Report
Hitchin produced a thoroughly professional performance to deservedly beat National League South Cheshunt 2-0 and progressed to the Herts Senior Cup final where they will face Berkhamsted or Watford Under 21’s who play their semi-final next week. It was satisfying to exact revenge on Cheshunt who beat Hitchin 2-0 at the same stage last year. Nobody among the 241 supporters present could doubt that Hitchin were full value for the win. It was an all round team performance with defence, midfield and attack all working incredibly hard for each other and putting their bodies on the line.
Manager Mark Burke was delighted with the display. He told me he was impressed at how organised we were and how well we held the line in a very tight first half before going on to be the dominant side in the second half. He feels a place in the final is a good reward for the players and the supporters and gives everyone something to look forward to. He also thinks it will focus the players for the remainder of the season as there will be great competition for those places in the final line-up.
There was just one change from Saturday’s team with Steve Cawley replacing Finley Wilkinson, while ex Canaries Josh Popoola and Alfie Cue played for Cheshunt. There was an early scare for Hitchin when Layne Eadie went down heavily and took several minutes to recover. It was a fairly even start as Bradley Bell produced a good cross that nobody got on the end of while good play by the ever impressive Dan Idiakhoa led to a shot by Josh Coldicott-Stevens that was deflected for a corner that saw Cawley shoot over the bar.
Cheshunt had a free kick in a good position but the wall did its job. Cheshunt’s main threat came from long throws from Cue but the defence coped well. Idiakoa had another attempt for Hitchin that was blocked for a corner from which Jack Morrell headed wide. Charlie Horlock did well to push away a dangerous cross before Hitchin ended the half with two good chances. Firstly Diogo Freitas-Gouveia shot just wide after a good run and then Coldicott-Stevens had the best chance of the game. He picked up a back pass that fell short and had the choice of chipping the keeper or shooting past him. Unfortunately he shot wide so it was 0-0 at half time.
Hitchin made a positive start to the second half and a good pass by Morrell fed Cawley but his shot was cleared. He then shot over the bar after a Freitas-Gouveia free kick. On 58 minutes Hitchin escaped a scramble in their penalty area but just four minutes later they took the lead. It came from another Freitas-Gouveia free kick which saw Toby Syme head home. Wilkinson replaced Josh Allen after 65 minutes and Ashley Hay came on for Cawley after 69 minutes. Both substitutes made an immediate impact as Hitchin took control of the game and the crucial second goal arrived after 72 minutes. Wilkinson’s shot led to a corner and from Freitas-Gouveia’s delivery Ashley Hay was on hand to score.
In all honesty Hitchin looked comfortable for the remainder of the game as they continued to work hard and prevent Cheshunt from getting back in the game. Indeed Hitchin came close to a third goal with Freitas-Gouveia and Idiakhoa coming close. Stan Georgiou came on for Freitas-Gouveia for the last few minutes but Cheshunt were by then a well beaten team.
So this was a really good performance by Hitchin and a place in the final is just reward. After a number of draws this win sets Hitchin up nicely for the end of season fixtures and they will welcome league leaders Tamworth to Top Field on Saturday with renewed optimism.
TEAMS
CHESHUNT
Preston Edwards, Jordon Thompson, Isaac Pitblado, Fraser Alexander, Taylor McKenzie, Raul Da Silva Fernandes, Josh Popoola, Lewis Hobbs, Alfie Cue, Tyrelle Newton, Zech Obiero Subs Enock Ekongo, Ken Charles (for Popoola 69), Reece Beckles Richards (for Cue 69) Adam Desbois, Emmanuel Maja -booked (for Alexander 56)
HITCHIN
Charlie Horlock, Bradley Bell, Layne Eadie, Toby Syme, Jack Morrell, Lewis Barker, Diogo Freitas-Gouveia, Josh Coldicott-Stevens, Josh Allen, Steve Cawley, Dan Idiakhoa Subs Finley Wilkinson, (for Allen 65), Josh Mollison, Ashley Hay (for Cawley 69), Stan Georgiou (for Freitas-Gouveia), Kye Tearle.
REFEREE Jack Bloxham ASSISTANTS Chad Greatorex and Chris Geelan
REPORT BY ROY IZZARD
PS Unfortunately I had to stand in for Pipeman as he is in hospital having an operation. We all wish him well and he hopes to be back for Saturday with his own unique style of reporting.