the hosts’ turn to have a free kick. Hickman wasted the opportunity.
Idiakhoa had a go, and it was blocked but Galliford followed up with an off target shot. Gleeson was then cautioned for a bad challenge and the next Yeltz attack included a rather routine shout for a penalty which was instantly dismissed. Wilkinson was put through and a goal looked certain with the goalkeeper wrong footed but somehow the target was missed, and it really ought to have been one- nil to the Canaries. His less than forceful strike struck a divot.
Then, amazingly, Charlie Horlock, with a routine up field punt, saw, like the rest of us, the ball take a bounce and the home keeper Daniel Platt was poorly positioned, and watched as the ball entered the net without a touch from another player. So, goal scorer, Charlie Horlock, goalkeeper and captain. The goal was wrongly attributed to Wilkinson on the Southern League website and was scored after thirteen minutes.
The Yeltz recovered from this shock by having a good effort that was just wide of the near post. Ezewele’s run brought a corner for the hosts and that resulted in a Hitchin free kick. Although the opening twenty minutes had its nervous moments, Hitchin ought to have been two up and here they were under a spell of mounting pressure.
Okafor’s poor shot took a slight deflection for a corner, which was beaten away. Hitchin then had to deal with two direct shots that were blocked but there were still chances at the other end with Matshazi and Wilkinson on the qui vive. Idiakhoa was unfortunate as his shot on the run was only just over the bar.
Georgiou and Bell had good defensive moments and Manning’s effort was firm but wayward. Ezewele and Cater combined and were thwarted and the rain still fell.
Gorgiou’s cross was deflected to the keeper and then the defender had to scamper back to position.Bell’s pass would have been better left as he had a chance to shoot instead. Bell was cautioned for just an awkward challenge and even home supporters considered that a harsh one. Horlock’s save from Mannning was notable, and we were approaching the last five minutes of the half. He also dived at the feet of Cater who had been put through on goal and ought to have done better.
These were nervous battling minutes with the pitch cutting up. Two additional minutes were tagged on and for Hitchin, to hold the lead to the interval was vital. This was achieved and we all knew that it was going to be a long second half. The rain had intensified, and the floodlights blazed. Home supporters declined to change to the open end and remained in the packed Shed end, towards which the Canaries were attacking.
There were no substitutions for either side as yet. The next Yeltz attack saw a shot hit the side netting. The chanting and drums continued apace as Hitchin tried manfully to get forward and Tearle’s wild shot was way over. Wilkinson was crowded out when trying to link with a through ball.
The hosts had more possession but so far, the Hitchin defence had coped even providing a sporadic chance for attack. Idiakhoa was a bit hot under the collar following some robust challenges up this was sorted out by the referee who had just booked a home player.
Horlock saved a deflected shot from Okafor and Gleeson made a clearance close to the goal line. A Hitchin substitution looked probable, especially with three players on yellow cards. But no, it was John Freeman for Isaac Galliford, and we had played sixty-five minutes. Halesowen made two subs themselves with Donnelly and Cobourne replacing Cater and Hayward.
Wilkinson’s wily work set up Matshazi who put his effort well wide. This would be one of relatively few chances and a little break from the pressure. There was no doubt that there was character shown by Hitchin, who then replaced Matshazi with Akinbusoye, in the seventy- seventh minute.
Parker’ fine work resulted in a blocked shot and play was halted as both Gleeson and Horlock needed treatment. Halesowen gave away a corner, which we hoped had possibilities and it was sent in by Freeman. It was defended but Hitchin stayed on the attack and well, lordy, lordy, Freeman received a slick pass, narrowed his eyes for the shot and converted well, finding the bottom right corner. It was a fine individual goal and suitably celebrated.
The drama increased when moments later, as it seemed, the Yeltz pulled a goal back. The noise from the Shed went up a notch to two and we waited for the announcer to declare the scorer. Twitter said it was Gregory, the last home substitute, and this was later confirmed. Hitchin’s response was positive and Wilkinson, who believed had been fouled ended up being cautioned for apparent simulation. Akinbusoye delayed his shot for too long and there was a Hitchin corner. Freeman had been a revelation so far and he came close again as we approached the end of normal time, expecting a cartload of minutes to be added.
Akinbusoye again delayed with just the keeper to beat but he just outwitted himself. He should have scored. Seven minutes were tacked on and in the first of these, a penalty was awarded to Halesowen. Horlock the hero made a double save, to cap a most notable performance. Someone else got booked for kicking the ball away and it was Freeman, I was told, and it was in ninety plus six minutes.
Then a cross cum shot from the right saw a third Hitchin goal – and it was the super substitute Freeman who is credited. It was a sumptuous, angled shot from the right, and it found the top corner. What drama and we were still not through, and both teams had further chances, but Hitchin prevailed with their second away victory in a week and with performances of true character and real teamwork. Both wins were not easy and today against a fiercely partisan crowd, who deserve praise for their renowned support, it was all the more satisfying.
In this good old-fashioned stadium, it was pleasant to see the travelling knot of supporters erupt in joy at Freeman’s stunning goals, and after the match the soaked and muddied team fully acknowledged them. And wait for it, Hitchin move to second place and leaders Mickleover finally lost, and to Stratford Town.
This match hinged on the penalty, and had it been converted for 2-2 the finish might well have favoured the Yeltz. So – we can salute Charlie Horlock, goal scorer, penalty saver and a decent chap as well. I did overhear someone say that Hitchin won the game despite the referee who was indeed no slouch in brandishing the yellow cards. The count for Hitchin was five, and for bookable offences in the revised game. The referee must adhere to the guidelines.
But we do not just salute Charlie as this was a team performance to be savoured, emulating the gritty stuff at Stratford, and this one was a good deal more exciting and a lot more dramatic and made more so by the admirable and vociferous home support. It was only the Yeltz’ second league defeat this season.
What a week for Hitchin Town, drained of energy in two demanding games that yielded maximum points and our highest position in the league table. added to this, it is the first time I have seen a goalkeeper score, and well, the first time I have seen a keeper score and save a penalty.
There was a downside, however, and by that, I mean the players’ karaoke on the coach on the way home. All good fun really and I am always reminded of an official of another club, who seeing such antics declared it was good for team bondage, unaware of his malapropism and indignant when he was gently corrected.
HALESOWEN TOWN
Daniel Platt, captain, Jak Hickman, (Richard Gregory, GOAL, 80 MINUTES, 2-1), Josh Ezewele, Todd Parker, Ryan Winter, Kieran Morris, cautioned, George Cater, (Simeon Cobourne), Nathan Hayward, (Kieran Donnelly), Miracle Okafor, Jack Holmes, McKauley Manning. Substitutes not used- Luke Redfern and Joshua Hawker.
HITCHIN TOWN
Charlie Horlock, captain, GOAL, 13 MINUTES,1-0, man of the match, Bradley Bell, cautioned, Layne Eadie, Toby Syme, Kye Tearle, cautioned, Stan Georgiou, Arnold Matshazi, (Temi Akinbusoye), Steve Gleeson, cautioned, Dan Idiakhoa, Isaac Galliford, (John Freeman, TWO GOALS, 78 AND 90+4 MINUTES.2-1,3-1. – cautioned, Finley Wilkinson, cautioned. Substitutes not used – Kavan Cotter, Dan Emovon, Chris Khoo.
Referee-
Mr L Scott assisted by Mr P Mihalache and Mr R Fullicks.
Attendance 721
REPORT BY PIPEMAN