Report
After the exertions of the domestic cup game against Ware, who gave the team a thorough testing, the youngsters of League One Stevenage came to Top Field for the latest friendly.
Hitchin began in earnest with Callum Kane providing an early opportunity from the left flank. Skipper Ciaren Jones had a run also on the left with a header from Lewis Franklin being comfortably saved by Max Woodford. Josh Bowler had to come from his line to end a penetrating move from Stevenage. His counterpart used the same move twice, later in the game.
The visitors took the lead with a penetrating move when Jack Stone outpaced the defence and slipped the ball past Bowler in the ninth minute. This move was all but replicated two minutes later and it was only just dealt with.
Kane’s persistence won a corner, and Brooks had a fine effort that hit the foot of the post, and the follow up was netted just as the offside flag was raised. There was a good effort when work from Kane enabled a shot from Brooks that was only just wide. Kane’s freedom on the ball was noticeable, as was his fine pace. He had a shot following a dazzling piece of control and was unlucky not to score.
Following pleasing attacking play from Hitchin, the Stevenage defence had to work extremely hard, and Rhiney had a couple of blocked efforts. Then there was something of a loss as Kane needed to be replaced owing to injury and thus McDonald entered the fray.
Since the conceded goal, Hitchin had maintained a good standard of play and were coping with the threat of the quick breakaway that was a real threat from the visitors.
It was indeed an entertaining half of positive football, and it was a pleasing fact that the hosts had plenty of opportunities even of the reward of an equaliser was denied them.
Hitchin began the second period with a degree of urgency and there was a penalty appeal in the first attack, but the referee was unimpressed. Play was halted as Stevenage player Eddie Wright needed treatment following a collision. Bolomo showed impressive skill in the eighteen-yard box and McDonald had a real chance, but he fired tamely, straight at Woodford.
There was a Stevenage free kick by the corner flag, and this was held by Bowler. Rhine was held back from progressing but the free kick for Hitchin was strangely unproductive. Franklin put in a through ball that looked promising, but it was defended. The pace was still fine and the play just as earnest.
How we longed for a goal, which would be the first at Top Field in this preseason programme. McDonald win a corner, sent in by Coldicott-Stevens. Heaps kept it going but no-one could use the ball profitably.
Things turned sour after sixty-six minutes when Stevenage were awarded a penalty which was skilfully despatched by Jack Stone who thus scored his second of the game. Brooks had a fine run in control, but it was monitored well by the Stevenage defence.
A well constructed attack from Hitchin saw the award of a central free kick that Woodford saved comfortably. Still that goal eluded them and it was a goal their play deserved. Another cross saw the keeper claim quite athletically, and he needed treatment after the exertion.
The visitors also made substitutions at this time. Hitchin had a free kick but at an awkward angle outside the box, and this too was carefully defended. Hitchin then deployed all three Triallist players who did not have that long to impress. One had a downward header following a decent cross from Franklin. There was a following chance that was also unsuccessful.
There were some almost predictable inaccuracies in vital passing but in no way were Hitchin ever starved of possession. A late free kick was clipped away from danger and the diligent Franklin still sought a way through this unyielding Stevenage defence. Two of the triallists combined in a forward move but had their pockets picked.
It was a sterling effort from Hitchin whose play was a good deal more enterprising than in the game against Ware. Moreover, it was a good game to observe the developing skills if the young professionals. I will add sotto voce that we were frustrated in our expectations to see a goal for Hitchin scored on home turf in the friendly matches.
Hitchin begin their league campaign away at Hadley next week aware that it is one of many derby type games that will be challenging in every respect.
Hitchin Town
Bowler
Franklin
Kane
Joy
Jackman
Jones (C)
Heaps
Coldicott-Stevens
Rhiney
Brooks
Bomolo
Substitutes
McDonald (for Kane)
Triallist A (for Bomolo)
Triallist B (for Rhiney)
Triallist C (for Brooks)
Forbes (unused)
Stevenage
Woodford
Miller
Suleiman
England
Thornett
Saji
Wright
Mustafa
Norris
Brown
Stone (2 Goals – 9, 66 mins)
Substitutes
Impey (for Saji)
Sadihu (for Norris)
Ayolie (for Brown)
Barnes (unused)
Okwara (unused)
Referee: Mr L Grimesy, assisted by Mr S Bodell and Mr P Bish
Attendance: 255
Report by Pipeman
Photos by Peter Else