Report
On the notice board that advertises our matches, it proclaimed loudly and presumably tongue in cheek that the scheduled game was Hitchin Town against Real Benidorm. This was obviously the work of a scallywag with a distinct sense of humour. A Real Bedford official joined in the fun by revealing that Real Benidorm was their sister club.
Real Bedford’s meteoric rise in non-league football has attracted much comment, and they are now at step three and seeking to go higher. There had been much rain, and the lush pitch looked soft and vulnerable. The downpour ceased some time before kick-off, and away we went with our opposition enjoying seniority to us for the first time. This assumes that our visitors acknowledge the previous versions of their club. I do remember the days of Bedford Valerio and Bedford FC.
The Pirates began briskly with some impressive ball control, and they denied the hosts any sustained possession. Evans and Tee had a good moment but happily, intervention was there. Most of the attacking notion at this stage belonged to the visitors. But there was a decent shot from Bomolo that McGregor held without difficulty. Former Hitchin player Jack Morrell was performing well and was involved in a multi passing move that ended poorly.
Kane had a spirited run that lacked support, and the same conclusion fell to Bomolo, suggesting strongly that a Hitchin attack needed greater coordination. Franklin, with good control, started a move that again had a limp conclusion. A neat back heel gave Franklin a chance, and he took it well, with McGregor recovering after spilling the shot. Hitchin thus had produced more shots in goal despite Bedford’s insistence of artistry.
Heaps had a blocked shot and then a sudden attack from the visitors saw Bowler save well but concede the corner, which resulted in a goal kick for Hitchin, who were getting more space and possession now.
Heaps did well, providing Brooks with a golden chance but he fired straight at McGregor. It was the best chance of the game so far. Davies cut out a mean looking cross and Jones’ downward header bounced over the bar and perhaps should have scored. Hitchin had impressed since they had nullified the fancy style of play produced by Real Bedford. The question was whether they could sustain this and keep up their attacking play.
A comical bit of play from Hitchin allowed a shot from Richardson, which was saved, and Gleeson was among the players involved that culminated in a blocked shot from Brooks and a further effort that was neatly saved, Brooks then slung in a cross that begged for the finish it did not receive.
Then the Pirates struck, scoring a neat goal about five minutes before half-time. Conor Tee was credited with the goal, and it was timed at forty-two minutes. It had an elusive quality about it and it a bit harsh on Hitchin who had matched the opposition very well. They did not deserve to be behind at the interval.
Here I can thank secretary Roy Izzard for writing the report for the Potton game, owing to my absence. I had a short break in Germany and Austria with my son. I saw the England women’s game against Sweden in my hotel room and finally saw a penalty competition that was worse than our one against St Neots.
The second half began with good intent, and Hitchin brought on Tearle and Coldicott-Stevens for Gleeson and Kane. An accidental collision of players led to the immediate dismissal of Bedford manager Rob Sinclair. I deduce that it was for the use of choice language. More news in this friendly was the dismissal of the Bedford captain Lee Watkins. He was the player injured in the clash and again must have said something to incense the referee.
Then Setchell missed a sitter and Bowler needed treatment. The opposition manager, who should have been in the dressing room casually watched from the entrance to the tunnel as this was not a game of official standing. Such incidents that preceded the dismissal are regrettable and serve to challenge the purpose of the game, As it was the team reduced to ten men had a spell that looked as if they had a couple of extra players.
Hitchin had not really got going and were messing about with square passing and a seeming reluctance to go forward. But then more off the ball drama ensued when the referee gave a red card, I think to Drew Richardson and, I think to another member of the Real Bedford management team. The latter is the more likely.
Then the Pirates sent on a number of substitutes, including our former player Isaac Galliford. Play was delayed for an inexplicable period and the game had soured irrevocably. A forward move from Hitchin saw it ruled out for a blatant foul. Galliford took a corner that was punched away by Bowler, but this was followed by two more. Bowler met expectations with ease, and it was then I was able to count the opposition and noticed that there were indeed ten players.
McDonald replaced Jones, but Hitchin were still labouring to get forward and losing possession when they did. McDonald saved Bowler’s blushes, following a faux pas of some magnitude, and it was another example of vulnerability when playing out from the back. Brooks did his best with a half chance. McDonald conceded a corner from a dangerous cross and although this was headed away the visitors seemed the likelier team to score. Their next incisive attack brought another corner and a flying catch from Bowler.
There were more Hitchin substitutions, and we wondered if this injection would bring an equaliser, but what it did was create a defensive error that Bowler snuffed out and there was a reasonable appeal for a penalty from an upended Pirate. Fouls occurred with a disturbing frequency, with players needing treatment in this less than good natured friendly.
The referees card came out again, but I am not sure what for. Lee Grimesy is an experienced referee and is not usually partial to cautions and dismissals, and I can only conclude that the conduct of some players was less than satisfactory
Meanwhile, back at the game it was not good for Hitchin, who were held firmly at bay as the game stumbled to its conclusion. Bomolo was seemingly fouled in a cynical manner and the free kick, from Tearle was well wide of the target. That was the last piece of action, and many were glad of it since it had descended into an unwanted area of distinct unfriendliness in a friendly game. Well done to the players for keeping a sense of decorum.
Overall, this had been a positive performance from Hitchin against nominally superior opposition. There were many well constructed attacks and a goodly number of attempts to score. I expect Real Bedford to do well in the Southern Premier division. I apologise that I cannot reveal the details of all the dismissals and cautions as I felt it would be more diplomatic not to approach the referee after what must have been a burdensome game for him.
Hitchin Town
Bowler
Jackman
Kane
Heaps
Syme
Jones (C)
Franklin
Gleeson
Rhiney
Brooks
Bomolo
Subs used: Tearle, Coldicott- Stevens, McDonald, Morrall, Triallist, Forbes.
Not used: Kamara, Briggs.
Real Bedford
McGregor
Richardson (Red Card after being substituted)
Morrell
Watkins (Red Card)
Allen
Jones
Evans
Stevens
Tee (Goal, 42 mins)
Davies
Ward
Subs used: Weyman, Longden, Nicolson, Hitchcock, Setchell, Ward, Galliford, Soile.
Referee: Mr L Grimesy, assisted by Mr N Angus and Mr C Mackay.
Attendance: 313
Report by Pipeman
Photos by Peter Else