Report
A moderate attendance was expected for this domestic cup game, which was our second meeting with Leverstock Green, following the dramatic league encounter. Predictably, home manager Michael Jones had made some experimental changes. These included new signing, goalkeeper Tyler McGregor, on loan from Real Bedford. There were starts for Will Mc Neill and Diogo Freitas Gouveia.
It was a murky night, and Hitchin began with that odd habit of booting the ball directly into touch. An elaborate attack included a goalkeeper back pass, which was rather novel. It ended many passes later, without a strike at goal.
A corner, reminiscent of our old ‘patent’ corner from JCS came to a well-placed Kye Tearle who added yet another goal to his splendid tally this season. It came within the first five minutes. The Green tried to respond but were finding it difficult to win and retain possession, but they did win their first corner, which was clipped over the bar.
The ultras, in their usual position in the Fishponds Stand were enjoying themselves and a drum was in evidence, Will McNeill lively as ever was on the end of a move he started, and his shot was inches over the bar. There was excellent work too from JCS. Cole Butler’s shot needed a good save from Harry Way and he claimed the ball at the second attempt. Gbolahan’s flicked on header was instrumental.
A Green free kick from the left brought a corner, which in turn, brought a goal kick. Rain fell now as Hitchin kept the initiative. Gbolahan tussled with the keeper who used illegitimate means, and was cautioned, with a free kick was awarded centrally outside the D. This was held by Way and the next move brought a corner, and the header from Jones was wayward.
It was about a quarter of an hour before the interval, and it was still all the pressure coming from Hitchin. Gbolahan was determined to win back possession in the eighteen-yard box, he lost out and Josh Dooley needed treatment. This delay would elongate the half considerably.
Cole Butler waited for the ball to sit right for a possible shot, but it did not. A couple of efforts from the visitors were defended, but the second at the expense of a corner. This unsuccessful effort saw the referee whistle for the interval. It had been a fine half for Hitchin with Blue Joy and Will Mc Neill being outstanding.
On resumption the Green attacked immediately but not to good effect. At the other end, a slow travelling Hitchin shot hit the foot of the post and in the next foray, Freitas Gouveia delayed his shot too long. McNeill picked up a long pass and when he crossed, discovered no-one had kept up with him. His spirited run deserved a finish from someone.
Tearle’s perfect pass to Gbolahan saw the latter fire too weakly. The Green made two substitutions at this time, Velasco and Stefanoaica, and the rain persisted, like the pattern of play, that suited Hitchin. Nevertheless, a second goal would be welcome. Freitas Gouveia gave way to Taylor Rhiney. A Hitchin corner saw much goalmouth action but that was it.
Tearle tried one from long range that the keeper initially spilled before recovering. Another corner was defended for one more and this was defended. Hitchin conceded a free kick that was defended but their play had declined a little in standard, with Gbolahan needing to score rather than falling over. He then needed treatment, and more home substitutes were employed.
Stefanoaica had a decent shot saved, the first McGregor had to make and from the next Hitchin attack, it was Alemanji on the follow up who made it 2-0. Substitute Franklin won a free kick that was not one of the best from Ciaren Jones. Hitchin were in cruise mode now. Alemanji almost scored again after a smart move. There were one or two promising attacks from the visitors but they could not penetrate, and Hitchin progressed to the next round.
Hitchin Town
McGregor, McNeill, Kane, Syme, Joy, Reporter’s MOTM,Jones, captain, Freitas- Gouveia, (Franklin), Coldicott – Stevens, Gbolahan, (Alemanji, GOAL, 76 minutes, 2-0), Tearle, GOAL,4 minutes 1-0, (Nicolson), Butler.
Substitutes not used – Jackman, Rhiney.
Leverstock Green
Way, Neal, Gyabaam, Dooley, Georgiou, Connolly, McCarthy, Pett, captain, Sekyere, Warren, Noguera- Leon.
Substitutes used – Velasco and Stefanoaica.
Not used- Dass, Forkin, Petagine.
Referee: Mr J Gibson assisted by Mr T Fogen and Mr M Rendell.
Attendance: 211
Report by Pipeman.