Report
This fixture was both reinstated and also moved forward a day owing to Dunstable Town having a league fixture on the original date. So, it was a nostalgic return for me to Creasey Park, which is only about half a mile from my home. I was given the most cordial of welcomes from the home officials, which I appreciated and indeed I anticipated a fine, competitive game.
Playing in sky blue, the hosts kicked off and the first meaningful bit of play came from two Hitchin corners and then a stylish AFC counter attack thwarted by Layne Eadie. An early shot for the ODs went well wide. Both teams had moves involving close passing, but both defences intervened smartly, with tackles firm and fair.
The game quickly developed a tigerish aspect, and in one AFC attack, Dempsey Thomas was forced to concede a corner, which Archer dealt with after a bit of hesitation, and there was a bit of real excitement when Isaac Galliford’s free kick hit the crossbar. Thomas was under a bit of pressure and an AFC corner resulted in a free kick for Hitchin.
A fine looking shot from the hosts was deflected for a corner and then the home number nine hit the cross bar with a shot which was followed by the first goal of the game, almost forced home as the culmination of impressive play. The goal came after eighteen minutes, and it was up to Hitchin to get some kind of grip, which was not easy since they had been allowed no time on the ball so far.
Galliford was in a good position following good work from Snelus and Gleeson but his shot was merely symbolic. A lovely piece of skill from AFC resulted in a shot that went just wide, and it was the hosts who were the dominant attacking force. Indeed there was another shot on target that ricocheted off Archer’s chest and he was the busier of the two keepers .
A Hitchin corner from Gouveia was entirely disappointing, and the side was lacking the real bite they had shown at home to Royston. This corner produced a swift AFC counter attack with Eadie at pains to prevent a shot. An AFC free kick looked the business but the offside flag was raised. Then, after evading the offside, the home number two shaped up for a shot that was well off target.
Galliford’s cross was met by Gleeson whose effort struck the side netting. It was perhaps getting better, but slowly, with the interval five minutes away. An AFC free kick was defended for a corner with Archer, under pressure punching clear. Then, following apiece do admirable skill, a forward ball saw Archer fumble and lose the ball which was calmly slotted home and AFC were deservedly two goals ahead. This second goal came immediately before the whistle for the interval and I was not the only Hitchin man to praise the excellent football played by the home side.
We have crossed swords with Biggleswade Town, Stotfold, Kempston Rovers and Leighton Town, but AFC Dunstable have been the most impressive. To be ruthlessly honest, it was not a vintage performance from Hitchin, certainly compared with the fine performance against Royston and I hoped that the second half would see some resurgence of that kind of form. It was inevitable that many , if not all of the named substitutes would be used, and AFC did likewise. It was a reminder that these pre-season encounters are more for managerial strategy than public entertainment, but we were rewarded with a fine, attacking game of football, with player commitment at its highest level.
It was good to see Toby Syme starting the second half which was marked so far with a fine home effort rebounding off the foot of the post with the follow-up being untidily defended. Gouveia had a promising run on goal but he had his pockets picked with ease. But at least Hitchin were going forward and had a chance from a corner, which was happily converted to reduce the arrears, and not before time. Georgiou put in the vital headed assistance. Galliford was the scorer and the goal gave the game a fine balance.
Archer then made a vital save, and Gouveia’s air shot was forgotten as the visitors enjoyed a bit of pressure. Gleeson was openly disappointed when his chance was saved by the home keeper, whose save was notable. The pace of this half was as electric as the first and a bit more even in terms of chances. Multiple substitutions, if anything added to the pace and zip on the superb pitch. Commitment continued to be pleasingly unrelenting.
Luwero’s shot was blocked after some stylish play as Hitchin sought an equaliser. But AFC battled to regain possession which, though largely successful was not enough to prevent Bradley Bell bagging the equaliser with a fine low shot, with just about fifteen minutes to play. Sanchez make a vital intervention following an exhilarating home attack. Hitchin had a similar
move that went for a corner that produced a reasonable goal attempt that was cool defended, and the next Hitchin chance cleared the crossbar.
Such was the nature of this game that a late goal for either side could not be ruled out and both sides were going for it. With just minutes to go, a cross from the right saw AFC Dunstable score from close range to regain the lead.
Hitchin had reduced a two goal deficit and there was a feeling that they could draw level in the time remaining. They almost achieved this when Jeremiah Luwero, with a display of skill set up a chance and it was he who really ought to have scored, but his firm shot went wide and it proved to be the last endeavour as the whistle went shortly after. Had he converted, we would have been pleased to accept the draw.
Naturally, I do not like to see my team lose, but I have nothing but praise for AFC Dunstable who, with their verve and team spirit, deserved their success, and in doing so reminded Hitchin that there is work to do. Yes, it was a pre-season friendly, but I am firmly in the camp that states there is no such thing as a friendly and this game was played with the kind of spirit that spectators like to see – the desire to win and the commitment that goes with it.
I thoroughly enjoyed my brief return to Creasey Park, having spent so long there with Dunstable Town. I was quietly pleased to see the stand that is named in honour of Aaron Bateman, whose tragic death was such a shock when it occurred and it is right and proper that this young Town supporter is remembered so suitably.
I was also pleased to hear that the recent change of management and ownership of the ODs has been achieved without any disruption and it was a pleasure to talk to their officials. They are keenly aware that they face a challenging season in Division One Central, with so many local derbies, but I feel they will have a successful campaign with the quality of players that was demonstrated tonight.
HITCHIN TOWN
David Archer, Kye Tearle, Layne Eadie, Stan Georgiou, Dempsey Thomas, Lewis Barker, Diogo Freitas Gouveia, Stephen Gleeson, Jack Snelus, Isaac Galliford, GOAL, 51 minutes, Kavan Cotter.
Substitutes – all used.
Bradley Bell, GOAL, 76 MINUTES, Toby Syme, Malaki Black, Quiqe Sanchez, Jeremiah Luwero, Marley Rochester-Stein, Freddy Moriarty, Charlie Miller, Ola Okeowo, Derek Lucinda.
Apologies that I do not have details of the AFC team or the officials. Mention must be made of the good standard of refereeing.
AFC goals were scored in the 18th minute, 45+1 and 88.
Attendance 121
REPORT BY PIPEMAN