Report
After really encouraging displays against Halesowen and Royston Saturday’s visit to Aveley to meet Hashtag United saw a really disappointing performance. It was an instantly forgettable game almost devoid of goalmouth action with neither goalkeeper troubled. It was decided by a penalty and indeed there seemed little likelihood of a goal from open play. There was nothing to choose between the two teams who were evenly matched.
There was a total lack of atmosphere with a very poor crowd of just 137. Hitchin lacked the energy and passion that had been shown in recent games. It seemed that the 10 day break had had a negative effect on Hitchin’s momentum and few players showed their best form.
Lewis Barker was out with a rib injury and was sorely missed in midfield. Liam Brooks returned to the bench and came on at half time. while Kieran Forbes also made his comeback as a second half substitute. Stephen Gleeson and Daniel Stokoe both came in to the starting line-up.
The first half was even with chances at a premium. Dan Sears headed over from a corner on 16 minutes, while Coree Wilson failed to control a Sears pass when in a good position. Kyle Foster did well to save a dangerous free kick but it seemed it was heading for a goalless first half until in the 43rd minute Bradley Dixon-Smith was penalised for bringing down Toby Aromolaran. A penalty was awarded and Misha Djemaili scored easily.
For the second half Brooks replaced Wilson and Jack Dreyer replaced Gleeson. Again chances were few and far between with Brooks having a couple of shots but in reality keeper Jack Giddens was rarely tested. It was the same story at the other end with Foster having little to do. Hitchin were more dominant in midfield but could not pick out the right pass.
All five substitutes were used as Hitchin chased the equaliser but Hashtag held on in a game that will not live long in the memory. In all honesty neither team deserved to win but Hitchin will need to quickly move on and return to the battling displays they had produced in the lead up to this game.
HASHTAG
Giddens, Woolridge, Smith, Olukoga, Haysom,Hassan, Djemaili, Aromolaran, Gordon Christou, Higginns Subs, Cornhill for Olukoga 80, Restrepo for Djemaili 70, Day for Higgins 46, Rusoke for Hassan 88.Foxley
HITCHIN
Foster, Franklin, Dixon-Smith, Gleeson, Sears, Jones, Titchmarsh, Stokoe, Wilson, Morrall, Deall Subs Syme for Jones 76, Forbes for Morrall 58, Dreyer for Gleeson 46, Brooks for Wilson 46, Chidyausiku for Titchmarsh 71
Referee D Matthewson Assistants M Baxter and D Merrall.
Attendance 137
ROY IZZARD
Pipeman is recovering from an operation and will hopefully be back reporting on Tuesday.