Report
In the boardroom there is a painting depicting another visit of Arsenal, on 27 November, 1962, which always fascinates me. It is there to commemorate the original installation of the floodlights. The present visit of representatives of the illustrious North London club honours our much appreciated former captain Dan Webb, who, in being a one club man was a rarity.
Rain did not stop play, of course, and the sense of occasion at Top Field. Dan led out the Canaries, and his daughter was a mascot. Many of his former colleagues were also present and some indeed were named as substitutes. They were to play their part later; but for the present it was for the current Hitchin team to take on the young professionals.
Many would have noticed that the tall Arsenal goalkeeper, Brian Okonkwo had played for Hitchin for a single game loan, in the 1-1 home draw against Nuneaton Borough, and today he had as fine a match as he did then, back in February.
Stylish play from the visitors was immediately apparent, almost like a homage to the senior team. Charlie Horlock held the first shot, conceding the corner, which was defended robustly. However, the first goal came, and unfortunately the ricochet resulted in an own goal. We had played just eight minutes. I could not ascertain who it was who put the ball past Charlie Horlock, and nobody told me.
Then, something of an error by the Arsenal keeper gave a Hitchin chance but the ball added on top of the net rather than in it. Hitchin then had a corner, the ‘patent’ which gave another corner and Lewis Barker’s header was only just wide, and brought yet another corner, the clearance reaching Charlie Horlock who was almost caught out, and was a long way from his goal.
Galliford was fouled on a forward run and the free kick was in a promising position, with the same player hitting low but wide. Then Bradley Bell on a similar run gained a free kick, with Barker unable to connect with the cross. This was battling stuff from the hosts. An Arsenal corner sailed in and was defended well.
There was a delay when Brian Okonkwo, the visiting keeper required treatment and an impromptu tactical talk was employed by both teams. A Hitchin free kick brought a corner and Jack Snelus hit hard but far too high. Gleeson set up Galliford for a shot, deflected for yet another corner. This resulted in a caution for Zach Shuaib and one more corner for the hosts, beaten away for a counter move.
Finley Wilkinson had a decent shot parried by the keeper and the ball fell kindly for the Gunners’ defence. Even so, the Canaries were holding their own and were not short of ideas. Then, in a swift Arsenal move, a penalty was conceded and taken by Harrison Dudziak whose perfect strike was successful. So, 2-0 to the Gunners after thirty-nine minutes. Hitchin had a free kick wide on the left which was sent in by Gleeson that led to an Arsenal counter and a fine save from Horlock from Ismael Kabia’s excellent strike. Galliford did well to get in a shot inside the area but this was blocked, as was the next effort from Wilkinson. The half ended with another unsuccessful effort, following a Galliford free kick.
We wondered during the interval just when our former skipper would come on and indeed he did start the second half. Ciaren Jones was unfortunate when his shot looked goal bound but the long legs of Okonkwo denied him. Then an angled Arsenal shot went across the goal and out of play. Bradley Bell’s chipped shot was held by the keeper and Finley Wilkinson was perturbed then when free on goal the referee brought ply back for a free kick, with a caution for another Gunner, Maldivi Kacurri.
Galliford, playing well, set up a chance that was expertly interpreted and it continued to be good stuff from Hitchin. I noticed that the large group of former players had made their way to the bench, all ready for their cameo appearance. The first came when Gleeson gave way to Matt Lench. It was good to see Webb perform a smart piece of defending in the penalty area, reminding us of the many pivotal moments in his distinguished career. then he did it again, denying a probe from Akolibre.
Another substitution was made with Lewis Rolfe entering the fray in place of Ciaren Jones. The Gunners also made a couple of changes, replacing Ryan with Ismail and Kabila with Copley. Arsenal contained the earnest efforts from the hosts who had time against them. The Arsenal keeper distinguished himself with the save of the game from a shot by a man with no number on his shirt. Time was nearly up but still there were Hitchin subs warming up.
Jay Dowie and Stuart Pearson came on for this short period of some pleasing Hitchin pressure and well, just as in Roy of The Rovers, our testimonial man Dan Webb took a penalty which was saved and then he hit home the rebound. It was not in the script but there was considerable joy to see this occur, and it was in the eighty-eighth minute.
The fairy tale continued when the Canaries bagged a headed equaliser moments later and it was credited to that battling player now coach, Josh Bickerstaff. So, two goals apiece and everyone hoping for a Hitchin late winner. This almost came, with the goalie tipping a shot over the bar for a corner, with another remarkable game. This ensured the game ended on an exciting note and there is no doubt that a spirited Hitchin team, with some of its former players fully deserved the draw.
Despite the rain, the game had attracted 863 spectators and they were rewarded with a fine game which built to a suitable climax and I am sure that Dan Webb enjoyed himself, with his brief reunion with the club and with former team mates.
We thank Arsenal FC for agreeing to the fixture and the team’s full contribution to an intriguing match.
Hitchin now face Watford Academy on Tuesday night.
HITCHIN TOWN
Charlie Horlock, captain, Kye Tearle, Bradley Bell, Toby Syme, Ciaren Jones, Lewis Barker, Kavan Cotter, Stephen Gleeson, Jack Snelus, Isaac Galliford, Finley Wilkinson.
Substitutes – with most used at some stage in the second half-
Dan Webb, GOAL 88 MINUTES,Stan Georgiou, Dempsey Thomas, Stuart Pearson, Matt Lench, Callum Donnelly, Simon Martin, John Frendo, Robbie Burns, Jay Dowie, Lewis Rolfe, Josh Bickerstaffe, GOAL ,90 MINUTES, Malaki Black.
ARSENAL
Brian Okonkwo, Josh Nichols, Luis Brown, captain, Maldivian Kacurri, Auden Heaven, Zach Shuaib, Kamarni Ryan, (Cameron Ismail), Bless Akolibre, Daniel Oyetunde, Harrison Dudziak, PENALTY GOAL, 39 MINUTES, Ismeal Kabila,
(Louie Copley). Other substitutes – Reece Clairmont, Khan Ranson, Will Sweet.
Referee – Mr Stuart Smith, assisted by. Mr Rhys Stewart and Mr Mark Mellor.
Attendance 863
REPORT BY PIPEMAN