Report
After the ignominious defeat at Westwood Road against a prosaic St Ives team, Hitchin regrouped for this domestic cup match against an alarmingly out of form Hemel Hempstead from the Conference South.
With both teams needing to improve it suggested strongly that the game might have a greater competitive edge. The hosts had made some adjustments to the team with starts for Chidyausiku, Gleeson, Bell, and Dixon-Smith.
An unsurprisingly modest attendance greeted the teams with barely audible applause in the cold atmosphere. Seb Stacey soon atoned for an errant pass with a routine save, but Cerulli, who had that chance was presented with another, as Hitchin had the habit of giving the ball away unnecessarily.
Barney’s free kick was partially defended, and Wiltshire saw his shot cleared. Hemel were calling the tune so far, but one Hitchin attack looked promising, but Bell was unable to secure the pass. The Tudor switched play in their next attack, but the move was largely anticipated.
After a quarter of an hour, it was clear that Hitchin had played steadily but so far without any telling creative flair. The defence had coped well, and the midfield had been well contested. We wanted to see a bit of goalmouth action and Dixon- Smith obliged with a fair strike on goal that went wide. He then sliced the ball to give a poor conclusion to another foray.
Bell, in an unaccustomed position in the middle of the park chased a forward ball, but this went all that way back and Cerulli snaffled the opening goal for the Tudor after twenty- five minutes. Hitchin tried an immediate response but were effectively shut out.
Luke Stokoe’s chance was ruled out because of a foul and the next Hemel attack saw an offside. Dixon- Smith sent in a cross that saw Gleeson take his time with the shot but nevertheless it cleared the bar. Both these players had made a significant contribution so far. Run from Titchmarsh faced congestion, then a fine move provided Dixon- Smith with the bet chance so far and he ballooned it.
Cerulli had a similar rush of blood and sent his shot virtually out of the stadium. The next Hitchin attack saw Stokoe have a go after a fairly pedestrian move but it was wide again. This was right at the end of a half that had been entertaining and largely even. There was a late corner for Hitchin, taken by Gleeson and Chidyausiku’s effort was blocked. The whistle went immediately after.
The second half began with a realistic chance for Barzey who had to be content with a corner. One Hitchin attack brought forth a routine appeal for a penalty, just for the sake of it, but the hosts were indeed trying to achieve a legitimate equaliser, even if they were hampered at every turn.
A snap Tudor attack saw Stacey save from Cerulli, and we had yet to see a definite strike on goal from the hosts, whose preparatory play had been elaborate without proper progress. Franklin was involved in a move that enabled Chidyausiku with a chance that he spurned, but at least it was a goal attempt.
The Tudors had employed three substitutes who were actively involved, and we expected Hitchin to respond with some replacements, but not yet. Barzey thought he should have had a penalty and stayed down in the box as Hitchin missed another chance. It could be argued that a slightly more accurate proceeding might well have brought the equaliser, but the Tudor keeper King had not really been tested. Titchmarsh had a header that missed by a country mile.
Stokoe won a corner that was easily dealt with, but Hitchin persisted even if there were too many square or defensive passes. But it was still only one nil, and an equaliser could not be ruled out. Hemel had a corner as they brought on a fourth substitute. Hitchin began preparing their replacements.
One of these was Brooks, who had been out injured for some time. Four had been employed. There was about a quarter of an hour to make the difference. Even without a goal this had been an improved performance from Hitchin against nominally senior opposition. Defeat tonight ended all involvement in cup competitions and this match tonight may be looked upon as excellent preparation for the home match with Redditch United on Saturday.
A Hitchin free kick brought a corner, but King held the cross to avoid some late drama. The game was virtually over now but Hitchin sent in one more attack, and again King held the vital pass. Hemel had been made to fight for this win and so they should have been.
It had been absorbing, entertaining and, above all, a better, more promising performance from Hitchin, who very nearly snatched the late equaliser from the last kick of the game. The hosts had been the better side in the second half but the frustration at not scoring was as noticeable as the cold.
But we may look forward to the Redditch game with a degree of confidence following the performance tonight and we wish our Hertfordshire neighbours an improvement in their own fortunes.
HITCHIN
Stacey, Franklin, Dixon- Smith, Barker, Syme, Jones, captain, Bell, Gleeson, Chidyausiku, L Stokoe, Titchmarsh. Substitutes used – Ekongo, Sambou, D Stokoe, McNeill, Brooks.
HEMEL HEMPSTEAD
King, Davies, Wishart, captain, Olagunju, Mason, Achura, Roberts, Cerulli, GOAL, 1-0, 25 minutes, Barzey, Akanri, Wiltshire. Substitutes used – Howe, Kawimbe, Hanson, Ibie. Not used Iaciofano.
Referee – Mr J Gibson, assisted by Mr S Beekman and Mr A Tregoning.
Attendance 164
REPORT BY PIPEMAN