Report
Before we start It is only right that we congratulate our visitors tonight on the memorable FA Cup victory achieved at Villa Park against Unai Emery’s Premier League Aston Villa. It must rank as one of the best results achieved in their history and we salute their great accomplishment. It certainly rivals the notable win against Newcastle United and forcing Tottenham Hotspur into a second game. Such is the magic and romance of the FA Cup.
Of course we accept that Stevenage have sent a different squad but the players representing Stevenage tonight will be proud of the club and that the “ordinary’ business of this fixture would be keenly contested as usual. There were starts for Fin Wilkinson, Kye Tearle, Rio Dasilva, Stan Georgiou and Steve Cawley.
Indeed it began in earnest with the fledgling professionals showing a good turn of pace. It was Hitchin who had the first good chance with Freitas-Gouveia dancing into the box and Steve Cawley winning the corner. Then a cross from the left was headed in powerfully by, I think , Kye Tearle and up went the assistant’s flag for offside.
Dan Idiakhoa’s spirited run raised the temperature a little but the defence stood strong. This was good stuff from Hitchin, who soon won another corner, it came in with such pace that Ciaren Jones could only glance it wide.
Freitas-Gouveia’s pass enabled Idiakhoa a shot and Stan Georgiou prevented one at the other end. The fine pace of the game continued unabated and Horlock made a notable save from a Noah Mosanya shot, conceding the corner. Then Steve Cawley needed replacing and on came Ashley Hay, who soon won a free kick wide on the right. Freitas- Gouveia sent it in but an infringement was spotted. Minutes later Coldicott-Stevens was cautioned for an over zealous challenge but the attacking emphasis was still with Hitchin.
There was another free- kick on the right that was easily dealt with and then another, with the same defensive response.Tearle was upended in a challenge and there was a caution for the offending player, Sam Tinubu so, yet another successfully defended free- kick. Soon after the interval came and it had been an entertaining first half if a little short of goalmouth action.
The first action of the second half saw substitute Bradley Bell set up Fin Wilkinson whose effort was only just over the bar. The same player tried a shot on the turn but it lacked pace as well as accuracy. Curiously the youngsters of Stevenage were yet to create a meaningful attack on goal.
A Wilkinson cross was grasped by goalkeeper Rylee Mitchell. There was a goal chance for Theo Alexandrou that brought two corners, with Horlock tidying up nicely.
To quote the well worn phrase this game needed a goal and an hour had passed without one. Then there was a fine shot from Freitas-Gouveia that was inches too high and a Stevenage counter attack that needed precise defending. Then, a bit of drama came when Hitchin were awarded a penalty. This was taken with the visiting keeper booked beforehand. Wilkinson converted the spot kick with ease and it was expected that matters would become more lively. They did but it was still Hitchin enjoying the initiative.
Idiakhoa won a corner and this was the patent. For the gentleman reader who asked me to explain my term – it is a short diagonal pass that, all being well provides the opportunity for a shot on goal. It does not always work and neither did this example.
Bell’s beauty of a cross from the right gave Ashley Hay a free header that was held by Mitchell. Freitas Gouveia gave way to Layne Eadie. A Wilkinson run into the box was halted in expert fashion. Still Hitchin went forward and substitute Evans was cautioned for a challenge on Lewis Barker. A good forward run from Evans was foiled by Horlock. Dasilva had an on target shot saved and the expected response from Stevenage was in abeyance.
Then there was a straight red card for Harry Giroud for a studs high, two footed challenge with about ten minutes to go. One of the visiting bench stuff disputed so much that he too was dismissed. Hay was close with a header from a persistent and well worked move and Bell’s enthusiasm saw him fire over the bar. His next move showed some fine skills that were not matched by the finish. A late effort by Stevenage was not enough to send this game to penalties.
Well, having said that, the game was won by a penalty and this Hitchin proceed to the semi final of the Hertfordshire Senior Cup away to either Cheshunt or Hemel Hempstead Town. It was a fair performance by Hitchin, with the second half being the better of the two. The Stevenage youngsters had defended well but were just a little lightweight up front. It was also a fair attendance for a domestic cup, evening cup game. Saturday sees the clubs first ever visit to Mickleover in Derbyshire in a league game.
HITCHIN TOWN
Charlie Horlock, captain, Kye Tearle, (Bradley Bell), Stan Georgiou, Josh Coldicott-Stevens,cautioned, Ciaren Jones, Lewis Barker, Diogo Freitas Gouveia, Rio Dasilva, Daniel Idiakhoa, Steve Cawley, (Ashley Hay), Finley Wilkinson, PENALTY GOAL, 61 MINUTES. Substitutes not used- Layne Eadie, Jack Morrell and Malaki Black.
STEVENAGE
Rylee Mitchell, Tyrique Tekasala, captain, Owen Cochrane, Jayden Ogwuazor, Jake Watkins’s, Harry Giroud, dismissed, straight red card, Sam Tinubu, cautioned, Noah Mosanya, David Hicks, Theo Alexandrou, Kai Pitt-Lewis. Substitutes used – Makise Evans. Not used – Darnell Bailey, Eliot Champness and Matt Gilbert.
Referee- Mr D Rock, assisted by Mr G Swanton and Mr P Sharp.
Attendance 361
REPORT BY PIPEMAN