Report
A preliminary look at our statistics page on the web site reveals that we must go back to 1929 to reveal a league match as opposed to one of numerous domestic cup ties. That was the Spartan League. The last meeting, however, was an FA Cup tie, which Hitchin won 2-1. One of the goals was scored by Bradley Bell who is now on the books at Herns Lane. He is not the only former Canary as in the Citizens squad were Steve Cawley, Layne Eadie, and Jack Green.
There was a good crowd for this latest Hertfordshire derby, and the first shot came in the first minute, dragged wide by George Morrall. Welwyn responded and Alfie Bonfield gathered. Then there was a bit of a surprise as the first Welwyn corner appeared to go directly into the goal, and my surprise was general. They all count, off course, and I was told later that the goal was credited to Brad Gothard. This early setback was a bit of a blow as it needed a concentrated response from the hosts whose firepower up front was limited.
They had a corner, pumped in by JCS, and of course he did not enjoy the same slice of luck. Tearle had a run, despite his shirt being held by Boxer, but the pass was not the best. Another cross caused mayhem and one or two wounded and then a dropped ball, which led to a Welwyn clearance. Hitchin were meeting obstacles in trying to get forward, some of their own concoction.
Johnson made a fine one- handed save from Morall. Bradley Bell had some good touches and a blocked shot. Playing out from the back had its kamikaze moments. Bonfield had to deal with a high cross that could have sneaked in as unintentionally as the corner.
Another urgent attack saw Johnson smother the ball with his body and so far, he had played well. The Citizens won a free kick in a central position, and it faced a three-man wall. The shot was just wide. Bailey Stevenson looked likely until a spoiling challenge, and with his next yards he cleared the sentinel trees at The Fishponds end.
At the other end, Brooks essayed a mild shot that was routinely gathered. Hitchin tried the opposite flank, and again the goalkeeper was outstanding, and he saved again, following a corner. Brooks got away and ought to have netted but as the shot drifted past the unguarded post, we heard the whistle for offside.
Kane was superb along the left flank and usually managed an inviting cross. Play was held up for Gothard’s treatment, then a long ball to Brook went out of play. This long ball stuff was a bit of a lottery, but it did seem the only way, or a set piece. There was a set piece, a penalty and it was allied to Brooks who converted well to bring the needed equaliser. This came with four minutes of normal time remaining for the half. The penalty was undisputed, and it meant that the hosts had achieved the within the first half.
Some of this four minute was taken up by two Welwyn corners whose efficiency was questionable. Kane had ideas of snatching the lead, possibly on his own, but he had to bow to stout defensive numbers. Tearle was hauled down and there was a free kick that caused sufficient concern for a wild clearance and then, following a foul on Blue Joy, with post foul action continuing and thus brought a red card for Bailey Stevenson. Some players jostled, as they do. I felt Stevenson needed to act with less defiance as he left the field, returning scattered applause. I always feel that players need constant reminding that such acts constitute assault.
There was of course, a lively discussion of the major incidents of the first half. There was another incident that would not have too much discussion and that was the dismissal of one of the Welwyn managerial staff. He seemed to enjoy the banter as he made his way to the dressing rooms.
Meanwhile, on the pitch there had been no weakening exposure of the ten men. They were defending cannily thus far and skipping in the odd counter move. Hitchin continued to have the majority of possession but breaking down the defence was proving difficult. Morrall aw his intended shot blocked and Tearle’s cross to Brooks saw that one clipped out for a corner. That was palmed away well. The next Tearle pass was grasped by the keeper.
Jackman was battling well with some significant moments, and he won a free kick wide on the right. This sailed in menacingly and although the goalkeeper did well with the first effort, he could do nothing against Kye Tearle’s screamer that bulged the net. What a revelation it has been to have Tearle as the number ten, and he has scored more goals this season than those before where he played in midfield or defence. He nearly scored again in the very next attack. His all-important goal was timed at sixty-eight minutes.
Hitchin still pressed forward but were held up when Welwyn’s Corbit was suspected of making the most of an injury by ebullient home supporters. Coming from behind in this game was a creditable achievement, given the nature of Welwyn’s defence. Bell-Toxtle and McDonald had been brought on as substitutes for the hard-working Nicolson and Morrall.
There were more detailed attacks and again Lamar Johnson distinguished himself. The ten men worked hard but their forward forays became more isolated. Kane crossed and won a corner. This was headed off the line in heroic pose. The following corner was palmed away. Cole Butler was brought on for Brooks for the six additional minutes. He saw Johnson save well from him and a third goal would have been a real decider.
Weary Welwyn conceded a free kick and then worked an attack along their left. Tearle’s hit one in the run, but straight at the keeper.
Hitchin needed to keep possession and thus prominence, but the whistle went and the points were safe, but hard earned.What characterised this game, and others was the small margin of difference between the teams and this will be the case in several future encounters in our competitive division.
Mention must be made of wonderful atmosphere at Top Field with attendance today of 922. Breathless we may be in our crowded house, but the next fixture is on Monday, to face Biggleswade FC at The Eyrie. They won again and remain top of the league. After our dismal showing against them in The Trophy, we owe them one.
HITCHIN TOWN
Bonfield, Jackman, Kane, Joy, Briggs, Jones, captain, cautioned, Morrall, (McDonald), Coldicott- Stevens, Brooks, PENALTY GOAL, 40 minutes, 1-1, (Butler), Tearle, GOAL, 2-1, (Nicolson). Substitutes not used: Syme and Freitas-Gouveia.
WELWYN GARDEN CITY
Johnson, opposition star man, Bell, Eadie, captain, Green, (Read), Boxer, (Ejjayha), Gothard, Goal, 3 minutes 0-1, Corbit, Velasco, cautioned, Cawley, ( Rookard), Stevenson, dismissed, straight red card, Taafe, cautioned.
REFEREE: Mr C Darling, assisted by Mr I Pascu and Mr B Hallybone
REPORT BY PIPEMAN